The Kenai River Custom Timber Estate
A 3,850 sq. ft. high-performance timber frame home engineered for sub-zero weather, heavy snow loads, and riverfront longevity.
# Owner's Goal & Vision
Build a lifetime multigenerational mountain and river estate engineered to withstand sub-zero Kenai winters with minimal heating costs, featuring expansive glass viewing walls and warm timber interior architecture.
Construction Challenges & Solutions
Deep frost line excavation (over 6 feet) requiring insulated foundation footings during late winter melt.
Framing heavy timber roof trusses designed for 100+ lbs/sq.ft snow load while preserving unobstructed vaulted ceilings.
Integrating high-efficiency mechanical systems and zero-draft window walls without thermal bridging.
Materials & Mechanical Systems Used
- ✓ Advanced 2x8 double-stud wall framing with R-38 blown-in cellulose wall insulation and R-60 blown roof insulation.
- ✓ Triple-pane Low-E Argon gas insulated window packages engineered for Alaska extreme temperatures.
- ✓ Hydronic radiant floor heating with dual-fuel boiler system and continuous Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV).
- ✓ Standing seam metal roofing with double ice-and-water shield protection.
Cold-Climate Sub-Zero Considerations
- • Continuous 6-mil vapor barrier meticulously sealed around all penetrations to eliminate envelope moisture condensation.
- • Frost-Protected Shallow Foundation (FPSF) with exterior rigid EPS perimeter insulation.
- • Custom timber-frame snow diverters above all entryways and garage doors to prevent roof shedding hazards.
Project Photo Gallery
"Shane and Stormie built our forever home on the river with precision and total honesty. In -25°F temperatures, our heating bill was lower than our old half-size ranch home. Their team is true Alaska craftsmen."
Services S.Hines Provided
- • Custom Home Construction
- • Architectural & Engineering Coordination
- • Site Excavation & Foundation Engineering
- • Custom Timber Joinery & Interior Finish Carpentry
- • Kenai Peninsula Borough Permitting & Inspections
Planning a Similar Build?
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