Description
The house sits on a granite cliff overlooking streams, waterfalls, and eleven- thousand foot mountain peaks. The slope falls at a 38% to 45% grade at its steepest aspect. The majority of the house faces a southern exposure, an essential feature in a mountain home. The house has many significant construction features, including a climate proof exterior, impact glass, a steel roof, and steel I-beam first floor construction (no rot or fire). Five foot holes were blasted out of the granite to hold the 16 concrete caissons upon which the house rests. It has two full-function kitchens, “top of the line” stainless-steel appliances, exotic woods, cable lighting and a wide selection of stone, tile, granite and concrete throughout.
Like other Shear Development properties, the home was designed to merge with its natural setting. This home is an extension of the serenity and majestic beauty of its setting. Snow capped peaks and raging waterfalls juxtapose with the elegant functionality of the home to create a haven of safety and contentment.
Architect
John McDonald/Steve Molnar
Home Value – 3.5 million
Construction Challenges
The house is built on a granite cliff, high in the Sierra Nevada Mountain range. The property featured an impressive 630 year old Juniper Tree which was preserved. Power lines, accessibility, snow and freezing temperatures – all complicated the construction.
Solutions
- Redesign the northwest portion of the home to save the tree.
- Redesign many of the architectural features of the home during construction to enhance its overall beauty and function
- Reevaluate at every step to select the best materials to withstand hot summers and freezing winters