First Place West Region
Loren & Julia Wasson
Willamina, Oregon

Patience, attention to detail and a Wood-Mizer sawmill created a beautiful log home for Julia and Loren Wasson.

The house rises on 49 acres that were part of a timber farm owned and operated by Loren's father. Julia started drawing house plans in 1996, she wanted to see the magnificent views from every room and cool the house with prevailing winds - and still avoid too much sun.

Loren started cutting cedar, maple, white oak and other wood with his Wood- Mizer sawmill. He cut logs into 8x8 cants and dried them for five years - turning them each year to minimize fading, rot and bugs.

Construction consumed 15 months in 2003 and 2004. Julia, their son, three daughters, a son-in-law, brother-in-law and cousins pitched in. The family did nearly everything, from roof to insulation to heating and AC.

Loren estimates the family saved more than $100,000 by using his Wood-Mizer.

The home comes with built-in sentimental value. Now, the Wasson family is making more memories. Loren says: "We've hosted as many as 50 people at one time in our home. We are pleased that we are able to enjoy our home. We don't need to go on vacations, because we live daily at a vacation spot."