Residential Design + Build

SEP-OCT 2012

Residential Design + Build provides architects, designers and builders of custom homes with the information they need to create high-end custom homes.

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design and construction concerns. "Putting in an elevator would require a tremendous amount of excavation, and it would need to be at the front of the house, which would block views," Mather says. "So, we opted out of that and instead Brian uses the stairs to walk from the garage to the house." Even without the ele- Ç The governing body for Lake Tahoe has strict land-use regulations, which the design/build team had to work with. Regional Planning Agency, went to the U.S. Supreme Court in 2002 granting TRPA more control, Casey decided it finally was time to build on his lot. "I was concerned they could take back the rights to build on this lot." The TRPA regulates the area to protect Lake Tahoe. "They regulate height, land coverage, color and materials. They regulate the amount of glass that faces the lake for the scenic quality of it — recreational users on the lake are looking back at the land," Mather says. While regulation and permitting are com- mon in the home building industry, Mather says the level of regulation managed by TRPA exceeds anything he has dealt with in other parts of the country. "It's a very careful and thoughtful process. There are limits on design down to the last square foot you can cover," he says. Mather adds that Casey's home received more regulation than other homes in the area because it is so exposed. "All houses in Lake Tahoe go through a similar process, but this house seemed to get more because it was more exposed on the hill," he says. "I' vator, the excavation was a big project. "Excavation and foundation were the biggest parts of this home," Buffington says. "It's a challenge but building in the mountains is always a challenge." Excavation took six weeks. AWESOME VIEWS The design of Casey's home is much different than his original sketches. After reviewing his ideas, Mather challenged him to consider more creative ways to build his dream home and take advantage of the Lake Tahoe views. "Ev e r y thing he d say about 30 percent of the homes in this area go through this level of review because of exposure." Mather handled the permitting and worked with TRPA. TRPA approves a specific amount of land coverage for the home, garage, sidewalks and driveway, but the building footprint can be extended by 1 ft. for every 3 ft. it is off the ground. Mather took advantage of this rule by cantilevering the breakfast nook. Originally, the team considered install- ing an elevator but decided against it due to described was like the other homes on his road:;wood frame, gable tract homes. I said to him, 'Why are we designing a new home if you want the house next door?' So I convinced him this was a unique opportunity to take advantage of the stunning views of the lake," Mather says. Casey adds that Gary Davis also challenged him. "He warned me from the beginning, saying, 'You can't build a little cabin — you can't underdevelop this lot.'" Mather visited Casey's house to understand his lifestyle so he could design a home that fits the way Ç Despite plenty of regulation, including how much glass can face Lake Tahoe, good views of the water were achieved. Ç The steep nature of the land caused an 18-month court case resulting in the approval to build on it. Casey lives. "It's always good to see what people have to live with. There are so many things they love about where they are, and what they don't love, too," Mather says. F o r R e s i d e n t i a l P r o s . c o m r esidential design + build S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R 2012 11

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