Our antique log homes and barn conversions are designed and constructed using reclaimed pioneer log cabins and timber frame barns or a combination of timbers and logs which we call hybrid homes. We work closely with you to develop a one of a kind home that fits your needs and your budget. We do this by offering value engineering analysis on your project to determine the most cost effective combination of building systems and materials. This is just one of the benefits of the design build process that also includes construction drawings, 3-D renderings, and a list of the green products specified in an itemized price quote.
We do much of our own design work in house but also work closely with Jeff Stromgren of Rice Stromgren Architects in Minneapolis Minnesota. If you have your own architect or builder that is not a problem since we also provide complete material only packages to fit your plans and needs.
Log Homes
We offer three different types of green log homes depending on the size and complexity of the home. The most common type uses the footprint of an actual antique log cabin with an addition if more space is needed. This approach preserves the history of the cabin by keeping most of the original features yet allows for updating in all the usual areas. The second approach makes use of the hand hewn logs from several pioneer cabins to create a custom log home that is usually larger in size than most pioneer homes. If you have a building site with view or access concerns, the benefit to you is that the design is not limited by an existing log cabin structure with its old door and window locations. The last option uses antigue log siding cut from the vintage logs and applied as siding to the interior and exterior of the home. This is perhaps the greenest and most efficient use of these old structures as the leftover center part of the log can be made into the flooring, trim and cabinets in the product page of this site. Other benefits include greater flexibility in the design phase and the ability to improve the energy efficiency of the home.
 Winter, Wisconsin |
 Watertown, South Dakota |
 Mondovi, Wisconsin |
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Timber Frame Homes
We believe that the old timber frame barns from the turn of the century are the most cost effective way to create a new timber frame home or cabin. There are still a fair number of them in good condition but they are disappearing at an alarming rate as they are outdated for most farming operations of today. You can choose from sawn or hand hewn timbers in both softwood and hardwood species. In addition to the timber frame these old barns also are the source of reclaimed hardwood flooring, wide plank flooring, redwood siding and many other items.
 Mankato, Minnesota |
 Alexandria, MN |
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Hybrid Homes
Green hybrid homes use a combination of different building systems to create a new home. This may include stud wall framing with timber accent items, SIP panel walls and trussed roof or any combination of stud wall, SIP panel, log and timber framing. By combining these different systems it allows you combine the benefits of each one which can outweigh the use of a single system.
 Rushmore, Minnesota |
 Houston, Minnesota |
 Yuba, Wisconsin |