As the builder on this project, we’re really excited to share our work with you when the new pub-with-a-view, The Row, opens December 19 (2013).

Recycled and reclaimed materials have been used throughout the Desert Rain home, the guest house, and throughout the landscaping on site. The search for unique, green building materials has turned up some stunning products and the resourcefulness of the Desert Rain team has resulted in some truly elegant applications of reclaimed materials.

Choosing a good lot to build your custom home on is incredibly important. Over the years, we’ve helped many clients the perfect site. We often walk potential lots with clients before the purchase the land to answer questions, discuss potential ideas, and identify possible downsides to the site.

We share our clients’ enthusiasm for the custom home building process because we don’t look at the houses we build as a mere shelter from the elements. They are the place for afternoons doing homework in the kitchen; mornings getting ready for work; for holiday gatherings, birthday parties, and even visits from the tooth fairy.

As construction on Desert Rain (a Living Building Challenge custom home) nears completion, we find ourselves reflecting on the process and on green building in Central Oregon. Sustainable building and healthy homes are at the core of the work we do and this project has deepened our understanding and commitment to these values.

The Desert Rain House has many elements that make it the most green custom home we have ever built. ...The heat pump (Daikin Altherma) installed by Bobcat & Sun is an innovative system that heats the home, produces domestic hot water, and can even cool spaces.

ML Vidas, a local architect and sustainability consultant, gave a presentation that summarizes the thought behind Living Building Challenge – a program of the International Living Future Institute – and the seven performance areas for green building.

We’re honored that the Northwest Contemporary home we’ve recently completed in Tetherow has been named Best Architectural Design in the $700,000-$800,000 category as part of the 2013 COBA Tour of Homes.

Desert Rain, the uber green, custom home we are building, is the first home in Bend, and in the entire state of Oregon, to receive a residential waste water permit. This means we have approval to use the grey water system that will treat and reuse waste water from sinks showers and laundry.

ome stuccos are greener than others and we’re just wrapping up work with one of the most sustainable stuccos available. ...Though not as commonly used today, lime has many advantages over cement. It is a nearly carbon neutral material. The lower environmental impact of lime is definitely important in the construction of this Living Building Challenge project.