A great advantage of spending time in Sun Valley is that it is one of the West’s great art destinations. Anchored by the strength of the Sun Valley [...]]]>

“…for art establishes the basic human truths which must serve as the touchstone of our judgement.” John F. Kennedy

A great advantage of spending time in Sun Valley is that it is one of the West’s great art destinations. Anchored by the strength of the Sun Valley Center for the Arts and energized by galleries that are of the same caliber as found in the major cities of the world, the art of the Wood River Valley can rejuvenate and sustain the spirit. In a world of superficial distractions, great art touches something very deep and reaches universal truths to unite us as people. Experiencing great art is like a spa for the spirit that rejuvenates, heals, and enables us to move forward.

As evidence of how strongly members of the local community have embraced the importance of art in their lives, they have formed a number of non-profit groups and the City of Ketchum has a vibrant public art program. Long-time Ketchum resident Gail Severn is active in this volunteer community and observes, “Art here is readily accessible and there is a warmth and welcome to the experience.” An example of the accessibility is the Fourth Street Art Corridor, where every spring through fall four blocks along Ketchum’s Fourth Street are lined with sculptures from the various galleries.

The activities of the Wood River Arts Alliance, the Arts Foundation for the Wood River Valley, Sun Valley Performing Arts, the Ketchum Arts Commission, and the Sun Valley Gallery Association are all worth checking out through their websites and publications. The Sun Valley Gallery Association sponsors nine free Gallery Walks each year, where the participating galleries open their doors, offer wine and refreshments, and often feature newly installed art and have the artists present. The Sun Valley Center for the Arts is an active participant, and nvites people to start the Gallery Walk at their gallery.

The Ketchum Arts Commission and City of Ketchum sponsor the public art exhibits. Winter and snow aren’t obstacles for enjoying the outdoor art; some exhibits look even lovelier, and additionally, there are a number of pieces on the 4th Avenue Art Corridor that will remain up for the winter and are convenient to view while running errands in Ketchum. “The Kagan Park installation next to the YMCA is the largest of Ketchum’s installations, and it is easily accessed, as is the park behind Ciros, where a piece by Delos Van Earl can be seen,” describes Gail Severn, a member of the Ketchum Arts Commission. “The Kagen Family donated the large grouping of steel sculptures in memory of one of Ketchum’s most well-recognized artists, Rod Kagan, who passed away last year. Rod created these pieces in part from old wheels, pulleys, gears, and other parts from mines near Ketchum.

Rod’s work is featured in museums throughout the country, and it is a real achievement for the City of Ketchum to have such a wonderful, large-scale installation in town to share with the public.” There are a number of special events, like the Plein Air Exhibition, where artists can be seen with their easels and paint boxes capturing the scenes of the countryside, and Labor Day when a number of the galleries have special shows. Here are some of the special upcoming winter and spring events at selected galleries.

Founded in 1971, the community-supported Center aims to provoke and stimulate the imagination while opening hearts and minds through excellence in diverse arts programming. December through February 4, 2012, the Center presents “Journeys in Polar Regions,” a multidisciplinary project examining the role the Polar Regions play in our understanding of our world through the lens of travels and expeditions. As is the practice of the Center, a series of guests will make presentations on the subject during the exhibit’s run. Gretel Ehrlich will lecture on her recent book The Empire of Ice: Encounters in a Changing Landscape. Filmmaker Werner Herzog appears with his film, Encounters at the End of the World. Also, award- winning photographer, James Balog, presents stories and his photographic survey, Thin Ice: Journeys in Rolar Regions.

Other upcoming presentations are music from Chad; best-selling author of No god but God: The Origins, Evolution and future of Islam, Reza Aslam; a flamenco performance and workshop; an appearance by writer, wit, and radio host, Garrison Keillor; and Irish music by Dervish. For dates, times, and locations, check the Art Center website calendar.

Gail Severn Gallery spans over 11,000 square feet, and is comprised of four distinctly different spaces that allow for a wide range of exhibitions. This winter, viewers will see a mix of emerging, national and internationally recognized artists. February features the newest work of Kris Cox, whose layered and sculpted surfaces explore the symbolic notion of time. The western landscapes by rancher and noted artist Theodore Waddell also open in February, and his impasto canvases are enlivened by his long connection to the land, horses and cattle.

Gilman Contemporary presents 10 exhibitions throughout the year and represents emerging to mid-career artists with an innovative vision. Beginning December and running through the end of January are paintings by the Kollabs, a collaboration of artists Anke Schofield and Luis Garcia-Nerey. In February, Stephanie Weber’s aluminum panels present linear logical forms that strike an emotional chord. Jane Maxwell’s March through mid April show focuses on the female form, and in doing so explores issues of women, body image, and the feminine ideal.

The Aboriginal art movement of Australia comes to Ketchum in this gallery. The gallery owners collect pieces from artists in remote townships, and they are available to explain the connections to culture, spirituality, and the land, although the beauty of the pieces stand on their own. “BIRRKU” Treasures from a Distant Land opens with a special ceremony on December 30th that includes performances of traditional songs and dance accompanied by the yidaki (didgeridoo) by visiting artist Wukun Wanambi. On Saturday, December 31, the artist will explain the cultural imagery and stories connected to his bark paintings and ceremonial poles. Relatedly is a film presentation, A Yolungu World, at the Community Library in Ketchum on Thursday, December 29th.

Mid February, a new show opens timed with the Gallery Walk, the Papunya Tula Artists. It celebrates 40 years of art from the western desert region. A fundraiser for the medical care of aging artists occurs a day prior to the exhibition opening. March exhibits include the animal-image paintings of Robert McCauley, and a group showing of tapestries where every color and detail is the result of the interaction of the colored threads that comprise the object in an exhibit entitled, “The Eloquence of Trees.” Featured artists in this show include: Squeak Carnwath, Donald and Era Farnsworth, April Gornik, Robert Kushner, Hung Liu, Andy Diaz Hope, and Laurel Roth.

Noted outdoor photographer and Ketchum resident David R. Stoecklein displays images that capture the western way of life at his gallery and studio. In addition to signed prints, the gallery features his numerous photography books, calendars, and notecards. For those who have admired his work at a distance, Stoecklein is offering photography workshops this winter and spring at a number of western ranches. At the workshop, attendees have the opportunity to work with him as he shoots photos of cowboys and cowgirls at working ranches and the surrounding scenery and to capture their own images with the master’s guidance. More information may be obtained by contacting Tessa Sheehan at the gallery.

With working studios in both Ketchum and San Franciso, artist Jan Lassetter is represented by San Francisco gallery, Modernism, and displays her work in the virtual gallery of her website, www.janlassetter.com. Lassetter’s work has evolved to a celebration of a sense of place. She accepts commissions to paint special places, or of views to places that are special and worthy of conserving. “I’m fascinated by our surroundings, especially the luminosity and light, the reflections and movement in water. They inspire me to want to capture and preserve our sense of place.”

sfP | stephanie freid-Perenchio studio Stephanie Freid-Perenchio, a humanitarian documentary photographer, opened her Ketchum studio in 2009. She envisioned a place where people could not only experience her photographs, but also gather to discuss current social justice issues. Her current exhibit, Moments Captured, runs until March and showcases Stephanie’s past ten years behind the lens. From behind-the-scenes images of SEAL training, to detention centers and prison life in Afghanistan, to tribal and wildlife in East Africa, to the winter work of the American cowboy, Stephanie’s photographs explore worlds very few of us are able to witness first hand.

So often one sees the start of a new building on a naturally glorious piece of land and mutters [...]]]>

Striking new home, designed by Michael Blash, AIA and built by R.A. Watson Construction, is worthy
of its familial site along the banks of the Big Wood River

So often one sees the start of a new building on a naturally glorious piece of land and mutters I hope they do something worthy of that land. With the starting point of a spot along the Wood River where the owner’s grandfather had a cabin, the owner and his team of local architect Michael Blash and contractor R.A. Watson Construction undertook the challenge of matching a home to the beauty of the land very seriously. Building it challenged and tested them along with their colleagues and subcontractors.

According to Michael Blash, the list of things that the owner wanted in the home included a small home with a garage, a roofline relating to the mountains, a grotto feature, sustainability, durability, and organic design qualities, meaning a sympathetic and well-integrated design approach that unifies the building and the surroundings. It started as a tall order without the final request: throw in some enormous glacial boulders from the family-owned Canyon Springs Golf Course by Twin Falls. Further constraining the design solution and construction was the limited size of the building lot that comprised only 100 feet by 60 feet.

The resulting home is a pleasing assembly of rectangular shapes, curves, a glassed silo, and generous windows with strong horizontal lines that root the home to the land in a manner somewhat reminiscent of Frank Lloyd Wright. The stone and oxidized metal finishes exude a warmth and timeless quality. The exterior treatment included wrapping wood with 20-gauge rusted metal. The home’s entrance mimics a nature trail winding through boulders to reach a cave’s opening. With the emphasis on aesthetics, the efficiency of the home isn’t readily evident. But with a LEED Gold Certification in progress, it is a home committed to perform.

“With such generous windows, we had to compensate for energy efficiency in as many ways possible. The walls are made of 11-inch ICF [insulated concreted form] block with six inches of concrete poured inside,” says Rod Watson, a 32-year construction veteran and owner of R.A. Watson Construction in Ketchum. “It’s super insulated,” admits Michael Blash. Despite the size constraints of the lot, the home has an efficient open-loop geothermal system for heating and snowmelt.

The use of the interior space captured the homeowner’s wish to innovate. There are no electrical switches, as an owner- written iPhone/iPad application will manage the home’s electrical, mechanical and security systems. Blash maximized the square-footage in the social areas, and created compact bedrooms with built-in cubbies and storage similar to a ship. Along the nautical theme, there is a sky-lit crow’s nest sunroom with a balcony overlooking the Wood River.

Playfulness and innovation characterize the grotto feature, a key request in the original design program. It is large enough for 15 people to gather and enjoy views to the river, but first they enter the swimming pool by the rec room, swim, and emerge in the hot tub and grotto. The central feature in Michael Blash’s sophisticated grotto design is the largest of the imported boulders, which had to be moved into place before building the roof. Asked if this presented problems, Rod Watson replied, “A challenge, yes, but no problem. This boulder was so large, 11-feet tall and 42,000 pounds of total weight, we had to cut it in half using a diamond saw, and marked exactly how to reassemble it. Then, we drilled a hole all the way through for the water feature, and carved the stairs.” Other areas of construction demanded similar precision, like bending 60-foot I-beams exactly the same to support the curving roof.

The detailing of this innovative home includes natural flowing forms, stained-concrete radiant-heat floors, and one surprise after another. It is a home that is not only worthy of its lovely site, but a notable design that will serve as an inspiration.

R.A. Watson Construction & Michael Blash & Assoc.

Homes are almost everyone’s largest investment, but they are much more than that. A home [...]]]>

When a home isn’t working any more, it triggers a series of decisions: to keep our not to keep;
to expand; to add storage; to remodel; or to update. By Ann Zimmerman

Homes are almost everyone’s largest investment, but they are much more than that. A home is also the background to our experiences and memories, and they are the physical basis for life’s daily patterns. When the realization comes that a home doesn’t meet our needs, fit with our sense of aesthetics, or isn’t as energy-efficient as is appropriate for today, it launches a series of decisions. Fortunately, local architects and designers have experience, training, and even checklists to walk homeowners through these choices.

First Step
“When people come to me for a possible remodel, I realize that they are really asking me to manage their decision of whether to remodel or to build a new home. It is important for me to stay flexible and to help develop a plan of attack,” explains Jeff Williams, A.I.A., Williams Partners Architects in Ketchum. “At the initial meeting, I ask the clients what about the current space works for them and what they like about the current home. I then develop an understanding of where they are in the progression of their family life; I have learned from my own family that space needs change dramatically as children age. Older children need more privacy, want their own bathrooms and require different recreation space. Also, lifestyle has changed from the past, and most families enjoy a large great room. There are many ways of asking this, but a key question is what is the home that they really want? If the core of the home is suitable, it a positive indicator that a remodel will deliver the house they want. But if the core area is not adequate, another home may better suit their needs.”

The other aspect of this decision is to conduct an unbiased assessment of the home. “If preliminary conversations indicate a remodel is the way to go, a proper survey is needed before any design to proceed,” notes architect Michael Blash, of Michael Blash and Associates, Sun Valley. “I would recommend that the architect assemble with the builder, a structural engineer, and the electrical and mechanical subs for a through walk-through, forensic examination, and documentation of the existing building. Special attention should be given to what can be recycled or reused. This can be stored and inventoried at a later date.”

With the new Blaine County and city energy standards, a remodel must perform better, and Jeff Williams recommends a blower test early on, so the homeowner and team has all the facts. This means, too, that conservation performance becomes an objective for remodels.

Just Better?
There are times when not bigger but better is the answer. If the space is adequate in size, it still may not be what the homeowner wants, so an update is in order. Jeff Williams recounts a similar situation for a client with a rustic log- accented home. “The client loved the spaces, but the interior needed a lot of work.” In this case, Williams and the client worked with Rob McGowan of Architectural Resources to develop a “modern meets rustic” kitchen. The result is a spacious uncluttered kitchen with horizontal view planes to the ample uncovered windows, more counter space than a crazed caterer could clutter, the shimmer of metal and polished stones, and simple clean lines juxtaposed against the natural idiosyncrasies of the logs.

Where to start on an update is a key question, whether for homeowners trying it alone or working with a designer. It used to be an axiom to start selections for an interior based on a piece of art, so we posed the question of why to L’Anne Gilman, owner of Gilman Contemporary in Ketchum. Why do so many people start with a new piece of art? “It is timeless advice that still holds. When someone finds a piece of art that really pleases, there is something in the piece that resonates very deeply. By pulling out the colors for the home and paying attention to the scale and movement in the piece, the home’s interior should please them as much as the painting, and they have the painting as a focal point to draw attention and set the tone.” There are instances where as homeowners we want to improve it so it will sell in a competitive market. Janet Krogh and Connie Hagestad of The Design Studio say they address this question often. “When clients want suggestions for increasing the value of their home, we recommend focusing on remodeling key areas such as the kitchen or the bathrooms. Reconfiguring

the design of these spaces, as well as using new products for hard surfaces and updated color palettes can increase the value and marketability of their home.”

Opportunity to Go Greener
James Bourret of James Bourret Architecture Design Studio in Ketchum, sums up the importance of improving a home’s performance with a remodel. “Beyond the question of style, the issue of how a house performs becomes much more important. In the current and future worlds of restricted energy supply and heightened carbon- emission consciousness, building performance has become even more important. A mountain environment magnifies these concerns,” he says. Bourret also finds that in considering a design approach that will result in a well performing building, modern is a good choice. “In a nutshell, modern design is intelligent and thoughtful. What better way to approach the challenges of building in a harsh climate in a time of material and energy scarcity.”

Michael Blash sees the availability of new green products as an asset for those who want to remodel. “The sourcebook of new cost-effective green products and materials is expanding daily. The good news is that the time and research for sourcing materials has been greatly reduced with the enormity of the products and services now represented on the Internet.”

Plan to Keep Planning
Michael Blash wraps up the discussion of decisions and choices for remodeling. “The most important lesson in remodeling is there is no substitute for thorough planning and evaluation. I would encourage all to take that extra time prior to construction to map out a schedule of construction and the cost of each phase, and analyze and reevaluate with the builder to eliminate as much of the unforeseen as possible prior to construction.” Blash continues, “In short, remodels are always challenging. This is due to demolition, restructuring, and cutting and fitting the materials into place, not to mention unforeseen infrastructure problems discovered during the demolition process.”

Wherever the remodeling decision path may lead, with professional assistance the possibilities are endless, but our experts say to plan on plenty of planning. In future issues, Western Home Journal will return to and expand on the subject of remodeling with assistance from experts. The heart of conservation is reuse, and remodeling revitalizes homes for continued enjoyment.

Artisan and craftsman, Jon Nasvik formed Cliffhangers 20 years ago to create functional and decorative uses for concrete, a medium he finds ideal for artistic experimentation. As more and more people recognize the benefits of concrete as a fireproof material and its green applications, as well as its role [...]]]>

Artisan and craftsman, Jon Nasvik formed Cliffhangers 20 years ago to create functional and decorative uses for concrete, a medium he finds ideal for artistic experimentation. As more and more people recognize the benefits of concrete as a fireproof material and its green applications, as well as its role as a cornerstone material for modern design, concrete has moved to the forefront of building materials. Since he is one of the Wood River Valley’s expert on the uses of concrete, Western Home Journal thought it was time to check in with Jon Nasvik to see if it is business as usual.

It appears that it is decidedly not business as usual, and the interest in concrete is stirring up change. “Keeping up with the requests of clients has always been a challenge for my business,” recounts Jon. “Design concepts seem to endlessly evolve and change, often aided by trends publicized through popular media tools. I am often amazed by the creative new directions that I see the building industry going today. Perhaps it’s always been like that, but I can’t help thinking how affected we all are by modern technology and how this is changing the demands on my work. Interestingly enough, many of the folks who call me these days are specifically looking to exploit the unique abilities of concrete. Where I am used to getting calls that ask ‘what can you do?’ now I often get ‘here’s what I want.’”

“I used to amaze people with colored textured concrete paving and simulated rock formations that would be difficult to distinguish from what I was mimicking,” Jon continues. “And even though these are still viable products that I can provide, architectural items like countertops, sinks, fireplaces and interior floors were what clients seemed to prefer and marvel over. The idea that concrete could do so much with color and texture, take any shape, and fulfill so many functional purposes amazed people.”

Are they still amazed? “Not so much anymore,” Jon says. These days more and more clients know what is possible and what they want, and that’s a good thing because the clearer a client is about what is required the easier it is for me to give them what they’re after.”

The fireplaces pictured here are entirely constructed of concrete and resulted from a clients need for an historic effect that would have originally been done with wood, if not for common sense and current building codes requiring the use of an inflammable building material. This gave me the great opportunity to bring history and modern times together. What is the difference? It is clients as the source of new inspirations and challenges. “Aside from concrete as a resource for my business, my clients have been invaluable in bringing me to higher levels of achievement in my craft by simply asking for things I’ve never made before. Now, with technology driving changes from all directions, concrete chemistry, design trends, and local client preferences, I’m feeling some new and interesting challenges in the wind.”

Cliffhangers expects to move forward the way it always has, by keeping up with the times, which in most cases means keeping up with the endless possibilities presented by its clients.

For more information call 208.720.1367 or email noj@sunvalley.net

Constant change is the hallmark of mountain weather—bright penetrating sun, pounding cloudbursts, wind’s fury, feet of fluffy snow, and sudden melts. All these test the roofs of homes, the important layer of [...]]]>

Scott Miley Roofing’s expertise ensures a home’s secure protection from Idaho’s four seasons of elements.

Constant change is the hallmark of mountain weather—bright penetrating sun, pounding cloudbursts, wind’s fury, feet of fluffy snow, and sudden melts. All these test the roofs of homes, the important layer of protection between the elements and interior comfort and security. Through their wide array of services and quality products, the professionals at Scott Miley Roofing make certain that the roofs they build, repair and service are up to all the challenges the weather can offer.

A local presence since 1992, owner Scott Miley has grown his company and established a reputation for competence, reliability, and professionalism. To be effective as a roofing specialist, one has to understand how it integrates with the other construction elements of a home. Scott Miley has an extensive background in contracting. He is a licensed contractor and owner of Associated Construction Services, Inc. He is also a Certified Green Professional through the National Association of Home Builders, and prepared to address his clients’ energy consumption concerns.

“We realize that as a locally owned business based in the Wood River Valley, people come to us for a reliable, long- term connection that is essentially based on our commitment to service,” Scott answered when asked about his range of services. “They know we will be here if they need a remodel, addition, or a green upgrade, and they can count on us for services like snow removal or repairs. We are, of course, fully insured, and we guarantee our work and back up our products’ warranty.”

Most people know Scott Miley Roofing for new construction and their carefully selected product lines for addressing local fire and building codes. “We address codes while offering a range of colors, textures, patterns and styles that work well with the mountain setting and the variety of architectural styles in the area, as well as energy-saving performance,” notes Scott.

The product lines include GAF-Elk, DaVinci, and Titan, and combined, these fine collections address every possible quality roofing need. GAF-Elk, founded in 1886, is the largest manufacturer of residential and commercial roofing. Grand Canyon, one of GAF-Elk’s lines, looks like shakes, but carries a Class A fire listing ad a lifetime warranty. Others have a thick slate appearance, and are similarly fire-rated and with the warranty. DaVinci Roofscapes offers slate and shake style products in a variety of thicknesses, widths, and collated color blends resistant to winds up to 110 mph and rated for Class A fire retardancy. Titan products are Energy Star® rated with metal coating for heat reflection, and these products qualify for tax credits.

For new construction, remodels and additions, Scot Miley Roofing extends their products and services to custom seamless, copper rain gutters, metal and composite siding, and sheet metal fabrication. They offer waterproofing, work on flat roofs, replace roofs, add skylights, and repair.

When asked about their success in return customers and referrals, Scott attributes it to paying attention to detail. “We work with the customer to create the perfect look, and achieve it with the highest quality of material and workmanship ensured by effective project management. We recognize quality and employ only the most qualified and experienced craftsmen. We inspect our jobs in depth as work progresses,” he clarified.

Prepare for the weather with a new roof, but if the perils of weather take their toll, Scott Miley Roofing extends their services to meet the need. They offer inspections and free estimates for roof repairs or replacements. Meeting them is the beginning of never having to worry about your roof again.

For more information call 208.788.5362 or visit them online at scottmileyroofing.com

Fireworks exploded, skaters leaped, and skiers paraded down the starlit mountainside carrying torches on December 21st in celebration of Sun Valley’s 75th season. Sun Valley’s diamond year [...]]]>

Sun Valley Resort begins its 76th year with visitors voting their satisfaction and even more improvements planned.
By Ann Zimmerman

Fireworks exploded, skaters leaped, and skiers paraded down the starlit mountainside carrying torches on December 21st in celebration of Sun Valley’s 75th season. Sun Valley’s diamond year celebration is also a celebration of skiing in North America: Sun Valley was the first destination ski resort and its history is a story of aiming higher with innovative thinking and improvements. Sun Valley continues to set standards for all resorts.

Adventure Trails and Glade terrain

In the spirit of 76 seasons, Sun Valley aims to get even better. This year, visitors can enjoy improvements and enhancements both to Baldy and Dollar mountains. Six new adventure trails open on Baldy. These trails target adventuresome six–twelve years olds and anyone else with an intrepid spirit. A green or blue code designates the trails’ difficulty, and the wildlife- themed names alert visitors to animals indigenous to the area. “They are planned to be fun, and to be safe with carefully considered marked entrances and exits,” notes longtime Sun Valley executive, Jack Sibbach. In addition, Sibbach reports that 30 acres of new, additional glade skiing and boarding open this year on Baldy for those who want to the challenges of maneuvering through the trees.

Expanded Terrain Parks

Long recognized as the top teaching mountain, Dollar Mountain’s recent improvements have built upon its reputation as a hub for family fun. To better promote Sun Valley as a family destination, in recent years, Sun Valley built the elegantly appointed Carol’s Dollar Mountain Lodge. In addition, it relocated the tubing hill near the lodge and built a terrain park on Dollar Mountain that is intended to challenge and thrill. Building on its success, this year, the Warm Springs 18-foot half pipe is now located on the top half of Old Bowl at Dollar, and in addition there are 20 new rails. Following on last year’s successful introduction of its signature feature, The Quad Wall, this winter Sun Valley unveils its Progression Park and is incorporating using the terrain park in the SnowSports School. The FreeRide program trains intermediate and advanced youngsters to progressively maneuver the park.

Families have another exciting activity at Sun Valley: exploring the Skier and Boarder Cross Course on Dollar Mountain. “There’s a lot of new exciting family fun, and we are doing it the Sun Valley way—carefully thought out and well executed, and always mindful of safety,” Jack Sibbach explains.

Tops in Lifts and Luxury

Annually skiers voice their favorites for SKI Magazine, and the 2011 results boosted Sun Valley up to the #5 overall favorite in the West. This ranking was propelled up by the top #1 ranking for luxury and lifts. There were soaring #2 rankings for service, character, grooming, and food, and high rankings for lodging, nightlife, off-hill activities, and (of course) scenery. “This ranking reflects the commitment by our employees and really the whole town to enhance our visitors’ experiences,” comments Jack Sibbach. “We are really pleased, but that doesn’t mean we can’t do better,” he adds with the famous Sun Valley go higher attitude.

There is never a bad time to stay in Sun Valley, but January is an especially good time this year. “We are offering our Stay and Ski Free package,” says Jack, “so for only $139 a person you can stay at the resort and receive a lift ticket.”

Number one in luxury, and yet a bargain. That’s the spirit.

Supplying windows and doors to meet the demand in the Wood River Valley means troubleshooting the most custom home designs, offering clients the benefits of the many alliances View Point retains [...]]]>

View Point’s windows and doors are as custom as the homes they grace. By Ann Zimmerman

Supplying windows and doors to meet the demand in the Wood River Valley means troubleshooting the most custom home designs, offering clients the benefits of the many alliances View Point retains with premiere manufacturers, and offering local service and expertise whenever it is needed. “We have grown with the home industry,” reflects View Point owner Matt Barrow. “We have expanded what we carry to meet the demands as builders and architects raise the bar on design and energy efficiency. We have been right there with them, supplying them what they need.”

Local Store & Local Service

The strong advantages of buying locally have been well lauded lately: local jobs for local people (who spend their earnings locally); local warranties and service; accountability and reputation; and building a strong community with a base of necessary products and services. Matt Barrow sees another side of buying locally, and that is the responsibility it places on the local business.

For Barrow, View Point has an obligation to offer the level of products and services needed locally, and to do so at competitive prices—essentially positioning View Point as the go-to place in the local marketplace. “Why wouldn’t someone want to partner with local people, especially if they have more expertise with challenging designs than anyone out of town? I always tell people “Do yourself a favor, do not spend your hard-earned money on a window, glass, or door purchase until you have come in to see us. I am confident you will agree that if we offer the product and the price, it is worth buying here.”

Windows to the Future

View Point opened 18 years ago as a window supplier, and tailored its products and services to meet the demand. Windows are an interesting architectural element requiring strong expertise, as they often aren’t noticed if there is the right product and the correct installation. “We assist architects, builders, and homeowners in making these selections to address functionality and to work with the design finishes both inside and out,” Barrow explains.

The meeting in the showroom is critical to selecting the right product, and View Point’s customer service representatives have 150 years combined experience. This experience means they guarantee the best products, service, and the highest value. Since all windows are built to order, when needed, View Point prepares detailed drawings, designs the window packages, orders them from its affiliated manufacturers, and installs. This is true for new construction, replacements, remodels, and additions. Some of the manufacturers they partner with include Sierra Pacific, Loewen, Marvin, Andersen, Milgard, Kawneer, and specialty lines with unique finishes like Architectural Traditions and the Italian Manufacturer Molaro.

When asked what is new, Barrow calls out steel windows. “They are in demand for modern, contemporary and the popular mountain contemporary designs. In the past hot rolled steel was all that was available. Now huge strides have been made with thermally broken cold rolled steel. This gives you the same look with a much more efficient window. This breakthrough is especially important in the cold climate of the mountain west. To improve the U-values even more, we can upgrade to triple pane glass.”

One of View Point’s key services is retrofitting homes for energy efficiency. “A large part of our business is replacing old windows and doors. Beyond an updated look, new windows offer increased comfort and save energy. The differences with new technology will surprise people,” Matt Barrow says, noting that it is possible to lose 25% of the energy used to heat and cool a home through out dated conventional windows and doors.

Doors & Hardware Combine Beauty and Function

In contrast to windows, doors are architectural elements that draw attention and add detail to the home’s design inside and out. For years, the top architects in the Wood River Valley have turned to View Point to execute their designs for doors to the exterior and connecting doors within the home.

In contrast to windows, doors are architectural elements that draw attention and add detail to the home’s design inside and out. For years, the top architects in the Wood River Valley have turned to View Point to execute their designs for doors to the exterior and connecting doors within the home.

Barrow goes on to explain that his business philosophy is to partner with customers. “Our firm loves challenges and working with something new.” A recently completed door to a wine room exemplifies the firm’s willingness to embrace a challenge. The rift-cut White Ash wood door was made even more special by adding a South African boar-skin panel with handmade copper clavos and a woven copper grill. “The customer wanted something special, so this was built as the wine room entry door. The contributions of the door manufacturer, the leather expert and the bronze artisan make this door a piece of art. As Randy Minnick the View Point associate working on this project said, ‘on my best day, I could not even think this stuff up, but was very happy to bring it all together.’”

When asked what’s new with doors, Matt emphasizes the use of LVL micro-lam cores in the door stiles. “Not only does it look incredible, but when you check ‘under the hood,’ so to speak, it is built to last,” Matt explains. “Any wood that is out there can be used in this process, even old reclaimed wood that has no structural integrity. This keeps the doors highly resistant to warping, shrinkage, and splitting for years to come. Also becoming very popular are doors that bring the outside in, like large exterior pocketing doors and bi-fold doors. These stack or disappear into walls, freeing any barriers between the inside and outside.”

The hardware adds the bling, and View Point offers Sun Valley Bronze, Ashley Norton, Baldwin, Architectural Traditions, and EMTEK. The sales associates are deeply familiar with the advantages of each, and willingly walk customers through available choices.

Ketchum, Boise and Jackson

Three stores stand available for ordering custom doors, windows and hardware. Matt Barrow explains that these stores are local businesses committed to meeting the sophisticated needs of discriminating homes both in products and services. “Having multiple locations gives us better buying power and support with our manufacturing partners. Additionally, our customers benefit directly from these relationships,” Matt adds. “Keep in mind that just because we have focused on our custom capabilities in this article, does not mean we can not take care of your simple inexpensive needs as well.”

View Point welcomes people to their showrooms to view the array of available products and to discuss how they can help you save money while filling your needs.

For more information call View Point at 208.726.2213 or visit them online at www.viewpointwindows.com

This is a true story and not a story with a happy ending. While on a quick errand last week, I turned a borrowed key [...]]]>

Audio Innovations, the Wood River Valley’s long-standing reliable resource for home automation and entertainment, introduces new technology to keep vacation homes safer when unoccupied. By Ann Zimmerman

This is a true story and not a story with a happy ending. While on a quick errand last week, I turned a borrowed key in the lock of a vacant home and when the door opened I heard the sound of rushing water. Upstairs, a burst pipe leaked through the wall, and water ran through the bedroom carpet and down to the next floor. After a series of calls to very some unhappy people on the receiving end, eventually the water was turned off and a fleet of disaster clean-up trucks and trailers showed up and started stripping the home.

Leaks Happen, and Detection ProtectsHaving directly experienced the shock of a sudden water leak, it was interesting to learn that Audio Innovations has developed a product line to keep homes safe from water damage. When asked how, Jess Goitiandia, owner of Audio Innovations in Hailey, says they accomplish it with strategically located sensors in locations throughout the home. When water is sensed, it will automatically shut off the water main and send out an alert notifying of the trouble.

Jess outlined situations that could be prevented: a water leak in the kitchen under the dishwasher or the water spigot freezes and breaks the pipe. “Disasters happen in a vacant home even if there is a scheduled weekly check. Within a couple of hours of the leak’s onset, hundreds of gallons of water can run all over a home. After three days of nonstop running, the floors are ruined, the custom painted sheetrock and furniture are soggy, and the crawl space is flooded with a couple of feet of water. If it happened in the upstairs bathroom, water runs down the stairs and soaks through the floor, and the sheetrock once on the ceiling is now scattered all over the first floor. And there can be many days until the property manager comes back for inspection. Imagine how long it takes to dry out, and what about mold? When a property isn’t consistently occupied, no one knows what has occurred until it is too late,” Jess describes, and the situation I had just experienced convinces me of the truth of what he says.

Jess responds to a question about just how often flooding occurs; the rate is startling. “Audio Innovations has found from insurance carriers that the average homeowner will have a claim once every ten years. A typical repair runs in excess of $75,000, and the frustration and lost time is additional.”

All could have been avoided with the special device Audio Innovations can install, the Water Cop. It is an automated water shut-off system with flood sensors and a turn-off at the main water line. According to Jess, depending on the insurance carrier, those installing the leak-detection monitoring device could receive substantial discounts on insurance.

New Talent for Products and Services

This device is part if ongoing research for new products. “Audio Innovations has always been on the cusp of bleeding edge technology, and now we have developed a new commercial division to focus on and specialize in energy management. Technology allows remote management of lighting, climate- controls, irrigation, snowmelt systems and more,” explains Jess.

To aid in this process, Audio Innovations has brought Jay Bason into the family. Jay has a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Duke University and a master’s degree in engineering from Loyola College. “Jay is Silver-certified as a Crestron programmer, and he is part of a select group of individuals we call the special-forces team, meaning true problem solvers with deep training and analytical abilities,” Jess clarifies.

And what is behind forming this new commercial division? “Audio Innovations has always been a premier provider of technology solutions, and now we have created products to aid in snowmelt systems. These products allow for substantial savings in power and fuel consumption, and prevent ice dams from forming,” Jess expands. “We are currently in the process of designing a system to use natural solar gain and weather temperatures to assist in heating and cooling homes or businesses. To top it all off, these systems allow for remote monitoring via computers, phones, or i-devices.”

An example of effectiveness is the concurrent management of shades, drapes, heating, and lighting using a Crestron controller. According to Jess, it can offer a substantial 80% savings in energy. Audio Innovations is also configuring automated fans for attics that prevent ice dams on the roof in winter and keep the home cool in summer.

“We really invite people to call or stop by and discuss options to create ways to save money in wasted resources, and to take the responsible step to not waste. Technology is advancing so fast, a personal meeting will explain the possibilities for introducing technology in general and the advantages of our devices and systems,” says Jess, noting that their offices and showroom are located conveniently in Hailey.

And Music and Entertainment

With so many advances in whole- home automation, it is easy to forget Audio Innovations has roots in home theaters, sound systems, televisions, and other home entertainment. “I think it is indicative of the changing role of the home integrator,” Jess reflects. “Less than ten years ago, home entertainment was our primary focus, but as homes have become automated, we have assumed responsibility for integrating electronics, monitoring, and controls.”

Audio Innovations carries premier products for home entertainment, including McIntosh exclusivity. Similar to simplifying homes, entertainment systems can now be managed with just one device. Another advance that Jess is especially pleased with is how Audio Innovations eliminates the clutter of wires, cables and auxiliary devices for flat-screened televisions, making for clean installations.

Audio Innovations continues to grow in its abilities to make homes smarter, more comfortable, and more enjoyable. It is a local business that provides service, as well as products.

For more information call 208.788.3400 or visit Audio Innovations online at www.audioi.org

  [bannergarden id="2"] [bannergarden id="3"] [bannergarden id="1"] ]]> http://westernhomejournal.com/2012/02/detecting-leaks-before-they-destroy-2/feed/ 0 http://westernhomejournal.com/2012/02/the-perfect-blend/ http://westernhomejournal.com/2012/02/the-perfect-blend/#comments Sat, 11 Feb 2012 08:38:47 +0000 admin http://westernhomejournal.com/?p=3264 Western states geothermal’s integrated expertise in mechanical, electrical and plumbing solutions provided the perfect blend to help meet the challenges of combining a community’s vision for vibrancy, an iconic coffee shop, and a state-of-the-art visitor center in a dated building. By Jon Duval and Neil Bradshaw

Evaluating Problems

Western states geothermal’s integrated expertise in mechanical, electrical and plumbing solutions provided the perfect blend to help meet the challenges of combining a community’s vision for vibrancy, an iconic coffee shop, and a state-of-the-art visitor center in a dated building. By Jon Duval and Neil Bradshaw

Evaluating Problems

“This project is a great example of what can be accomplished with a public- private partnership,” says Ron Pierce, CEO of Western States Geothermal (WSG), of his company’s most recent high-profile project. “Here you have a community organization, a private enterprise, an architect and our one- stop shop for smart electrical, heating and plumbing services all coming together to build something special for both residents and visitors alike.”

And all of this was done with an incredibly tight timeline and budget. With just two months to fully renovate the interior of the former Mountain West Bank building located at 491 Sun Valley Road, Ketchum-based architect Susan Desko assembled a team that was equal to the task.

WSG worked with the owners (Cairde Group and City of Ketchum) to design the mechanical, electrical and plumbing system that supported the Starbucks/Desko design. “Working with the owners from the start of the project to identify their needs, ensured our design and engineering work was aligned with their goals.” Pierce says.

Today, coffee seekers and those looking for information on the Sun Valley area are greeted by locally harvested timber totems that reach up to the 40-foot high ceilings, glazed concrete floors and a mix of natural, industrial and technological aesthetics.

The 3,500 square-foot building, originally built in the late ‘70’s, was well noted for its fantastic location anchoring the south end of the new Ketchum Town Square. However, it also presented an incredibly difficult challenge for the renovation team. Along with its A-frame construction, the building retained its old bank interior replete with an extremely inefficient HVAC system, plumbing that had caused former tenants no small expense and an unwieldy floor plan that greatly restricted potential uses.

With the renovation beginning in September and only two months to hit the scheduled reopening on 11/11/11, it was imperative to move as quickly as possible on the innovative design laid out by Desko.

“To this end, we needed to work as efficiently as possible, and with WSG offering many of the needed services with a single point of contact, they were a very obvious choice,” Desko recounts.

Finding Solutions

With a number of specific and substantial challenges laid out for WSG, perhaps the greatest was an overhaul of the heating system. The original system was over 30-years-old and long since incapable of providing a consistent and comfortable environment in the open structure; replacement was an obvious requirement for both a private enterprise and visitor center.

In its place, WSG installed two new natural gas furnaces that were more than 30 percent more efficient than their predecessor, along with two new high-efficiency air conditioning units. These are controlled by programmable thermostats, another energy and cost-saving measure. This air is carried through all new ductwork, also installed by WSG.

“Temperature control and good lighting was an absolute necessity when we were looking into the renovation design,” explains Jane Rizzo, a principal of the Cairde Group, the investment team behind the café. Unlike most Starbucks, its menu offerings include beer, wine and locally baked fare. “We needed to create an atmosphere that would be inviting for our customers and an environment in the visitor center that would showcase our beautiful valley.”

In addition to the HVAC improvements, the electrical system was in need of complete overhaul on a fast-track basis. As Larry Conrad, WSG’s lead electrician notes, “The existing electrical service was inadequate for what we were trying to accomplish. We had to introduce transformers to power the café ovens and coffee systems. We also needed to introduce more than 200 lights, including low voltage and LED options, to ensure we achieved the mood settings that our clients wanted. ”

Furthermore, the food and beverage offerings required all-new plumbing. WSG installed new water distribution through a reverse-osmosis water filtration system for the coffee machines and other systems. Bathrooms were brought up to code and made handicapped accessible. “We had to take a building that was plumbed for a bank and to change it to one that would be plumbed to meet the exacting standards of Starbucks’ quality control, as well as to meet code for public access at the visitor center,” says PeeWee Thomas, WSG’s lead plumber.

Jared Hillard, head of WSG’s service department, led the commissioning and startup of all the service equipment. “Being able to talk to all my colleagues at WSG on the different aspects of the install really helped me commission the equipment quickly, and it gave me great confidence that the install job would be done right.”

Providing Value

The services provided on this project highlight the capabilities of WSG, but the expertise of WSG expands well beyond these services. Clients come to the company to initiate energy audits, building monitoring, upgrades or design-build projects. Typically, with the feasibility study and design-build process, WSG joins the team at the onset of the building’s conceptual design. At this point, the building can be properly oriented and the best renewable energy system can be determined through close coordination with the architect, builder and owner.

Savings and service are prioritized throughout every aspect of the system, including WSG’s state-of-the-art monitoring system, which allows maximum performance to be achieved through feedback from the HVAC unit to a professional at the WSG office. “If we observe any problems with a pump, furnace or boiler, our service department is on site before any damage or inconvenience can occur,” explains WSG Manager Evan Lawler. “Owners committed to lowering their bills, along with their environmental impact, have had great success through receiving this instantaneous and valuable data.” In one case, an owner decreased his utility bill from $5,000 to $1,500 per month by making these performance corrections through monitoring feedback. This system allows both the owner and WSG to make temperature and other adjustments from anywhere in the world with an Internet or mobile connection.

“This connectivity equates to one simple goal: savings,” Lawler says.

This goal also extends to existing buildings, as demonstrated by the Visitors Center project. “We assess the current energy demand of existing equipment and calculate energy loads and cost,” Piece explains. “This allows us to make recommendations through a feasibility study that ensures the savings’ end of the equation balances with any improvements or upgrades.”

These recommendations can cover a wide array of improvements that include high- performance HVAC systems; furnace or boiler replacement; combinations of high-efficiency heating, geothermal and solar; and hybrid systems that maximize the benefits of temperature fluctuations seen in a mountainous climate. With a commitment to making homes and businesses as energy efficient as possible, WSG utilizes cutting- edge technology that allows for the rapid recovery of higher initial system expenses. Through lower operating costs, tax credits and incentives, one- time expenditures are recouped, allowing ongoing savings. Not only wise investments for the residents, these improvements also raise resale values. This logical approach drives the Western States Geothermal ethos.

“Like our customers, we have to be pragmatic,” Pierce says. “We only want energy solutions that make sense for our clients.”

For more information call 208.726.0637 or visit www.westernstatesgeo.com

Great ideas will subtly seed and slowly germinate, and then they take hold [...]]]>

This Hailey home’s checklist of luxury features and qualities matches any of the finest and largest homes on the market, but its size is appropriate to a family neighborhood and the carbon footprint is nil. By Ann Zimmerman

Great ideas will subtly seed and slowly germinate, and then they take hold so fiercely we ask the question, why haven’t we always done things this way? Craig Johnson’s European styled cottage on one of Hailey’s friendly, tree-lined streets offers the lifestyle, amenities, and features of the most luxurious high-end homes. Craig Johnson, owner of LMJ Builders and Craig Johnson Construction, found the answer to his own question: Can we live smaller without sacrificing the lifestyle we enjoy?

As with most stories, Craig Johnson’s is one that moves through a logical series of events to a clear and happy ending, but it started out as an experiment and a series of “what if ” questions. Craig Johnson is a well-known local builder with a reputation for fine luxury homes. With a portfolio of high-end custom homes, he is very familiar with the upscale features and touches as well as the construction quality that people at the upper end of the market expect and are willing to pay for. In keeping, he built a 5,000 square-foot home in an upscale rural neighborhood for his own preferred lifestyle of entertaining and gourmet home cooking.

In a series of unanticipated events, Johnson bought a small Hailey home to fix up and to resell. Concurrently, someone really wanted his own home and bought it. Because of structural problems with the existing Hailey house, Johnson had stripped it down to the footprint and floorboards. He became intrigued with the idea of rebuilding the home for himself and wife, Laura, and he started to play with the idea of whether they could design and build everything they loved about their larger home into a 1,900 square-foot footprint. “I began a process of thinking through all the spaces and deciding what is important versus how I may have done it in the past,” Craig recounts. “It was the most challenging home I have ever designed and built. I went to the heart of getting the essential space for the lifestyle I like and not forfeiting anything as I eliminated square footage.”

Walking through the casually elegant two-bedroom home, nothing seems sacrificed. The kitchen is spacious enough for two cooks to turn out a holiday meal for an extended family. Looking closely, there are some smart swaps, like trading a warming drawer for a second oven. Similarly, there is a bar for snacking or informal meals, and a spacious dining area in the open floor plan. “In reviewing what works and doesn’t work about the larger homes I have built and lived in, I decided that an open floor plan works for today’s lifestyle. With an open plan, I could trim space away for hallways, and size the living areas for how we actually use them. For example, a formal living area is always under-used, especially if there is also a family room. We have one living area with a fireplace and seating, and a separate media room with built-in computer desks.

Some spaces, like the master bath and closet, feature the size and appointments one expects in homes five to six times the size. “There is no reason that just because it is small, it can’t have the feel and comforts of a larger home,” explains Johnson. “The design-build process like we went through gets to the heart of getting the space and design a homeowner will value. It takes understanding design, costs, and the other options and features available for the same costs in order to negotiate trade-offs.”

For his own home, Craig chose to focus his resources on building healthy and energy-efficiently. “It’s definitely healthy because of our use of natural materials, water-based, and wax finishes. We invested heavily in an agri-based foam insulation and an energy-efficient forced air system with heat pump. We also zoned the house for different temperature zones. For additional conservation, there is solar hot water heating and photovoltaic electrical generation. The best indication of how well we have lowered our carbon footprint is by our utility bill. We pay less than $125 a month for both electricity and gas.”

The Hailey location is a big plus for Johnson. “We love being in this neighborhood, and we can walk to restaurants and theaters. It’s great to enjoy wine with dinner and not worry about driving.” Johnson studied the 9,000-square-foot lot with the same intent that he examined the home—to maximize the benefits of the space. His design captures maximum area for outdoor living, features for privacy, and space for a cottage encompassing private guest quarters with the bathroom and wine cellar in the level beneath. In addition to the connected single-car garage by the street, Johnson built another single-car garage connected to the guest cottage with an exercise studio above it. The outdoor living patios connect to the home’s entertainment spaces for ease of hosting a crowd.

The home is complete, and Johnson loves living in it so much that he wants to share his new concept of luxury living in a smaller space with anyone considering building or remodeling. “I am comfortable working with clients in a variety of ways: one-on-one, with their architect, or with an interior designer. We are a construction company with design capabilities, but that does not constrain us from collaborating. This concept can be adjusted in so many ways. The intent is to make a home or remodeled space meet the client’s lifestyle and not waste space,” notes Johnson.

It does make sense. There is everything we love in much less than half the space, and there is less space to maintain, clean, heat, and cool. Also, it allows for in-town living among friends, restaurants, entertainment, and services. Like so many great ideas, why haven’t we always lived like this?

For more information on LMJ Builders call 208.788.0996 or visit www.lmj-builders.com