Overview

Rookmere is a compact Appalachian cabin balanced for slope and season: a 30'×24' core flanked by full‑width 8' porches front and back, with a walk‑out basement below and a lofted upper level above. A modest 3/12 gable simplifies framing, while Hardie plank cladding and a hearth‑centered living zone deliver durable warmth and everyday clarity.

Client Type

Rookmere suits owners seeking a straightforward, budget‑aware build that handles grade, weather, and weekend crowds. It favors simple structure, clean circulation, and legible drawings so non‑specialist teams can price, permit, and build with confidence.

Project Scope

The Rookmere project provides a complete permit set tailored to a sloped site and walk‑out condition. The architectural program includes:

• Main level plan aligned front‑to‑back with porches and axial entries

• Loft floor with two open bunk areas and one full bath

• Unfinished walk‑out basement documented for clarity at permit time

• 3/12 roof with conventional framing and coordinated sections

• Hardie plank exterior and interior stove as focal point

• Representational MEP layouts and full sheets: plans, elevations, roof, sections, wall/stair details, door‑window schedules

Challenges Addressed

• Managing a steep rear grade with an 8'‑ceiling walk‑out basement

• Preserving headroom and usability in a low‑slope (3/12) roof over a loft

• Aligning axial entries and circulation through a tight 30'×24' footprint

• Packaging MEP intent without over‑engineering for residential review

Goals Achieved

✔️ Clear, buildable documentation for an expedited permit path

✔️ Durable exterior palette with low‑complexity roof geometry

✔️ Loft and stair sections that resolve headroom and structure cleanly

✔️ Representational MEPs that streamline coordination and pricing

✔️ Porch‑to‑porch flow that enhances daily use and seasonal living