Love is in the air this week — and what better way to celebrate it than by highlighting interiors we love from past projects! In honor of Valentine’s Day, we’re rounding up a few of our favorite living spaces, wineries, and wedding barns that give us all the warm fuzzy feelings.
Here are some unique spaces that we will forever adore as part of our project portfolio:
Anchored Roots Winery
Located in Egg Harbor, Wisconsin, this adorable barn-style winery sits just a few miles from the bay. Designed with knotty wood ceilings, faux timber beams and trusses, and beautiful picture windows, this tasting room offers a cozy and casual setting perfect for weekend wine tastings and friendly get-togethers.
See more photos of the Anchored Roots Winery here.
Washington Modern Farmhouse
This custom home in Walla Walla, Washington, is modern farmhouse goals at its finest. Our client came in with a specific vision of what she wanted for the space and executed it flawlessly with the help of our talented in-house designers.
See more photos of the Washington Modern Farmhouse here.
Serendipity Farm & Vine
Originally built as a horse barn with living quarters, the Serendipity Farm & Vine venue features one of the most unique and enchanting interiors we’ve seen of any building. Converted horse stalls in the tasting room contribute to its extraordinary appeal, while wood accents give it that essential warmth and rustic feeling.
One of our favorite venues and projects of all time, the Storm King Mountain Ranch venue showcases the timeless allure of heavy timber craftsmanship from top to bottom. We designed this structure using traditional timber framing, as seen in the main hall, covered patio, and entrance. As part of their design, the team at Storm King also elected to add antique wood siding and ceilings to their wedding barn, blending past and present styles to create its truly exceptional interior.
See more photos of Storm King Mountain Ranch here.
High Desert Barn Home
Lastly, this charming barn home in Bend, Oregon, is a classic project of ours — and one we will always cherish as one of our first barn home builds. Stunning tongue and groove ceilings and large picture windows take center stage in the living space, adding an air of sophistication and comfort to the home. Downstairs, our clients can take full advantage of a spacious RV garage, allowing them to easily hop on the road and embark on any adventure their heart desires.
See more photos of the High Desert Barn Home here.
Want to start designing your dream space? Our team is here to help you begin the process whenever you feel ready! Call us today at (888) 975-2057 or request a digital catalog here.
Have you ever wondered who captures our client testimonials, develops the designs behind our projects, or works directly with vendors to secure premium materials for each build? If so, this brand-new blog post series is made just for you! As part of our Get to Know Us series, we want to offer new and existing clients an inside look at the talented individuals behind our organization, all of whom bring a massive amount of passion, dedication, and expertise to their roles.
In this first-ever employee feature, we’re spotlighting one of our long-standing team members and a driving force behind our exceptional design work: DC Lead Designer Casey Rogness. Over the years, Casey’s contributions have helped advance our company in countless ways and inspired those around him. Continue reading below to learn more about Casey’s experience, his favorite aspects of DC, and the advice he would give new clients just beginning the design process!
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Salem, Oregon.
Where are you currently located?
My family and I are currently living in Minot, North Dakota. It’s been about two years since we moved here from Sisters, Oregon, where we lived for about three years.
How long have you been with DC?
I’ve been with DC officially for over nine years, but before then, I spent a year freelancing in design for them and working on the framing crew.
How did you get started in this field?
After high school, I took a drafting class to fill some credits at the local community college and ended up really loving it. So after that course, I enrolled in their Computer Aided Drafting Program and graduated with a two-year degree in drafting. From there, I transferred to Oregon State University to complete my bachelor’s in interior design with a focus on housing studies, and once I graduated is when I started working for DC.
What are your favorite types of projects to work on?
My favorite projects to work on are typically homes or places that act as a home base for clients and their families. Adding a little modern timber look is always a plus too.
What is your favorite kit in the DCS collection?
The Thielsen Timber Home Kit is my favorite building package by far. The upcoming modern cabins with garages are also on my list.
In your opinion, what is the key to ensuring the success of a design?
I would say the key to success within design is working as a team, which includes first and foremost the owner, but also the contractor, any consultants, and the designer. Having everyone involved from the beginning tends to make projects go more smoothly, considering different people can provide their input and feedback early in the design process. It may take a few extra coordination meetings, but in the long run, it aids in creating a much easier and streamlined construction environment.
What are some aspects of our process that you believe set us apart from similar companies?
Well, there are a couple of aspects that set us apart. The first is utilizing design software that allows us to build 3D models in real time with our clients. We can make changes and adjustments live during meetings with them and provide a visualization tool to help make quick decisions. This process gives clients a first-hand look at how their structure will look and feel by the end and allows them to modify it as much as they want to fit their visions.
The second aspect is the sheer customization abilities of our baseline models for clients. We provide designs and material packages to clients across the country, and everyone lives in various climate types and has differing site development and family needs. Our ability to customize each model to fit their specific site characteristics, location requirements, and lifestyle needs makes it so that each client is really getting something unique, even if they’re starting with a standard kit.
What advice would you give to new clients just beginning the design process?
Hire a contractor early in the process who can be involved and give input on design, construction methods, and building department requirements. Doing so makes everything easier and gives you more peace of mind knowing your core team is working together from the jump.
And lastly, what’s something we wouldn’t know about you?
My wife and I have four boys. I love teaching the boys different sports, like golf and basketball, and fishing with them.
I also have a fish aquarium full of cichlids. I love taking care of them and having a unique setup!
There’s a lot to look forward to with the future of heavy timber construction — and the design and construction industry as a whole, for that matter. As sustainability becomes more of a priority than a luxury for new building developments, companies like ours are leaning hard into the possibilities provided by green materials like cross-laminated timbers and structural insulated panels (or SIPs); and investing in state-of-the-art technologies that allow us to provide faster, more complete solutions that benefit our clients and the planet.
One of the ways we’re pushing the industry forward is by creating more hybrid structures that feature a combination of heavy timber and conventional framing methods, and that includes our new line of modern home kits. By combining our heavy timbers with other building materials, we can highlight the natural beauty and sustainability of your space while cutting costs in less important areas of your home. Moreover, our modern home kits present the perfect opportunity to create a stunning residence that embodies the sleek, minimalistic style of the future while utilizing eco-friendly materials and designs that prioritize energy efficiency.
If you’re interested in designing a beautiful and naturally sustainable home for your property, keep reading below to learn more about our new modern home kits and the various ways we can customize your investment!
The Skyline Modern Home Kit
The Skyline is a striking modern home defined by its use of clean lines and mixed siding materials. We designed this home with a combination of select-grade Douglas fir timbers and parallel chord roof trusses to create an expansive interior that accentuates our premium heavy timbers while providing our clients with total creative freedom inside their space. Our sample floor plan includes three bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, a two-car garage, and plenty of flexible, recreational space, though you can easily reconfigure this layout to meet your needs. With a modern home kit like the Skyline, the sky is truly the limit to what you can do with your building investment!
The Trillium Modern Home Kit
Our Trillium Modern Home Kit offers the best of both worlds in terms of style and function. With its massive window walls, exposed rafters, and sloped rooflines, this modern home design offers optimal natural light and energy efficiency inside a remarkably beautiful setting. It also provides an abundance of flexible space that you can customize according to your needs and preferences. This floor plan features 3,540 square feet of conditioned living space, including four bedrooms, four bathrooms, a two-car garage, a spacious bonus room, and a magnificent outdoor living space. If you’re seeking an impressive modern home that seamlessly blends our signature heavy timber style with contemporary architecture, our Trillium is the perfect fit for you.
The Timberline Modern Home Kit
Inspired by our popular Cornelius Contemporary Custom Home project, this modern home is a magazine-worthy residential design that offers dozens of possibilities for your space. Floor-to-ceiling windows, oversized heavy timbers, and sloped rooflines take center stage in this structure, making it a stunning modern oasis that’s guaranteed to increase the value of your property. This modern home comes with three bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, an open-concept living space, an office, a TV room, and a garage – all of which you can tailor to your desired layout. Although this design is naturally suited to scenic or cliffside properties, our designers can help you modify your Timberline to match your unique site characteristics.
Ready to get started on your modern home project? Give us a call today at (888) 975-2057 or request a quote online here!
There’s something undeniably special about the look and feel of A-frame cabins. With their dramatically sloped roofs, minimalistic designs, and incredible warmth, these triangular structures offer a unique yet simplistic setting designed to suit just about any purpose. Despite their growing popularity as Airbnb vacation rentals, A-frame cabins can also serve as ideal backyard artist studios, mother-in-law suites, man or lady caves, and single-family residences. With an A-frame cabin design, you can enjoy a nostalgic yet modern structure that offers dozens of possibilities for your interior.
At DC Structures, we’re always looking for ways to innovate our line of pre-engineered building kits, and our brand-new A-frame cabin kits are one of many ways we’re doing so. This alphabetical architectural style doesn’t just provide for a stunning living space with exposed rafters and tongue and groove ceilings; it also makes the perfect building solution for clients in areas that experience heavy snow loads.
We offer two attractive and versatile A-frame cabin kits — the Wallowa and Mazama. Our Wallowa comes in two standard sizes, with the Wallowa 40′ offering a one-bedroom floor plan and the Wallowa 50′ offering a three-bedroom floor plan with a bonus lounge area. Find out more about these unique A-frame cabin designs by reading below!
Wallowa 40′
Our Wallowa 40′ is a beautiful A-frame cabin kit with 1,048 square feet of conditioned living space plus 338 square feet of outdoor deck space. This hybrid cabin design utilizes heavy timber rafters, structural insulated panels, and wall studs to form the structural frame, creating a warm and energy-efficient setting that keeps you safe and cozy in any season. The main level opens to an open-concept living, dining, and kitchen area that accesses a spacious downstairs deck. There’s also a half bathroom, laundry area, and mechanical room.
Upstairs, clients can take advantage of a 314 sq. ft. one-bedroom loft area with a full bathroom, closet, and private deck. With its sloped ceilings, exposed heavy timbers, and tongue and groove ceilings, this unique loft space provides an abundance of rustic charm for your personal retreat.
Wallowa 50′
The Wallowa 50′ is a larger A-frame cabin design that offers 1,607 square feet of conditioned living space and 415 square feet of outdoor deck space. Like the Wallowa 40′, we frame this A-frame cabin design using a combination of heavy timber rafters, structural insulated panels, and wall studs. This hybrid method allows us to create a warm and comfortable living space that will likely save you hundreds on heating bills each year. It also helps us showcase the stunning Douglas fir timbers inside your home while keeping construction costs down.
The Wallowa 50′ boasts three bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a bonus lounge area, and an open-concept living space. The downstairs features a spacious living, dining, and kitchen area that accesses a 285 sq. ft. deck. Through the kitchen, you’ll also find two bedrooms with closets. There’s also a full bathroom outside the living room. One floor up, a snug one-bedroom loft with a full bathroom, closet, and lounge area offers a romantic and incredibly charming primary bedroom space. Clients can also utilize a 178 sq. ft. deck outside the master bedroom.
Mazama
If you’re seeking a minimal vacation home, studio, guest suite, or tiny home, consider our Mazama A-Frame Cabin Kit for your project. This A-frame cabin design features a simple equilateral triangle shape that makes it both universally appealing and highly functional. With this studio-sized cabin kit, you can enjoy a 495 sq. ft. floor plan that boasts an open-concept living/sleeping, dining, and kitchen area, a full bathroom, and a utility room. Outside, clients can relax on a 285 sq. ft. deck while taking in gorgeous views of their property.
If you’re interested in investing in a timeless yet highly unique cabin design with indoor and outdoor living areas, exposed heavy timbers, and tons of flexibility and charm, give us a call today at (888) 975-2057 or request a quote here!
Since the onset of the pandemic, it’s safe to say we’ve all experienced our fair share of unprecedented events, from lumber surges to a booming housing market to record-high inflation and, more recently, Elon Musk’s Twitter fiasco. Though some of the notable events of the last few years were trying, to say the least, several other developments signaled a change in everyday life for the better — one of which was the mass moving frenzy that happened in 2020 and 2021.
Driven by historically low mortgage rates and new remote work opportunities, we saw an influx of Americans pack up and move their families from notoriously expensive cities to more affordable suburbs and rural areas across the country. With the requirement to work in-office suddenly gone, many working professionals discovered a newfound sense of freedom in where they could live and what they could afford, marking a much-needed shift in the status quo here in the U.S.
Although we’ve seen the housing market cool in many cities, mortgage rates rise, and some companies double back on their work-from-home stance since that time, there’s still as strong a desire as ever to prioritize happiness, family life, and finances by moving. And while we anticipate fewer cross-country moves in 2023 than those in 2020 and 2021, we predict these up-and-coming cities will see a significant population boom in the new year.
Here’s where we believe people are moving in 2023 and some reasons why you may want to consider following in their footsteps:
1.) Austin, Texas
Austin is one of those cities you hear about constantly, either in the news or from other people. It regularly tops “Best Places to Live in the U.S.” lists and is considered one of the country’s foremost tech hubs, with top companies like Amazon, Google, Oracle, and Tesla calling the subtropical region home. Although Austin can be a relatively expensive area to live in due to its popularity, attractive tech opportunities and rate of development, several affordable cities in and around the metropolis continue to draw mass amounts of people from all over the country. In fact, Rocket Mortgage recently published an article outlining some of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., with not one but three Austin exurbs ranking in the top five destinations.
Another significant draw to living in Austin (and Texas in general) is that the state of Texas is one of few known to offer no individual or corporate income tax. That added bit of money in your pocket, combined with plentiful job opportunities and a high quality of life, makes Austin an incredibly desirable city and somewhere we expect to see consistent growth in 2023.
2.) Raleigh-Cary, North Carolina
There’s been talk in the last few years that Raleigh is becoming the premier city for working professionals with kids, and we can absolutely see why. The capital of North Carolina, Raleigh, is a mid-sized Southern city that’s seen exponential growth in the past decade due in part to its bustling tech culture, low cost of living, and family-friendly environment. Money.com, which ranked Raleigh as the fourth-best place to live for 2022, found that home sale prices and overall cost of living were below the average and median of some 1,300 metropolises they reviewed for their list. When you consider its tremendous affordability, as well as the city’s lush green space, diversity, and high median income, it’s no wonder why so many families are flocking to this Southern region to make it their home.
3.) Boise, Idaho
There’s a lot of charm to Boise, Idaho, which long-time residents know to be both a blessing and a curse. Between 2010 and 2018, Boise saw a population increase of 18.2% and was, at one point, considered the fastest-growing city in America. Though Boise still enjoys a high rate of tourism and new home sales today, growth has slowed considerably compared to the previous decade. Even so, we’re keeping Boise at the top of our cities to watch list for several reasons — many of which have to do with its breathtaking surroundings, vibrant nightlife, and abundance of exciting outdoor activities.
Something else that indicates Boise will see a resurgence of growth in the future is that it’s projected to be among the fastest-growing U.S. cities by 2060, according to The Center Square, with the projected population ranking 16th highest of 384 metropolitan areas studied. This report tracks with others, including the one we mentioned earlier through Rocket Mortgage that puts three neighboring Boise suburbs in a list of 15 fastest-growing U.S. cities. While some locals may be less than thrilled with the recent population boom, many residents can look forward to several positives with Boise’s incoming growth, including an anticipated 89.2% increase in employment and a considerable increase in personal income per capita by 2060.
4.) Spokane, Washington
Unless you’ve lived on the West Coast or know someone who attended Gonzaga University, you’ve probably never heard of Spokane, Washington. This unassuming city in eastern Washington state is about a 30-minute drive from the Idaho border and boasts a small but thriving downtown along its famed riverfront. Despite being the second-largest city in Washington state, Spokane offers a small-town atmosphere in an otherwise burgeoning metropolitan area. This uniquely calm yet vibrant setting provides the perfect set-up for families, creatives, and individuals, making it a must-see destination for those thinking of moving in 2023.
5.) Reno, Nevada
Otherwise known as “The Biggest Little City in the World,” Reno has long been associated with casinos, bright neon lights, and booming tourism, but there’s more than meets the eye with this colorful city. Located near the California border, Reno backs up to the Sierra Nevada range, providing a host of scenic hikes and biking opportunities for residents. Not only that, but Reno is only about an hour’s drive from Lake Tahoe, making it an attractive prospect for outdoorsy individuals and families. Despite its reputation as a gambling destination, it’s much easier for Reno residents to avoid the casino scene than in its southern counterpart Las Vegas, and there’s plenty more to do outside of being downtown.
A few other bonuses that make Reno a city to watch for 2023 is that Nevada, like Texas, has no individual or corporate income tax. U.S. News also ranked it #9 for “Best Places to Live for Quality of Life” and #23 in fastest-growing places from a list of 150 metro areas in the U.S. Additionally, Reno boasts several reputable K-12 schools and plays host to the University of Reno-Nevada. With these factors in mind, as well as its prime location and relatively affordable cost of living, it makes perfect sense why Reno is shaping up to be one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.
6.) Bozeman, Montana
Over the past few years, we’ve seen a massive spike in people moving to or visiting Montana — namely celebrities and California residents. While Montana is a far cry from the Golden State, it’s easy to see why big names would flock to this stunningly beautiful northern state. With its abundance of natural beauty, world-class outdoor activities, and considerably low property taxes, Montana offers the ideal homestead for those seeking wide open spaces and gorgeous green surroundings teeming with wildlife. And although Bozeman is one of the largest cities in Montana, this southwestern city strikes a unique balance between being both a thriving cultural hub and a laidback town with something for everyone.
7.) Denver, Colorado
Like Austin, Denver has experienced a significant population boom in the last decade due in part to its growing reputation as a premier tech hub. Nestled at the base of the Rocky Mountains, Denver is home to more than 3 million people, with experts predicting this number will increase to 3.6 million by 2030. Over the last ten years, the capital city has become one of the best-performing real estate markets in the country, both in the commercial and residential sectors. Because of its astonishing popularity, one pitfall of the city is that the cost of living here is far more expensive than in most metro areas in the U.S., with Denver regularly ranking in the top ten lists of most expensive cities. Even so, there are plenty of understandable reasons for this, including Denver’s arid climate (locals enjoy more than 300 days of sunshine every year), thriving economy, beyond-beautiful surroundings, and incredible arts and culture scene.
8.) Missoula, Montana
Otherwise known as the “Garden City,” Missoula is one of those Western outdoorsy towns that actually lives up to its name. Located in the heart of the northern Rockies, Missoula offers the lush, sprawling green space most of us dream of in our own cities. In addition to its incredible beauty and abundance of outdoor activities, something that sets this town apart from others in the West is its strong sense of community and shared love of nature. The residents deeply care about their surroundings and preserving the region’s beauty together.
Compared to Bozeman, Missoula also offers a far more affordable cost of living, with the median home price being a little over $430,000. Although this Western town boasts a small population of about 75,000 people, there’s no shortage of things to do and see here, including world-class fishing, kayaking, hiking, and plenty more.
9.) Coeur d’Alene, Idaho
Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, is widely regarded as one of the top tourist destinations in the nation, and it’s not hard to see why once you’ve been there. With its magnificent 30-mile lake, sandy beaches, and widespread forest greenery, Coeur d’Alene offers almost everything you could ask for in a dream vacation getaway. Though it’s best known for its booming tourism industry, this northern Idaho city is also on track to become one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation. According to The Center Square, Coeur d’Alene saw a 16.5% population growth in the last five years, making it the fourteenth fastest-growing city among some 381 U.S. metro areas studied and another place we expect to see a population boom in 2023.
10.) Provo, Utah
Last but not least on our list is Provo, Utah — an otherwise quiet but charming college town outside Salt Lake City that plays home to Brigham Young University. Like many other metro areas in Utah, Provo is known for its gorgeous natural surroundings, family-friendly environment, and exciting outdoor activities. Although there’s talk of Salt Lake City becoming one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S., we anticipate that Provo will also see a wave of newcomers in the future, especially with more families seeking an affordable yet safe place to raise their kids. Additionally, Provo boasts a high employment rate, with tons of manufacturing, communication, technology, and research jobs regularly available, making it a hot spot for working professionals looking for a change of pace.
Final Thoughts
Wherever you plan to move, whether it’s a city on our list or somewhere entirely different, consider what must-haves you’re looking for in your next home. If a peaceful, nature-based setting is top of your list, a city like Missoula or Provo may be the right fit for you and your family. However, if you’re looking for new tech opportunities and a fast-paced environment, you could find that places like Austin and Denver match your energy and personality a bit more.
Regardless, our team is always here to help you get started whenever you feel ready to move into your dream home. If you’re interested in finding out more about our process and what we can do for you, call us today at (888) 975-2057 or request a quote online.
