The Log Home Floor Plan Blog

PrecisionCraft’s award-winning log and timber home floor plans not only embody quality craftsmanship and unparalleled designs, but are architectural creations that inspire homebuilders across the country and beyond. Mountain Architect’s Crested Butte plan is an exceptional example that has captured the hearts and minds of people in every region of the United States as well as regions throughout the world, and has spurred them to build versions of it that fit their land, style and architectural needs while still retaining the essence of the design that first caught their eye.

The Crested Butte is a hybrid design that mixes log walls, timber, siding, rock, metal and glass. It is a true Mountain-style home design that has inspired many. Here are just a few adaptations that we have built over the course of the last few years:

North Carolina— Built on a North Carolina lakeshore, this version of the Crested Butte was built to emphasis the size of the plan. The homeowner chose large handcrafted logs, not typically available in their area, instead of hybrid log and timber construction. The finished product is a western-style log home that is complete with a walk-out basement leading to the lake and an open loft area within, making it a version of the Crested Butte that is one of a kind.

Colorado— Built amongst Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, this adaptation of the Crested Butte is nearly double the square footage of the original, but still remains the most representative of the design’s unique features. The essence of the Crested Butte’s western look and feel is seen in the hybrid style of the home, combining the advantages of the views of the surrounding landscape with stone, siding and wood to make a home that is one of a kind while staying true to the design aspects that so many like about the Crested Butte.

 

New Jersey— When people picture homes in New Jersey, they do not typically see a mountain-style home in that imagery. However, the Crested Butte, with its hybrid log and timber framing, fits perfectly into the landscape. The unique addition of a curved piece in the timber trusses that is repeated throughout the length of the home creates a distinct flair to this version of the Crested Butte.

Mediterranean— The Crested Butte is a design that has proven to be so versatile that its western architectural style has reached locations as far away as the Mediterranean. This version uses milled red cedar log walls and timber framing. Expanding the initial design to an impressive 8,000 square feet, this home brings the original look and feel of the Crested Butte to a new height in an exotic location.

The McKinney’s log home inspiration came at a very young age, spurred by the work of artisans and laborers who’d gone before him, and a love for the landscape of the American West.  Decades later the dream of his own log home hadn’t faded, so McKinney followed it to a parcel of land with a view of the Grand Tetons, then a meeting with Mountain Architects, to start making the dream come true.  Follow the link to read about Jim’s journey and see pictures of his dream home realized.  Inspired Living: Jackson Hole Haven - A Custom Handcrafted Log Home.

Do you like the look of log homes? What about timber frame? If designed properly, a hybrid log and timber home can provide a unique look that you just can’t get with only log or just timber.

One great example of this hybrid log-and-timber approach is the Upland Retreat, a 2,260 sq. ft. home that offers nearly as much outdoor living space thanks to its 1,996 sq. ft. of decks and patios. The design combines rustic handcrafted logs and custom timber trusses. Its unique nature is evident even before you get inside. Four entryways, including the large covered patio, all feature timber trusses, supported by natural-profile logs. A combination of timber and stacked stone are seen on the patio. Inside, timber trusses and purlins are featured in the second-story bedrooms and the dramatic, vaulted great room. Whether log or timber, the wood elements of the Upland Retreat create beautiful frames for the expanses of glass that offer stunning views from every room.

When planning your log home, consider including timber framing to help express your unique version of mountain style. Visit our floor plan gallery for more examples of these dramatic hybrid log and timber homes.

We wanted to showcase some of our log home plans and asked Darci, who’s been with PrecisionCraft for 6 years, what some of her favorite designs were. Here are the plans she choose and what she had to say about them.

“We have so many great plans, so it was hard to choose just a few.  I like plans of all sizes, so here are my favorite designs in each square foot range.”

The Cumberland - I like the Cumberland because it has a smaller foot print and would be perfect for a second home or retirement home.  It makes me feel like it has been in its surroundings for many years with its rustic and oversized handcrafted logs.

The Saratoga - Although the Saratoga looks large in the rendering, the actual square footage is less than 2,500 sq. ft.  The vaulted ceilings, shed dormers and the extensive covered porch give the home a grander feel.  I can envision the homeowners enjoying each season from that wrap-around porch. 

The Prairie Hill - To me, the main draw of the Prairie Hill floor plan is it’s large master on the main level which includes a den and private deck.  There is also a large covered porch which surrounds the great room, and that is always nice.

The Big Sky - The Big Sky’s large foyer makes a statement as soon as you walk in the door. As one of our larger plans, the Big Sky does not waste any space.  Interesting angles, like the hexagonal space that houses the Nook, keep the plan flowing from one space to the other.

The Allegheny - The Allegheny is another one with a large master suite, however; this one includes a private screened in porch which I think a lot of people will enjoy.   Although you can’t see it from the rendered elevation, there is a large deck which  stretches around the back elevation and includes a sun room.  This plan, which is our larges conceptual log home plan, includes three levels with a full basement including a family room & guest suite.

One of the most important spaces in your timber or log home design will be your great room. Not only is the layout significant, but you should also understand how your great room will interact with the outdoors.  Most log homes are built in beautiful settings; some overlook lakes while others take in the surrounding forest.  Many  log home designs also include patios or decks that extend directly from the great room itself.  Therefore it is necessary to explore all aspects of your great room’s design, in order to get the most out of the total space.
A Traditional Log Home Prow

You have probably seen a number of log homes with a similar design to the Winter Park, pictured left.  The great room vaults in a triangular manner with trapezoidal windows and glass doors providing the magnificent open view.  This idea is very popular for a reason.  It provides a nice open space, which often has a loft above it, and lets everyone take in the incredible views.

A Timber Frame Variation

This timber frame home example, the Dakota, also has a vaulted great room with a wall of windows.  In this instance, the design goes beyond the triangular forms of a traditional prow by including angles that replicate those found through the rest of the design.  The custom timber frame trusses which span from the entry through the great room, extend out to the great room patio where square timbers frame the glass windows.

Modern Glass Walls

The Shenandoah concept, below, bucks the trend in vaulted great rooms.  However, this single story plan is still able to create a unique great room space through the use of glass walls. With handcrafted character logs as corner posts, the Shenandoah’s great room has a full glass wall with two half glass walls to each side.  When relaxing in the cozy living area, the outdoors are not just viewable, they seem to be a part of the entire space.

For anyone who wants to make an impression with the design of their great room, the classic glass prow, while still amazing, is not the only way to create an amazing space.  Visit our floor plan gallery for more great room design ideas.

When you first decided that you wanted to build a log home or timber frame home, you may not have considered what style of log home you would prefer. Log homes don’t all look the same, just because they are constructed out of wood.  Here are some plans that illustrate how a log home can be designed using different architectural styles.

Craftsman

The Craftsman style sprang from the Arts and Crafts movement of the early 20th century. The emphasis was on simple forms with complex finishes.

Features generally include:

• Low horizontal pitched roofs
• Use of pergolas or porches
• Exposed rafter tails
• Timber truss work at eaves
• Window banding

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Adirondack
Beginning in the 1880’s New York City’s wealthiest residents began to build upscale hunting and vacation retreats within the Adirondack Range. These luxurious and imaginative homes sparked a building trend that continues today.Features of Adirondack homes include:

• Rustic logs and siding
• Twig or herringbone guardrails
• Roofs with log overhangs
• Multiple roofs and levels
• Covered or screened porches
• Asymmetrical, rambling design

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French Country

For those who prefer a timber or log home with a sense of romantic charm, a French Country inspired design might be perfect.  Traditionally European country-side estates were built by artisans who used the local materials available. Today’s French Country designs continue the look by using mixed materials in their construction.

The elements of a French Country home may include:

• Elliptical or arched windows
• Use of hipped roofs and gables
• Narrow overhangs
• Stone accents
• Steeper roof pitches
• Courtyards

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NorthwestAs one of the newest styles, Northwestern homes have a distinctively modern appeal.  These designs have clean,  straightforward lines and use natural materials, like log and timber, for construction. A main focus is to blend the design with the home’s natural landscape.

Architectural features include:

• Deep overhangs and large windows
• Extensive outdoor living areas that flow from the interior
• High windows to let in sunlight
• Prominent use of wood
• Eclectic mixture of natural materials

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Western Log & Timber

Traditional ideas of log homes are generally categorized under the Western Log and Timber style.  These homes are designed to take advantage of mountain vistas and sprawling valleys.  Whether a rustic cabin or a captivating lodge, these homes helped to define the American West.

Features often included are:

• Expansive casement windows for unobstructed views
• Rustic, large-scale elements
• Sprawling design that stretch across the landscape
• Thick roof systems
• Large, open great rooms

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AppalachianAppalachian style homes reflect the simplicity of life in the mid-1,600’s. These log homes are generally more casual and designed for relaxed entertaining. Often these homes have been or look like they were added on to, over multiple generations.

Other feature example are:

• Stone chimneys
• Rough-sawn or hand-hewn timbers
• Functionally simplistic design
• Use of shed dormers
• Unobtrusive, rustic style

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ChaletThe idea of log or timber cottages in the Alps bring to mind the idea of a Chalet style log home or timber home.  Originally these homes were designed to withstand snow loads, and stand out amongst the snow, and now they include specialized ski rooms and saunas.

Features include:

•  Decorative trim and fascia
• Cantilevered decks on upper levels
• Shutters with decorative cut-outs
• Double-hung windows
• Scroll-sawn railings and eaves

As you search through hundreds of log and timber floor plans, you may find that many of them will start to look very similar.  In an effort to get your creative juices flowing, here are some of our most creative and “out of the log home box” designs:

The Cascade

The Cascade is not your typical timber frame design.  With tall timber framed windows that help to hold up the angled timber beams in the roof, this plan really makes a statement. The Cascade concept was inspired by modern Northwestern architecture and provides a great example of how timber frame home design can be pushed outside traditional boundaries.

The Idlewild

The growing trend in mountain style design has been to incorporate many textures and elements into the design of the home.  The Idlewild illustrates how a design can combine square log walls, round post and beam, vertical siding, shingles and stone to create a unique living space.

The Palo Verde

When you think timber frame home, you probably don’t think of the Southwest.  In this design, timber frame beams and trusses are used as the structure, while stucco is applied to the exterior and ceramic tiles are added to the roof.  This type of finish could be applied to the shell of any timber frame home, if you love the southwestern look.

The Clearwater

Again, modern architecture plays a part in the design of this timber frame home.  Modern lines and use of large windows is evident, however the incorporation of weathered siding and chinking add a rustic flair.  This is the kind of design that could easily be found in a resort town or development, as it effortlessly blends old and new.

The Upland Retreat

There are many aspects of the Upland Retreat design that could inspire your home: the curved entryway with metal roof; the combination of handcrafted log walls and custom timber frame trusses; or the glass walls that open to the patio.  If you are looking for unique design and one-of-a-kind homes, this is a great place to start.

The Washington Harbor

When thinking about the design of your home, don’t forget to think about the opportunities that outdoor living space can provide.  The Washington Harbor adds actual space to it’s layout by incorporating a large, covered outdoor space.  The outdoor living room and kitchen is completely covered, and has its own built in fireplace.  Entry is gained from the home through a glass Nana Wall system, while natural light filters down through the clerestory windows.  Outdoor living at its best!

Our readers tell us that “Top Ten” type lists are a great way to get a fresh look at our designs, so we asked one of PrecisionCraft’s dedicated employees to describe her Top Five plans. Here is what Kym had to say:

While raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens are a few of Maria’s favorite things, my list of favorite things has to include timber frame houses.  So here is a list of my favorite timber frame plans by our wonderful Mountain Architects designers.

The Greenbrier
With its English cottage exterior highlighted by multiple queen post trusses and exposed interior timbers, the Greenbrier evokes memories of fairytales being read by a cozy fire on a cold winter’s day.

The Highlands
The front elevation of The Highlands is reminiscent of early frontier towns where school was held in the town’s church.  The bank of clear glass windows (called clerestory windows) along the roof ridge allows the sun to pour through, accenting the massive interior timber frame structure.

The Colorado
Evoking feelings of strength and structure the Colorado seems bound to stand strong against the test of time. With over sized square timbers accented with stone and wrought iron, the Colorado also provides a welcoming exterior to all who arrive.  Children, old and young alike, will delight in the vast views from the abundance of windows.

The Silver Springs
When I look at the Silver Springs I begin to imagine days spent mining freshwater streams and digging for hidden treasures deep in the forested mountainside.  The post and beam supported covered porch beckons you to sit and enjoy a beautiful sunrise or sunset with cherished family and friends.

The Montclaire
While visiting the Swiss Alps or a quaint French vineyard, I imagine that I’d find the types of homes that were the inspiration for our Montclaire design. The bold entry features a barrel truss and provides an enticing view of the timber work held within its massive stone walls.

Click here for more information on timber frame homes.

Inspired by Mountain Architect’s Rimrock Log Home Design, this Adirondack post and beam log home is the epitome of rustic and charming.  Resting high above Lake Blue Ridge in Georgia this home is picture perfect with it’s mixture of wood, stone & log.  At 3,788 square feet, with 4 bedrooms & 4 bathrooms, the owners have more than enough room for family and friends.

Features of the home include a master bedroom complete with a private loft, perfect for a quiet escape to read and admire the mountain views.  Views can also be enjoyed from the cozy screened in porch or open deck.    When the weather turns cold, a dual sided fireplace provides warmth and ambiance to both the master suite and great room.

The overall style of the home may be rustic Adirondack, but the addition of yellow walls and updated appliances add a modern and warm touch against the weathered-looking log.

A North Carolina couple falls in love with PrecisionCraft’s award-winning Crested Butte floor plan. Modified to fit their land and architectural style, this handcrafted log home meets their every need. A true second home retreat.

Crested Butte Floor Plan | Modified with Handcrafted Logs

Mountain Architects - Custom Mountain Homes

Custom Designed Handcrafted Log Home | North Carolina

Waterfront Log Home with Expansive Great Room Windows

Reminiscent of the old-style cabins of our American forefathers, this Appalachian style home features beaver tooth corners, long, covered porches, warm hued stone and rustic, metal roofing. Based on the Blue Ridge floor plan, this home is a stunning mountain home retreat in Colorado. Traveling to every client’s build site, PrecisionCraft’s professional stacking crew installs the log and timber structure on the foundation. From fabrication to installation, PrecisionCraft ensures top quality and excellent structural engineering value.

Blue Ridge Log Home Plan | A Custom Log Home Design by PrecisionCraft

Appalachian Log Home in Colorado | Luxury Living & Log Homes

A Mountain House Designed by PrecisionCraft Log Homes

Many people spend years searching hundreds of different log home & timber frame floor plans; ones that showcase a specific style, layout, or size. For this Idaho couple, their search focused on finding a floor plan that would complement their build location.

In their pursuit for a floor plan that would highlight their one-of-a-kind view, Kelly and Marie fell in love with Mountain Architects’ Laurette Chateau timber frame home plan. The couple felt that the massive timber window “framed their view like a picture” while the large wraparound deck and multiple patios made outdoor living easy. See pictures of this finished timber frame home below:

Timber Frame House | Inspired by the Laurette Chateau Plan

~Custom timber frame home design by Mountain Architects

Custom Timber Frame Bar with Steel-Brushed Barn Wood

~Distinguished mountain architecture & design

Timber Frame Great Room: Custom Timber Frame Trusses

~State-of-the-art log & timber manufacturing techniques ensure top structural value for your home.

Timber Frame Home Designed for a Beautiful, Mountain View

~Learn more about the custom log home design process.

Amid the foothills of the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania, this log home is a variation of PrecisionCraft’s most popular plan and rendering - the Caribou Log Home Plan. This Pennsylvania home was modified to include a basement and to accommodate a sloping lot. Still under construction, this custom log home incorporates distinctive stone work, milled logs, character logs, and expansive windows. Truly a natural wonder!

Log Home in Pennsylvania Inspired by the Caribou Log Home Plan

Wood Design, A Classic Log Home - Custom Log Home Design

View more pictures of this log home on Facebook and see the process unfold from design through construction: http://www.facebook.com/#/album.php?aid=142758&id=75290931938&ref=mf 

This dreamy cabin, built at Tamarack Resort in Donnelly, Idaho, represents the classic, rugged beauty of Idaho’s backcountry. Complimented with modern styling, this log and timber frame cabin is truly a marvel inside and out.

Snow-Covered Log Cabin Home: Entry
Created by the award-winning team PrecisionCraft Homes & Timber Frame and sister company, Mountain Architects, the snow covered retreat, named the Eagle’s Nest, has created quite the “buzz” in the log home community winning awards from the Building Systems Councils and many accolades from log cabin enthusiasts worldwide.

The Eagle’s Nest log home plan boasts a unique design, driven by a unique build site. “The sloping lot nestled against the mountainside at Tamarack Resort demanded a design that was long and narrow,” says designer Matt Franklin, who works at Mountain Architects. “Though the design is intricate with various angles and bump outs, there are few steps in the roofline and limited level changes, making the home work beautifully with its surroundings.”

Eagle’s Nest Log Home: Custom Designed for Narrow Build Site

The intricate design of the Eagle’s Nest makes this home a true, dream cabin showcase. With an open layout, private sleeping quarters and a cozy outdoor living area, the Eagle’s Nest, according to respected team at Log Home Living, “turns the familiar log home tune into a chorus of hallelujahs.”

The layout of the Eagle’s Nest is not the only distinguishing feature inspiring the singing of hallelujahs. Artfully designed timber frame trusses and heavily adzed, square log walls are complimented with the elegance of modern finishes making this home the only one of its kind.

The kitchen comes to life with its custom, knotty alder cabinets. Distressed and glazed, the euro style cabinets magnify the warm hue of the timbers and compliment the granite counter-tops and travertine backslash.

Custom Log Cabin Home: Kitchen

Beautiful hardwood floors, manufactured from wood salvaged from an old bridge in Utah line the kitchen, dining room and great room. The entry, mud room and powder room boast heated slate tile flooring with custom tile rugs.

The two-sided, wood burning fireplace adds to the cabin appeal with its cozy charm. Enjoyed from the great room or the outdoor living area, the fireplace commands attention with its natural stone quarried in Montana.

Log Home Great Room: Featuring Handcrafted Timbers and Square, Milled Log Walls

Recognized for its focus on mountain style architecture, the award winning team at PrecisionCraft Log Homes & Timber Frame and Mountain Architects has custom designed thousands of log homes and cabins worldwide bringing them to life using the industry’s only Design Build Best Cost program.

Charlie and Lauren realized their mountain style home amid the beautiful scenery and quiet comfort of Lake Pend Oreille. Known as Idaho’s most magnificent lake, Lake Pend Oreille is one of the few places worthy of this brilliantly crafted timber frame cabin; it is simply breathtaking with its glass prow design and cathedral ceilings.

With entertainment at the heart of their home’s design, Charlie and Lauren Bisbee worked with PrecisionCraft Log Homes & Timber Frame and sister company, Mountain Architects to create a home perfect for hosting guests.  The indoor pool, complete with a waterfall, cozy movie theater and artfully designed bar make entertaining easy and fun. With a little extra planning and careful thought, Mountain Architects was able to create a design that would function to entertain while also create an environment conducive to enjoying the great outdoors and finding time to relax.

Timber Frame House: Designed to Entertain

Although larger in size than a traditional cabin, Charlie and Lauren’s timber frame home is their cabin retreat; a place where they can come together with family and friends. With an open design, the kitchen allows the couple to interact with their guests, creating a spirit of togetherness. The great room also invites its guests in with a large stone fireplace and comfortable seating area. Venetian plastered walls, mocha colored timbers and warm stucco hues add character and also create an ambience that is pleasant and welcoming.

Timber Frame Home Kitchen: Open Design

When family and friends are not the focus, the reading area in the loft is an ideal place to cozy up with a good book or simply enjoy a splendid view of the majestic lake, perfectly framed by a custom, arched barrel truss. In addition, the home’s multiple decks provide ample opportunity for enjoying the great outdoors.

Loft Features Custom Timber Frame: A Unique Arched Barrel Truss

Often times, couples like Charlie and Lauren fall in love with a company because of a particular log home plan, design, or a company’s distinctive architectural focus. Other times, couples are passionate about the building process looking for the safest path to realize their dream home. Together, PrecisionCraft and Mountain Architects provide the best of both worlds. This artistic duo has the reputation of bringing award-winning log home designs to life using the industry’s only complete Design Build program, saving clients time, effort, and money. Learn more at www.PrecisionCraft.com.