Exceptional Log Home Award for Greg LaFrance

**Steve** · 07-01-2005, 04:52 PM

Greetings folks,

This month we are renaming the "Log Home of the Month" award to the "Exceptional Log Home" award. Part of the reason for this change was because we got to visit this home, built by Association member Greg LaFrance in Duvall, Washington.

Take a peek and I think you'll understand why. ;)

Greg LaFrance's Exceptional Log Home

Congratulations Greg!

-Steve

**dave** · 07-02-2005, 12:11 AM

What kind of foundation is used for this home?

**kyle** · 07-02-2005, 04:55 AM

I was wondering the same thing. Almost looks like a continuous poured foundation.

**russ** · 07-02-2005, 05:22 AM

Were the knee braces on the RPSL's required structurally or just for show?

Very nice house!

**NordicPrincess** · 07-02-2005, 01:08 PM

Another beautiful sanctuary! I get new ideas & increased enthusiasm every time I see these awesome homes.

**Steve** · 07-02-2005, 06:11 PM

Greg poured his own traditional foundation and slab. You can see it fairly well in the first picture:

http://www.loghomebuilders.org/log-homes-gl-3672.jpg

He added some decorative touches to the outside (the diamond shapes every few feet). If I remember correctly those are embossed with a leaf pattern but I'm not sure.

The knee braces can be used to increase the allowable span in a ridge pole, giving you more open space without columns. I didn't bring my tape measure, so I don't know what the span is. I also don't know the diameter of Greg's ridge pole, so I couldn't say whether knee braces would be required for this home.

If you have one of our class manuals, you will find our log span tables in the back, and that should give you an idea of the allowable span for a given ridge pole. Special thanks to Richard for the span tables. ;)

Steve

**H2OFowlerandWife** · 07-04-2005, 08:19 AM

Would anyone know a way to find out where he got his slate flooring from? I think it's gorgeous and want to put it in ours some day.

Thanks...

**JeffandSara** · 07-06-2005, 04:59 AM

Hi, Steve--

Love the new name for Log Home of the Month... and also love the newest recipient. Greg's house is lovely, indeed, and shows some very nice design concepts as well as careful craftsmanship and typical Skip-style charm. :D He used good balance in symmetry, scale, color, etc., as well as some very thoughtful details. Definitely a standout.

And as for the knee braces... who cares if they're necessary or not. They're cool! :wink:

Thanks for sharing yet another fine inspirational project. (You're starting to really get "something for everyone" if you look back at the series of past awardees!)

Sara :D

**loghomefun** · 12-12-2005, 06:31 PM

I really like Greg's home, it looks great.

The floor is sweet! Does anybody know if it is real granite/rock or acid etched concrete?

Does anybody know if it was his first log home?

And Ellsworth or Steve, when do we get to see another exceptional log home? :?: I'm eager to see more cool photos of another home :D

Doug