Tahoe Cabin Addition
A 2,503 sq ft timber frame addition to an existing mountain residence in Soda Springs near Donner Pass, featuring three new bedrooms, an elevator, radiant floor heating, and luxury alpine finishes designed by Donald Joseph Inc.
Building at elevation
Located in Soda Springs near Donner Pass, this project transforms an existing 798 sq ft mountain residence into a 3,301 sq ft alpine home. The existing detached garage was demolished to make way for a new 2,503 sq ft wood and timber frame addition, purpose-built for year-round Sierra living.
The addition spans three levels: a garage level with mudroom, ski storage, laundry, and mechanical space; a main level with an open-concept kitchen, dining, and living area alongside the primary bedroom suite; and an upper level with a bunk room, two additional bedrooms, and sitting area. A residential elevator connects all three floors.
Interior design by Donald Joseph Inc. brings a cohesive mountain-modern aesthetic: Pierce Oak hardwood flooring, Grizzly Shaker cabinetry with Verona Bronze hardware, and Canyon Creek stone veneer. Eight independent radiant floor heating zones ensure comfort throughout, with dedicated temperature control for the kitchen, living areas, and bedrooms.
Scope of Work
- Demo existing garage, construct 2,503 sq ft addition
- Wood and timber frame construction across three levels
- Residential elevator installation
- 8-zone Schluter radiant floor heating system
- Residential fire sprinkler system throughout
- Standing seam metal roof and Andersen V400 windows
- Canyon Creek stone veneer and composite decking
- 707 sq ft deck with Trex composite in Teak
- Interior design by Donald Joseph Inc.
Floor Plan
- Garage Level Garage, mudroom, ski storage, laundry, mechanical, elevator
- Level 1: Main Living Open kitchen, dining, living room, primary suite, covered decks
- Level 2: Upper Bunk room, two bedrooms, sitting area, storage
Building at 6,768 feet demands a different playbook
Construction in the Sierra demands seasonal discipline. Grading restrictions prohibit earthwork between October 15 and May 1, and every phase must account for snow load, erosion control, and tree protection within 50 feet of the work zone.
Material choices are driven by the environment, not just aesthetics. The standing seam metal roof sheds heavy snow loads without trapping ice. Andersen V400 windows in black Capstock are rated for extreme temperature swings and UV exposure at elevation. Canyon Creek stone veneer and Trex composite decking resist freeze-thaw cycling that destroys conventional materials within a few seasons.
Every trade schedule, delivery window, and inspection is planned around weather. Road closures on Donner Pass, afternoon storms in summer, and early freeze dates in fall all factor into the timeline. You can't run a Sierra job the way you'd run one in the valley. The mountain sets the schedule.
Sierra-Specific Requirements
- 01 Grading Season Earthwork restricted Oct 15 to May 1. All site prep must be completed within the approved window.
- 02 Snow Load Engineering Structural design accounts for heavy Sierra snowpack. Roof pitch, framing, and connections are all sized accordingly.
- 03 Tree Protection Protected root zones within 50 feet of the work zone. Fencing, grading limits, and equipment staging planned to prevent damage.
- 04 Erosion Control BMP measures in place throughout construction. Silt fencing, straw wattles, and drainage management per county requirements.
- 05 Mountain-Rated Materials Standing seam metal roof, Andersen V400 windows, composite decking, and stone veneer all specified for freeze-thaw and UV exposure at elevation.
Mountain-modern detail
Every material was selected to balance alpine durability with refined living, built to handle Sierra winters while creating a warm, cohesive interior.
Standing Seam Metal Roof
Charcoal/black metal roofing with Covered Bridge–stained wood siding and Canyon Creek stone veneer by Glacier Stone Supply.
Andersen V400 Series
Black Capstock windows throughout. Carriage house garage doors in Chestnut stain. Entry door in Sherwin Williams Chestnut.
Pierce Oak Hardwood
Cali/Dream residential signature hardwood in kitchen, dining, and living areas. Carpet in attic loft only. Epoxy in garage.
Grizzly Shaker Cabinetry
Brown Grizzly Shaker cabinets with Berenson Brookledge hardware in Verona Bronze. Interior doors in white stain grade finish.
Original Cabin
Construction Progress
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