Site Size: 70 acres

Project Size: 2,310 square feet (Bridge Structure); 1,139 square feet (Lookout Structure)

Program: The clients wanted to create a live-work space for their winery and vineyard near Juliaetta, Idaho, a small town (population 579 at last census) not far from the Washington border. They requested two separate structures along the Potlatch River, and asked that they not consume much energy nor greatly disturb the site.

Location: The property, at the end of an existing unpaved road cut into a hillside along the river, came with numerous challenges: summer temperatures can reach 110 degrees Fahrenheit, a large population of rattlesnakes and bull snakes, periodic river flooding, and limited access for construction equipment.

Solution: The architects designed two structures'the 'Bridge Structure,' located above a flood plain and adjacent to a grove of cottonwood trees, and the 'Lookout Structure,' perched on a narrow basalt cliff overlooking a spawning pool on the river. Owner and guest quarters are housed in the Bridge Structure, while additional guest facilities, a small event space, storage, and studio are in the Lookout Structure.

Construction methods:The Bridge Structure is set approximately 12 feet above grade, and is, supported on four thick concrete piers'a separation that helps in the event of flooding and discourages snake infestations. Within the house itself, a 15-foot-deep steel truss spans 80 feet, with a 32-foot-long cantilever extending over the river. At the other end, a 16-foot cantilever connects to a walkway and parking area.

The Lookout Structure, roughly 1,000 feet up river from the main building, is built with an inverted steel truss exoskeleton cantilevering 40 feet over the river.

Interiors of both structures are finished with local pine, exposed lumber framing, and standard plywood and in the case of the Lookout space, oriented strand board (OSB) floors. Exterior finishes include zinc and aluminum alloy metal siding, galvanized steel, and oiled Garapa wood decking.

Construction costs were kept to a minimum at $118 per square foot for the Bridge Structure and $147 per square foot for the Lookout.

Architect:
Paul Hirzel, Architect
1575 Southwest Wadleigh Drive
Pullman, WA 99163
hrzl@paulhirzel.com