Big Springs at Northstar-10
"As a couple, we, like many, are similar and different. My husband is practical, traditional and focused. I am creative, more risk oriented and flexible. MWA listened carefully to our ideas, our architectural style preferences and to our lifestyle needs. They guided us regarding realistic expectations for our project. Kristi combines rare creativity and practical management skills. She knows when to lead and when to step back and listen." - owner
This mountain modern home mashed Tahoe lodge style with Truckee industrial history and threw in some Frank Lloyd Wright influence for good measure.
The result is something unique yet comfortable that fits the site perched atop the mountain at Northstar with panoramic views of Martis Valley below. One of the main functional objectives was to bring large amounts of natural sun light into the home which is accomplished with high clerestory windows, sky lights, and a large window wall with wood and steel stair floating in front.
| Location: | Northstar |
| Style: | Mountain Modern or Contemporary |
| Architect: | Kristi Thompson - MWA, Inc. |
| Structural Engineer: | Gabbart & Woods |
| Builder: | Gerald Meng, Meng Construction |
| Landscape Designer: | Nick Williams and Associates, and Rare Earth Landscaping Construction |
| Interior Designer: | MWA, Inc, Jean Morell, and Owner |
| Photographer: | Ed Asmus |
| Lighting Design: | Light + Space |
| Square Feet: | 5,700 |
My wife and I hired Kurt Reinkens of MWA in 2005 after we purchased land to build a vacation home in the Lake Tahoe resort community of Lahontan. MWA was and still is, in our estimation, the top architectural firm in the Tahoe area, and our experience with MWA over the course of the design and construction of our home exceeded even our high expectations.
MWA is intimately familiar with the design standards in the area in general and in Lahontan in particular. It is clear that Lahontan's Design Review Board (LDRB) has developed a high degree of familiarity and trust with MWA, and this trust was integral to what ended up being a relatively smooth and hassle-free process with the LDRB. MWA was able to anticipate the needs of the LDRB and, in the few occasions were design modifications were recommended, come up with creative solutions that met those recommendations efficiently and cost-effectively.
MWA is also quite good with builders. Unlike some architects who design imaginary buildings that are extremely difficult or expensive to construct, MWAs designs, while innovative and always interesting, are practical and buildable. MWA was very involved with my builder throughout the construction process and worked to address his issues and questions in a timely manner.
Finally, the architectural aspects of our recently completed home are amazing. It seems that we notice new architectural features to the structure every time we visit our home. We couldn't be happier with the architecture of the structure, how the rooms and spaces are in synch with one another, how the house relates to the natural environment, and the window placements and rooflines, just to name a few aspects that stand out.
I would recommend MWA to anyone for these reasons. Our experience was overwhelmingly positive.
MWA is intimately familiar with the design standards in the area in general and in Lahontan in particular. It is clear that Lahontan's Design Review Board (LDRB) has developed a high degree of familiarity and trust with MWA, and this trust was integral to what ended up being a relatively smooth and hassle-free process with the LDRB. MWA was able to anticipate the needs of the LDRB and, in the few occasions were design modifications were recommended, come up with creative solutions that met those recommendations efficiently and cost-effectively.
MWA is also quite good with builders. Unlike some architects who design imaginary buildings that are extremely difficult or expensive to construct, MWAs designs, while innovative and always interesting, are practical and buildable. MWA was very involved with my builder throughout the construction process and worked to address his issues and questions in a timely manner.
Finally, the architectural aspects of our recently completed home are amazing. It seems that we notice new architectural features to the structure every time we visit our home. We couldn't be happier with the architecture of the structure, how the rooms and spaces are in synch with one another, how the house relates to the natural environment, and the window placements and rooflines, just to name a few aspects that stand out.
I would recommend MWA to anyone for these reasons. Our experience was overwhelmingly positive.
Caine Moss