Logging In!
Red Western cedar logs raise modern decors to new heights on the shores of Mara Lake.
Awondrous blend of hand crafted Western Red cedar logs fuses with modern style, providing a uniquely gracious residence on the shores of Mara Lake. Honed to suit the homeowner’s needs for function and rustic beauty, this serene getaway captures urban comforts—accommodating a place as visually mesmerizing as its natural setting.
“When we first started talking about a new home, I happened to be walking by the Lake Country Log Home office in Sicamous,” recalls the homeowner, who invited Jamie Gervais down to their site. A plan soon developed between the contractor, Cam Bos, the designer, Alana Humphreys, and Jamie Gervais who were intrigued by the concept of blending a post and beam log structure with contemporary interiors. “If his office wasn’t in Sicamous, I would probably still be in my old cabin.”
Knowing they desired something different, the homeowner’s vision was to have a modern interior within a home that would still complement the area with its rustic influences enhancing both styles. “We wanted a family home that would be very comfortable for my wife and I, plus our family visits a few times a year and it fills up,” they add. With lots of space to accommodate everyone, they wanted to live on the main floor that would include their master ensuite and enjoy a sizable deck off the kitchen.
“The client’s property is located on the lake and is designed as a family vacation home although it would function beautifully as a primary residence as well,” states Jamie Gervais of Lake Country Log Homes, whose family has been in business for nearly 30 years. “We were able to create the vision the clients had, capturing the full aspect of a vacation lake house with grand views and space for a large extended family within approximately 7,500 square feet, including the boat house in the basement and attached garage.”
Using sustainable logs and building materials in the construction of the home, Gervais explains, “Western Red cedar logs have a very high thermal mass and the frame was designed between the log post and beams to accommodate additional insulation within the framed walls, ensuring maximum energy efficiency.”
Located on the lake with its natural shoreline and trees, they used large diameter, character Western Red cedar logs with stonework accents to address its location and the
surrounding landscape. “The luxury of the handcrafted cedar logs blending with contemporary finishes and décorating really showcase the advantages of post and beam homes, as you have a lot of flexibility with the finishes and design,” admits Gervais.
“I had worked with the clients previously and they contacted me initially to help with their kitchen design. That escalated into something much more comprehensive, which ultimately included the floor plan layout design, interior finishes, furnishings, and décor,” shares designer Alana Humphreys, owner of Alana Humphreys Interior Design.
Intended as a vacation property, the clients wanted to maximize their vacation time and opted for modern elements from a cleaning, easy maintenance, and functional standpoint, while sustaining wow factor without the complications or care of log wall surfaces. “While every room does showcase log beam accents, they are not intended to overwhelm the space,” says Humphreys. “The effect is unique and was purposefully curated to accommodate a desire for encompassing natural beauty.”
Offering a décor palette that is comfortable and stylish, it was conceived for entertainment and intended for grandchildren, extended family, and friends given the attractions of Mara Lake. Displaying an open and spacious layout, the vacation property has five bedrooms and multiple amenities for in-home entertainment.
“The décor features a blend of hard and soft elements with the kitchen, dining room, and great room providing a lighter palette with white cabinetry and furnishings,” describes Humphreys. “This offers a juxtaposition of visual elements between the warm wood features that are offset by modern finishes.”
Built on an ICF foundation, the home further features triple-pane windows and heat pumps for year-round comfort. “The home has a raised elevation from the street with natural drainage to the lake,” explains Cam Bos of Bos Homes. “After the logs were assembled there was a lot of work involved with blending the interior with the log post-and-beam frame, but my basic principle is to provide the clients with what they want, done right.”
“Every time we walk in it’s the view of the lake with the mountains beyond that we enjoy most,” admit the homeowners. “With seven big picture windows, it almost feels like the house is floating. Working together with a team of skilled professionals and trades, our beautiful home went up in less than a year. That says a lot about the dedication and commitment to this project and the overall results proved that. We absolutely love our new vacation home.”