the ROSEN project

Built by Brons Construction
Photography by Michelle Callen x Inguz Creative

Build Perspective with
Joe Brons

BRONS CONSTRUCTION: What made you excited to take on this project?

JOE BRONS:

Rosen Lake is such a beautiful lake with a growing lakeside community here in the Kootenays, and our clients were over the moon excited to be building this home. You can’t help but be affected by that kind of positive energy, which made us equally excited to be a part of building something that connected those aspects of nature, family and community.

The lot was such a beautiful setting so getting to work here and see the views over the progress of the build didn’t make us need any convincing! The lot has gorgeous mountain and lake views, with a private creek in the back. The home design was very contemporary and unique which was also an exciting element for us.

BRONS CONSTRUCTION: What challenges could you foresee with the build that you were eager to take on?

JOE BRONS:

We knew the timberwork was going to be a huge focal point for the build. It is the key feature of the exterior of the home, so we knew this would require an enormous attention to detail and craftsmanship, which is what we specialize in!

BRONS CONSTRUCTION: What were some of the biggest challenges to overcome with this build?

JOE BRONS:

A big challenge was that the lot had fill dirt dumped on it, which was not the right kind of soil needed for this kind of site/build. It required some serious geotechnical engineering, and in the end, we had to dig down 15-20 feet to remove the unstable material and to find solid baring soil. We then had to bring the site back up to grade with a combination of engineered drain rock, geotechnical fabric and compacted soil.

BRONS CONSTRUCTION: What advice would you give to someone who is thinking of approaching a project like this one?

JOE BRONS:

When building in close proximity to a lake, consider the strict setbacks, easemens, etc. I would highly recommend picking your builder early and making sure they can come do site visits with you at those beginning stages to help you spot hidden costs and headaches. We are always up for a challenge and love complicated sites that require coming up with some creative solutions, so make sure you choose a builder who isn’t afraid to think outside of the box, and who has experience building in this kind of environment.

BRONS CONSTRUCTION: What elements of the project do you feel especially proud of?

JOE BRONS:

The timberwork and the custom glass wine cabinet are the standout stars for us on this project. The custom metal guard rail for the deck was also a really beautiful feature that we loved working on. This home was built as a secondary home for our clients to retreat to, vacation in and where they can come to unwind and relax. I’m proud that in this project there are so many hardworking and humble custom details that really make you feel relaxed, that feel simple and elevated, and that let the views and incredible nature around the home really take center stage.

BRONS CONSTRUCTION: What are some of the most custom elements of this project?

JOE BRONS:

As mentioned before, of course, the incredible timberwork on the deck, the metal guard rail, and the amazing wine cabinet that you see right when you walk in the front door. We did a custom tiled walk-in shower, and the beautiful resawn pocket barn door in fir wood.

Our client’s uncle did all of the custom cabinetry around the home, which not only gave it that incredible custom feel, but also a beautiful story. We loved his work and energy so much we had to have him join our team at Brons Construction! We are really excited to now be able to offer beautiful, high-end cabinetry to our clients at an incredible price point.