Bill Schattner. Building homes since 1978.
Every great home begins with someone's dream. It may be sketched out on the back of an old envelope, it may be a file folder crammed with pictures clipped from dozens of magazines, or it may be just an idea you've carried around in your head for years. It doesn't matter where the ideas come from...it only matters that they are yours and to you they represent the perfect home for you and your loved ones.
I understand that.
That's why we build homes the way we do.
Just the way you'd want us to...
“We wanted an addition that looked like an old lodge, a room in which the family could gather together. Did our dream come true? Absolutely.”
M.R. Eagle River
The Challenge: Building a large addition that would look like it had always been part of the original house.
Our Solution: Connect the old and new with a windowed hallway that not only created a beautiful space for a garden courtyard, it also limited disruption to the existing home while the addition was being built.
We took their idea of a privacy gate and made it both functional and charming, designing it to match their distinctive timbered look.
We created special exterior touches like these lampposts to mirror the timber frame design of the addition and add to the “old lodge” feel.
Even the existing garage got a facelift to match the impressive new entrance to this home. New doors, shingles, and stone corners were added to carry the timber frame theme.
Here is the inside of the new addition. The room is large enough to capture the feeling of a historic old lodge but cozy enough for intimate family gatherings.
While the timber girders add an impressive design element to this beautiful great room they also fulfill our requirement for sufficient structural strength. This is something we always emphasize.
We tucked a charming little bar into the nook created by the staircase to the balcony. This is a family that likes to entertain so it made great use of this small space.
The Challenge: How could we locate the necessary utilities in the addition so they would not be noticeable or take up valuable floor space?
Our Solution:We built a log paneled wall up in the balcony with a secret door. The utilities are now out of the way and out of sight.
The owner stated that blending the old home with the new addition was “Essential with a capital E,” so when the addition was complete we all looked for more ways to tie the two together. Here we achieved it with a wood ceiling in the old dining room.
The new hall also carries the look and feel of the old house and creates the desired separation and privacy. Natural light and the view of the courtyard make it a charming and interesting transition.
Here is the view of the great room from the hallway. One more dream was realized by placing the couples' exercise equipment up in the balcony. They wanted it in this addition but didn't want it to look out of place. With the intriguing design of the “roots and branches” balcony railing, the equipment is barely noticeable.
“Bill and Cindy transformed our ideas into our dream home, made for both relaxing and entertaining, where friends become family and family are friends.”
M.R. Eagle River
S. M. Sugar Camp
This kitchen was designed so that the owner can be in the kitchen cooking yet still be part of everything that is going on. It is truly the heart of their home, open to the living and dining areas as well as the grilling deck and a spacious three season sunroom.
The Challenge: To create an open, yet intimate space for entertaining family and friends.
Our Solution:Structural supports were needed to carry the second floor over this vast open area. We framed the supports with reclaimed timber to give the room the warmth and character they were looking for.
We also carried the timber framework into the design of the stairwell system.
The Challenge: These two busy professionals needed “stay in touch” home office space, but they did not want to dedicate an entire room to it.
Our Solution: We took advantage of the large loft space at the top of the steps to create “his” and “hers” desks. All that's left is for them to fill up the shelves and plop down their computers.
If you can dream it, we can make it happen. This Harley enthusiast wanted his love for his motorcycle reflected in his home. So here it is – right in the guest bathroom floor!
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“We wanted a home that was well insulated, maintenance-free, quality built, and economical. Bill listened to us. He was my stress-free builder!”
G. P. Eagle River
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This kitchen was designed so that the owner can be in the kitchen cooking yet still be part of everything that is going on. It is truly the heart of their home, open to the living and dining areas as well as the grilling deck and a spacious three season sunroom.
To maximize space in the living room we used a corner for the gas fireplace. The vaulted ceiling adds an open feeling to the room and provides the perfect place to hang trophy mounts.
The Challenge: They wanted as much natural light as possible in the dining area, but still wanted it to open into their three-season room.
Our Solution: We used a full glass door and a window to bring the light from the three season room into the dining area.
These nature and wildlife lovers enjoy their woodland setting bug-free with this three-season room.
“I love it! Now I feel like I am right outside!” says the owner.
We chose an economical and maintenance free approach to adding the three season addition to the house.
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“I wanted a weekend place that would remind me of the rustic northwoods cabin where I spent my summers as a kid. Bill has captured the feel of it – it feels like the place I grew up in.”
M.D. Three Lakes
“Bill modified our plans to create exactly what we wanted, including this fireplace. He made it look beautiful, yet the insert makes it practical.”
This cozy living room also fulfills their dream of a family place where no one would have to take their shoes off to enter and where all could gather for games and conversation.
The house was built so every room would have a view of the lake and the woods, including this cozy bedroom tucked in under the dormer.
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"We had been saving things in a file for years and needed someone who could grasp our vision and put all the pieces together. We wanted someone who could think outside the box because we didn't want a typical northwoods place. We were influenced by East Coast homes like those in Maine. This house exceeded my expectations."
J. L. Sugar Camp
The Challenge: This busy executive family lives on the coast and they wanted a builder they could work with long distance. They were only able to come out and see the house once during construction.
Our Solution: Listening and communication. We worked back and forth to create the design they wanted and then during construction we stayed in constant touch with them on the phone and by computer, emailing them photos of every step of the process. When they arrived in June they walked into a turn-key house.
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The couple wanted a “barn-like” feel to their home. Here we achieved it by tucking the kitchen under the loft and using exposed ceiling beams and country style cabinets to carry the theme.
The owner was very specific about the colors she wanted, the doors, fixtures, everything. We did all the research and then checked every detail with her before installation. Here is one of the unique, colorful bathrooms in their house.
Because of their fast paced life, this couple wanted a big rambling summer retreat just for relaxing as a family – no television or electronics – just reading, music, games, and enjoying their lake property. We designed the great room as a quiet, spacious room with lots of light.
