The Not So Log Cabin: Log Element Building & Design
by
Robbin Obomsawin
Order:
USA
Can
Gibbs Smith, 2003 (2003)
Hardcover
Reviewed by Hilary Williamson
T
he author of
The Not So Log Cabin
is construction manager and general contractor for Beaver Creek Log Homes, and author of previous books on log building. She exhorts us to '
Think outside the log box
' and discusses the addition of log element detailing to an existing or new conventional home, as opposed to taking on the cost and effort involved in a complete log dwelling. Reading the book, while sitting in an log home shell (which we are completing ourselves), I garnered quite a few ideas on finishing touches.
O
bomsawin recommends a log element home '
for those who want to incorporate rustic elements of nature without living in a traditional log home.
' She shows us how to use log elements '
in roof systems, floor joists, stairs, railings, and support columns
', and explains the construction process and its cost. About twenty construction blueprints are included as well as a dozen railing designs, and an explanation of how to build a false-floor system to hide construction mechanicals. There's a section at the end with advice on how to work with contractors and with a third-party inspector, as well as a list of resources (architects, cabinetry, metalwork, driftwood art, log builders etc.).
I
t's a pleasure simply to leaf through color photos which display a variety of styles of log element homes. Examples of twig art (in entrances and in the railings of a staircase) immediately caught my eye, as did an unusual ironwork railing of forest animals. In one example, a log mantelpiece and railings are incorporated into a conventional home. In another, a dramatic covered porch uses log trusses in front of a stone structure. There's a log railed deck to enhance a cottage, and another (cedar) log entry porch with natural twig art railings.
A
cozy kids' loft bedroom has '
tree house charm
'. And another whimsical child's bedroom uses delightful '
bear-post beds
', a log ridgepoles and purlins. The king post over a jacuzzi tub is attractive, as are a variety of log-enhanced kitchens (I especially like the log-element pass-through in one, and a stained glass transom in another). A log-stucco combination does not work for me, but tastes certainly vary. I do like the idea of an efficient Russian stove in between living room and kitchen, in another photo.
T
he author tells us that '
This architectural form blurs the lines between what is man-made and what is natural.
'
The Not So Log Cabin
is a lovely coffee table book that will entice and inspire you to add log elements to your home - get yourself a copy or give one to a friend who dreams of the natural log look.
Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons.
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