Info-to-Build-On House to Home by Raoul Hennin August 31, 2005 A house transformed from bare-bone structure to warm and loving home.

Three weeks ago, we traveled several hundred miles to our aunt and uncle's 600-acre wooded, lakeside estate to celebrate our cousin's wedding. The ceremony was held on the front lawn of their new timber frame home. Wedding celebrations filled the new home with energy, hope, and joy for several days.

Michelle and Sid first met with Gaius to design their timber frame several years ago. The design progressed through time steadily and with care, as Michelle and Sid created meaningful spaces within the frame. One year ago, truck and crew departed for upstate New York to raise a well-loved structure. In 7 days of mixed weather, the 12'x12' 3-story tower and 24'x36' cape emerged from the side of a hill on 600 acres of lakeside privacy. The sun came out for a photo opportunity the last few days before Gaius and crew departed for home.

It is always rewarding to see first-hand the transformation of an empty timber frame into a living home. As I walked into the house for the first time, I was particularly interested in the work Michelle and Sid had accomplished in the year since Gaius and crew had left. Stealing away for 3-day weekends from their lives in Queens, Michelle and Sid had transformed the bare shell into a warm mosaic of their lives. The spaces they had envisioned were suddenly on display for us all to see, and understand: grand and private, fun and practical.

Beyond the physical transformation, there was a palpable spiritual transformation on display. Just as Michelle and Sid gathered their extended families for the union of their son, Malek with his bride, Bianca, they had gathered representations of their families, their work, their play, and their aspirations for a future lifestyle. They plumbed, electrified, plastered, painted and trimmed. They finished and adorned. Each timber, wall panel, nook and cranny held objects of meaning. Books, sculptures, furniture, paintings, an acrylic bath tub, secluded study, oversized dining room table, and open kitchen all contributed to the strong sense of purpose in this new home so early in its life.

The celebration of life that greeted us in this new home set a promising tone for the celebration of Malek's wedding. Michelle and Sid have loved their new home with such vigor and spirit, that we came away with a strong sense of wonder at the mystery of life itself. Thank you, Sid and Michelle.

For more photos of Michelle and Sid's project, visit our photo gallery.

In addition to our design/construction services, Shelter Institute offers house Design/Build classes throughout the year. Learn to build this fall: