Overview

Ashren is a ranch with a partial loft tailored for first‑floor living and repeatable construction across a 23‑lot subdivision. A 32'×50' footprint frames a cathedral great room with exposed log ties and a centered stone fireplace, while an open 14'×24' loft above preserves flexibility. A site‑built 10/12 raftered roof, ridge support from basement to peak, and TJI framing balance snow loads with clean interior volume.

Client Type

Ashren suits empty nesters and retirees prioritizing main‑level ease with room for visiting family. It favors open entertaining, efficient service zones, and a buildable structure that can adapt across future lots without excess complexity.

Project Scope

The Ashren project delivers a complete model‑home set for a Wisconsin subdivision. The architectural program includes:

• Approximately 1,880 sq ft: 1,600 first floor plus 280 open loft

• 32'×50' footprint with 2×6 exterior walls, 2×4 interiors unless mechanical requires more

• Great room with cathedral ceiling, fireplace centered on gable end with flanking windows

• Two exposed 12–14" diameter log wall ties positioned 8' apart beside front dormer

• Master wing with 8' ceilings; great room walls framed to loft floor for continuous roofline

• Loft: 14'×24' open, no partitions, future‑flex for office, guest space, or added bath

• Site‑built 10/12 pitch raftered roof with inverted valleys at dormer, TJI framing

• Ridge support from basement footings to ridge at stair edge, downsizing beam requirements

• Unfinished basement with continuous wood beam, TJI first‑floor deck, two egress windows under fireplace wall

• 22'×22' garage with standard trusses transitioning to raftered tie‑in

• Front porch: slab over 48" frost walls, cedar shed roof

• Site plan for 352'×870' lot with 130' road setback, 75' side setback

Challenges Addressed

• Balancing cathedral volume with practical main‑level ceiling heights and stair clearance

• Supporting a 10/12 snow‑load roof with efficient ridge strategy and TJI framing

• Maintaining clean exterior roofline while integrating loft, dormer, and garage

• Creating a repeatable base plan that adapts across future subdivision builds

Goals Achieved

✔️ First‑floor living core with cathedral great room and exposed rustic elements

✔️ Efficient master wing sized for practicality without wasted area

✔️ Flexible loft ready for future office, guest, or bath conversion

✔️ Site‑built roof logic with ridge support that cuts beam cost and complexity

✔️ Clean, repeatable plan suited to 23‑lot phased development