A Custom Home Built by Grendahl Construction

In attempting to describe the Peek's Custom Home in Camino (El Dorado County, CA) I find myself at a loss for words. The design, done by Geoffrey Prentiss of Prentiss Architects, Inc., can only be described as a postmillennial French farm house. The home is a multitude of harmonious conflicts. It is grand yet elegantly simple. It is modern yet traditional. It is town meets country. To overcome my loss of words I have decided to borrow the words of others. The following is a compellation of excerpts and quotes from Sacramento Magazine, Kitchen Trends, Home and Architectural Trends, Geoffrey Prentiss and Katy Peek.

· "...four distinct 'pods' that appear, from the exterior of the home, to be separate buildings. Once you're inside, it's obvious the pods are not separate but are linked by wedge-shape connector spaces that run from the front of the house to the back. Each is sheltered beneath a slice of roof made of Kalwall, a translucent, insulated building material that can be used for roofs, walls or skylights and allows filtered light, but not heat, into the house-a big plus."

· "It comprises a series of solid stone volumes reminiscent of traditional French farm houses.

· "It's Kansas limestone exterior is so similar to stone you still can see on some of the older buildings in nearby Placerville that, at first glance, you think the house has been there for decades."

· "Both the pantry and the casual dining area next to the kitchen are positioned within two of the transparent wedges between the larger stone volumes of the house.

These areas are not only defined by their Kalwall translucent roofs, which appear to wrap down the walls, but also by the flooring, which changes from wood to limestone."

· "Theselight-filled spaces contrast with the primary forms, both in lightness and in geometry," says Prentiss. "They create spaces that are light, airy, crisp and clean."

· "The detailing throughout the house emphasizes the concept of light versus mass," says the architect.

· "Wood, steel and acrylic are used consistently. Cabinetry throughout the house features beech, often with acrylic doors that help to reinforce the contrast between the heavy and light elements."

· "while most of these areas have a very open, contemporary feel, the dining room was designed to provide a more traditional, intimate environment. Limestone that is similar to the exterior siding lines the walls, and a dramatic gabled ceiling features wood beams that were originally from a railroad trestle."

· "with stone floor, opposing walls of rough-hewn limestone, long wooden table and chandelier that looks like an elongated cluster of stout beeswax candles, evokes a vintner's tasting room."

· "The flooring also defines the contrasting architectural elements. While Brazilian walnut features in all the main volumes, the flooring within the transparent spaces is gray limestone. The tiles are laid in a pattern that mimics the design of the translucent roofing panels, providing a degree of harmony in the contrast."

A final word from Katy Peek:

"We are frequently asked if we would recommend Steve Grendahl and Grendahl Construction Inc. Our unwavering response: 'Yes, in a heartbeat!' For two-plus years, we worked directly with Brian Morris and Don Williams, Grendahl's project managers. We cannot imagine a more honest, dedicated group of professionals. They are hardworking-loyal to their high standards and take great pride in their craft."

http://www.grendahlconstruction.com