Log Home Floor Plan: Check Out This Ranch Hybrid

For his 5-acre site near a county park around Lake Wazeecha in Wisconsin, Zach Parmeter wanted a home that would fit in to the natural beauty of the surroundings and reflect his love of the outdoors.

Written by Janice Brewster

Zach Parmeter

PLAN SPECS

Square Footage:
2,290
Bedrooms: 3
Baths: 2.5

Zach's Floor Plan

Why a log home

Not only did Zach grow up in a log home, he was raised in the log home business. So, eventually owning one of his own was a given. He knew he wanted a classic log look on his home’s exterior; but inside, his heart was set on an interior with more of a timber-framed feel.

Most important features

For his new home, Zach preferred a ranch style with two to three bedrooms. Plenty of natural light was a top priority, too, along with contrasting light-colored walls and wood planks on the ceilings. Overall, his vision was of a rustic home with a healthy dose of modern elegance. And, he hoped to capture both sunrise and sunset views.

The Lowdown

Zach worked with the design staff at Golden Eagle Log and Timber Homes (the family business) in Wisconsin Rapids to create the perfect plan for his needs. Plenty of high windows oriented to the east and west provide expansive views. An attached garage makes cold Wisconsin winters easier to manage. Lofts make good use of space under the high ceilings in the bedrooms, pantry and laundry room, and allow the bedrooms to feel more spacious, as well.

The Inside Scoop

By using 12-inch-tall, hand-hewn half logs on the exterior, the home will have all the curb appeal of a classic log home. Inside, conventional stud-frame walls will allow for a range of decor styles. If you like the look of trusses and beams, Golden Eagle suggests:

Raising ceiling heights. Tall ceilings throughout Zach’s home allow for beams at the top of the walls, which complement the heavy timbers.
Paying attention to timber size. Your finished home’s style is affected by the timbers’ look. Smaller timbers stained in lighter colors will have a more streamlined, less bulky, appearance.
Setting a steeper roof pitch. Trusses take up a lot of visual space. Making room for them with tall vaulted ceilings keeps them from overwhelming the living areas.
Deciding on the timbers’ function. In Zach’s home, the timber trusses and beams are not structural, so they can be placed wherever it makes the most sense within the home’s design. If you choose traditional timber framing for your home, the frame’s structure will play a big role in the interior’s layout.