Dynamic Demo | An Eco-Friendly California Cabin
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A demonstration cabin in California proves that you don't have to sacrifice great home amenities for a smaller footprint.
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| View the pictures of an Eco-Friendly California Cabin | View the Eco-Friendly California Cabin Floor Plan |
Small, practical, resourceful — these are the buzzwords surrounding today's homes. New structures are constantly popping up as the latest and greatest in green building, with tiny exteriors to match their decreased energy consumption and costs. As great as such efficient living may sound in theory, however, how exactly does something so compact live in reality? JR Thompson of Mt. Lassen Log and Timber Frame Homes, a Real Log Homes dealer, can show you.With a footprint of barely more than 500 square feet, "Kirk's Kabin" — the affectionate moniker of JR's demo structure, named after one of the regional sales managers — fuses green-building techniques with the traditional appeal of log homes to showcase the capabilities for today's cabin. "We've taken the old-world traditions of log homes and married it with new technologies," JR states.
New technologies here currently include Energy Star appliances, light-emitting diode (LED) lighting and low-flow fixtures to reduce consumption to the lowest point possible, with the hopes of creating a zero-energy structure — one that produces all the energy it needs through on-site power generation — by installing solar panels.
The purpose of constructing this cabin was twofold. On one hand, it served as an educational tool for JR and his associates in creating a better, more efficient structure; on the other, it provides a real-life example of a smaller home for those contemplating a downsized abode. "I've had a lot of clients doubting living in a smaller space," JR explains. "I put them up overnight in the cabin and tell them, 'See if you can work with this space.'"
The home, a custom version of the Expedition package in Real Log Homes' Real Log Cabins series, was designed to live larger than its overall square footage implies. A roughly 100-square-foot loft level opens up the overhead space in the main living area, while ample outdoor spaces increase the home's livability with less environmental impact.
The cabin also comes complete with higher-quality amenities, such as granite countertops and double ovens, than many consumers might expect from such a structure. "It teaches them that you can have all the amenities," JR says. "You can get all your wants and needs on a budget."
JR's primary residence, which is also located on the property and serves as a model home, showcases many of the same amenities and energy-efficiency features on a larger scale. Check out the June 2011 issue of Country's Best Cabins for more on that project.
Home Plan Details:
Square Footage: 628
Bedrooms: 1
Bathrooms: 1
Log species: pine
Builder; dealer; interior decorator; landscape designer: Mt. Lassen Log and Timber Frame Homes, Chester, CA (530-258-2379; mtlassenloghomes.com)
Cabinetry: Morning Star Cabinets, Gardena, CA (310-324-4735)
Countertops: Granitech, Chester, CA (530-258-3313)
Flooring: Flooring Brothers, Chester, CA (530-258-3778)
Log provider: Real Log Homes, Hartland, VT (800-732-5564; realloghomes.com)
Roofing: GAF-Elk, Wayne, NJ (877-423-7663; gaf.com)
Sealants; stain: Perma-Chink, Redmond, WA (800-548-1231; perma-chink.com)
Windows: Andersen Windows & Doors, Bayport, MN (800-426-4261; andersenwindows.com)
An Eco-Friendly California Cabin Floor Plan
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| Main Level | Loft Level | |
| Click floor plan image to see a larger view. | ||
| View the pictures of an Eco-Friendly California Cabin | View the Eco-Friendly California Cabin Plan |
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By shelley price on Mar 18, 2011
I would like information on this home California cabin would like cost delivered and set up in rexford montana.
I can be reached at shelleyprice40@msn.com
Thank you
By Greg Alford on Mar 24, 2011
What would the shell and roof structure package cost; plus deliver to Lenox, TN -i mi off I155 from Missouri
By Greg Alford on Mar 24, 2011
contact info omitted on prior comment: alfordlaw@cableone.net
By Mia Mason on Mar 24, 2011
I would also like information on the cost of this California cabin - what would the estimated total cost be if delivered and built as shown in the article (without garage and landscaping) in El Dorado county, CA? You can reach me at mialynnmason@yahoo.com. Thank you.
By Kirby on Mar 24, 2011
I'd like to get more info on the Eco-friendly cabin. kback@cfl.rr.com
By Naomi on Mar 24, 2011
Can you let me know how much this cabin would cost to build in Va? My email address is nademott@yahoo.com
By Danielle Taylor on Mar 25, 2011
For more information on this home, including an estimate of the final cost, contact JR Thompson at Mt. Lassen Log and Timber Frame Homes (530-258-2379; mtlassenloghomes.com).
By Stuart Goldman on Mar 25, 2011
What a tremendous build, so compact and perfect for a downsize concept. Also great as a guest home or a summer cabin. I would like to get the total final cost as built, including slab, garage, plumbing, and electrical. Great design!
By Patti on Mar 26, 2011
I would like the cost of the log package and a separate estimate of the cost of the cabin (turnkey) completely constructed outside of Leadville, CO. I would also like a separate estimate for the package for the garage and a separate estimate to build the garage (turnkey) outside Leadville, CO.
By steve thomas on Mar 28, 2011
how much is it
By Danielle Taylor on Mar 28, 2011
For more information on this home, including an estimate of the final cost, contact JR Thompson at Mt. Lassen Log and Timber Frame Homes (530-258-2379; mtlassenloghomes.com). Mt. Lassen Log and Timber Frame Homes is a dealer for Real Log Homes, which has dealerships all across the country. Go to loghome.com/real_log_homes_national_information_center/companies/31 for information on a dealer near you.
By Wayne and Kathie Good on Mar 29, 2011
We would love the design of this California cabin. What would the final cost be to construct turn key this cabin as described in this article. location Rushville OH.
By J.R. Thompson on Mar 29, 2011
I would like to thank everyone for all of the interest in our Eco-friendly cabin. If anyone would like to contact me about your project, or talk about our cabin project, please contact me at 530 258 2379 or jr@mtlassenloghomes.com We will be posting a new article about the cabin this week, please look for it at www.mtlassenloghomes.com
By J.R. Thompson on Mar 31, 2011
We have a new link for pricing on our web-site www.mtlassenloghomes.com/cabins
By Rick Waggoner on Apr 15, 2011
This is the "Cabin of all cabins", the best small house plan i've ever seen & exactly what my sister, her family, & I need, this is just what this country needs Mr Thompson, I, along with all the other interested clients would like a kit price delivered here in Arkansas, actual room sizes, & shipping charges from Eureka Springs.
By Whitney Richardson on Apr 15, 2011
Rick--JR has provided the link above for pricing and plans. The home in question is The Expedition.
By Alex on Apr 16, 2011
I need the price for Eco- Friendly California cabin.Thanks. My E-mail tankist007@inbox.ru
By Danielle Taylor on Apr 18, 2011
Alex,
Please visit www.mtlassenloghomes.com/cabins for info on pricing.
By Fred Kropp on May 01, 2011
How much are the kits ? I would like to purchase five. I have a resort in Estes Park Co.
Fred
By J.R. Thompson on May 19, 2011
Fred-- I can get you pricing if you give me a call @ 530 258 2379
By mark culver on May 23, 2011
would you please give me a cost
By Tammie Johnson on Oct 10, 2011
Im interested in a small log home ! I live in east texas. I would like more information on your homes ! could you plz send me more information on them. and a price list ...tammiej40@yahoo.com
By Danielle Taylor on Oct 11, 2011
Tammie,
Please see J.R.'s contaact information in this comments section -- he runs Mt. Lassen Log Homes and knows all the details on this home.
By Linda on Nov 07, 2011
Would love info on pricing!
By Danielle Taylor on Nov 08, 2011
Linda,
Please see J.R.'s contact information in this comments section -- he runs Mt. Lassen Log Homes and knows all the details on this home, which was built from the Expedition plan.