The dream of owning a custom-built log, wood, or timber frame home often goes hand in hand with the dream of living in harmony with the natural landscape, whether it’s nestled in the mountains, overlooking a glistening lake, or surrounded by peaceful woodlands. The beauty of log home living lies not only in the craftsmanship of the structure but in the daily experience of connecting with the outdoors.
At Beaver Mountain, helping our clients realize their vision of log and timber frame living starts with one core commitment: delivering a design and build process that is as rewarding as the finished home. One of the most essential—and often overlooked—steps we take is designing each home specifically for the unique characteristics of its building site. This ensures the home aligns with both our clients’ goals and the natural features of the land.
Site Specific Design 
To illuminate this crucial part of the process, we spoke with John Lanner, a seasoned Project Designer at Beaver Mountain with nearly thirty years of experience. John emphasizes that “creating a custom design that truly enhances the site and flows well with the surroundings is a key factor in a successful project.”
When John visits a site for the first time, he takes time to walk the land with the client, listen to their vision, and observe the property’s natural elements. “While walking the property, I’m not only learning the lay of the land where they plan to build, but I’m also seeing the vision they’re trying to express,” John explains. During this walk-through, he’s assessing everything from the best vantage points for views and standout landscape features to optimal driveway access and the ideal placement of the main entry.
John also evaluates practical considerations like sunlight patterns, prevailing winds, and compass orientation, all of which influence rooflines, window placement, and energy efficiency. “Features like this are hard to envision without being there to experience it,” he adds.
The Valley View Log Home
A great example of this approach is the Valley View project, which posed some unique challenges right from the start. “It may have been a very challenging site to walk on our first visit—with over two feet of snow—but it made a huge difference in how I guided them through the design process,” John recalls. By strategically locating the main living spaces to take full advantage of the stunning views and placing the garage at the rear for a cleaner approach, John was able to transform the client’s vision into a home that feels deeply connected to its surroundings. “Walking through the front door and seeing through the great room to the spectacular view is a moment the homeowners will never forget.”
A Holistic Approach to Property Planning
For John, every successful design begins with understanding not just the home, but the property as a whole. “It’s important to learn how our clients will use not only the home but also the surrounding land—even if some plans won’t come to life until later. If they love hosting large gatherings outdoors, I want to ensure the transition between indoor and outdoor spaces feels seamless.”
John also encourages early planning for future outbuildings, driveways, and utility access to avoid costly or awkward changes later. “Sometimes, a slight rotation or mirroring of the floor plan can make all the difference,” he notes. “And in some cases, we’ll even recommend building on a completely different area of the property to take full advantage of views or natural contours.”
Trusted Guidance, Lasting Impact
Before design begins, John often uncovers considerations that clients haven’t yet thought through—not because they’ve overlooked them, but because these aren’t everyday concerns for most homeowners. “Things like septic placement, well location, or drainage might affect where the home can go. I walk our clients through those realities so they’re confident in every decision.”
John has been a vital part of the Beaver Mountain team since 1996, and when asked what he enjoys most about this phase of the process, he says, “It’s seeing the excitement in our clients’ eyes. Hearing about how they plan to create memories in their new home and knowing I’ve played a part in making that dream a reality. That’s what makes this work so meaningful.”
At Beaver Mountain, site-specific design isn’t just an extra step—it’s a foundational principle. It’s one of the many ways we bring thoughtfulness, integrity, and care to every home we build.
