set 1 | set 2 
Woodland Retreat
The challenges of a steeply sloped wooded property resulted in a different approach to a traditional house form…
It is indeed a pleasure to
write this letter! Often you hear of horror stories when relating to home-building
experiences. Kathy and I can't tell one of those stories! In every instance,
your firm was cooperative, responsive and easy to work with. The end result
is the home of our dreams! Every day seems like we are on vacation. In
short, if we can ever help you regarding a reference, please feel free
to use our name.
Sincerely, Dick Lea, Jr.
“The ideal of happiness has always taken
material form in the house, whether cottage or castle. It stands
for permanence and separation from the world."
—Simone
de Beauvoir
Woodland Retreat
It is a pleasure to design a project that entices and compels people to visit, interact and explore both site and building.
With beautiful hand-drawn sketches the owners begin to imagine the finished home very early in the design process (click on the sketch to see the finished view).
Woodland Retreat
Complex siting and program requirements sometimes result in unusual and exciting design possibilities.
Woodland Retreat
The driveway continues under the ‘bridge’ to the parking court, arriving at the elevation of the main floor, just a few steps from the home’s entry.
"I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation and satisfaction with the working relationship that has been established between Sagmoen Builders, Inc. and AOME.
We have … worked on a variety of projects together and the attributes of [Olason and Elster] and your staff are many. Your talent and creativity in design from conception to completion, including the finest details, is outstanding. In addition, another factor and maybe the most important, is your ability to communicate with all parties involved – from homeowner to contractor and the many people in between. In large custom residential projects, it is imperative that the architect handle questions and concerns to the satisfaction of many parties. While this is not always an easy task, AOME ranks far above other offices with whom I have been involved. The response time from your office when a question arises is always prompt and does not create unnecessary delays in the construction process.
All of these factors, and many more, contribute to a real ‘team effort' feeling and approach, that must be present for the successful completion of a custom residence.
Thank your for your efforts and I look forward to our continuing outstanding relationship.
Sincerely,"
—Rick Sagmoen, President Sagmoen Builders, Inc.
Woodland Retreat
Good design uses both natural and artificial light to craft a space.
Woodland Retreat
The depth and color of materials add to the relationship between the home’s interior and the natural environment.
Woodland Retreat
The south-facing terrace offers an elevated platform, almost in the canopy of the forested site yet drinking in the sunlight.
Woodland Retreat
A simple twist on a detail often raises the ordinary to a higher standard.
