Natural Granite Boulders Become A Source Of Design

Large boulders typical to this intimate neighborhood on the shores of Lake Tahoe proved a spectacular setting for a 1940s cabin. The property recently underwent a remodel to accommodate future generations in this much-loved vacation home. | Photo: Christopher Stark

A 1940s cabin on a spectacular Lake Tahoe shoreside setting unearthed more than a few challenges for the design and construction teams enlisted for a major remodel. Among the unexpected conundrums were several giant partially concealed boulders on the lower floor.The granite rocks became an unforeseen facet to the renovation of this cherished vacation home. The homeowner spent many years staying at the house, which his parents bought 32 years ago and subsequently passed on to him and his wife. “It’s a great location in a very intimate neighborhood which we like so much, but we felt the house needed to be modified to suit our needs and be a place for our kids and grandchildren to keep enjoying.” The existing cabin was extended in the 1980s but hadn’t been touched since.

Built on two levels, the six-bedroom structure was heavily compartmentalized downstairs, with dated bathrooms and a narrow kitchen upstairs. The couple started the project by enlisting David Marlatt of DNM Architecture, who they’d known for 40 years. “A remodel is like a patient; you have to start out by finding what it needs, and this home revealed a number of surprises,” Marlatt says. It turned out the structure had no foundation and enveloped a couple of huge granite rocks—typical of the area. Among the many decisions, it was decided two gargantuan stones would become a feature.

Semi-concealed boulders became a feature in the lower level where custom shelving displays minerals and shells collected by the homeowner’s father. Le Corbusier chairs set on oak flooring complement the bluish tones in the exposed rock. | Photo: Christopher Stark

“We had to get very creative; traditional finishes don’t cooperate with boulders,” says Rand Carter of Sawtooth Builders. The redesign began by reversing the staircase between the upper and lower floors. “Instead of feeling like you are going down a rabbit hole, you now enter what became the boulder room,” Marlatt says. Not only does it create a talking point, but it provides a stunning transition downstairs to the family room, a media center and two bedrooms.

Upstairs, the kitchen received the greatest attention with the removal of its oppressive false ceiling. Marlatt created a pitched ceiling to match the one in the adjacent sitting room and anchored the design on the centrally located cooktop hood. Rachel Bozman of Henrybuilt devised a system enabling it to live bigger with clever appliance placements and space-saving solutions. The cooking areas were separated to enable space for baking needs and ensure flow when the kitchen is bustling with helpers. A functional backsplash with powder-coated shelves and a knife block permits above-counter storage by the mixed induction-and-gas stovetop. “Fitting in everything we needed was definitely a challenge,” Bozman says.

A 2K polyurethane finish was used on the walnut cabinetry by Henrybuilt, which adds a layer of protection from factors such as steam in the much-used kitchen. | Photo: Christopher Stark

The bathrooms proved a similar puzzle. “We redid all the bathrooms, which are really small and were tough to do, but we had fun working out the finishes so they could pack a big punch,” Carter says, laughing. “One of our biggest feats was coordinating all the wood tones, as there is a lot of timber in the home,” says interior designer Andrea Lackie, of Andrea Lackie Design. “Rand and I spent a lot of time working on stain samples, as every wood takes the color differently.”

Exposed ceilings and trusses were sandblasted so Lackie could coordinate the oak flooring, walnut cabinetry and existing fir finishes. Additionally, all the original doors were kept, along with a large amount of heirloom furniture. “The mix of old and new elements really gives it a rich feel,” Lackie says. “Just because it’s a mountain home we didn’t want it to be all wood. What we have is a more contemporary home with a lot of personality.” To honor his parents, who ignited the family’s appreciation for the area, the homeowner commissioned custom shelving in the boulder room to showcase minerals and shells from his dad’s collection. “Every time I come to the house, I look at how incredible it is here, and I hope future generations will be able to do the same,” he says.

A second-level deck with glass balustrade was added and extends the living space outdoors without any interruption to the stunning views of Lake Tahoe. | Photo: Christopher Stark

TIPS FOR BUILDING WITH BOULDERS

Incorporating the sheer rawness of rock in its natural form into interior design takes the concept of bringing the outside in to a whole new level. The design team shares their tips for success.

• ANCHOR THE BOULDERS in place to ensure they cannot be moved and safeguard against becoming a potential hazard.
• AVOID AIR GAPS and protect from weather elements leaking inside the structure by ensuring a tight seal around the rock and any outer walls.
• CONSIDER THE STONE AS A SCULPTURE and use slivers of the same rock as infill pieces.
• BE CREATIVE WITH FINISHES to connect the rock with the adjacent flooring and walls as it will be uneven, and any seams will not be smooth. Use plaster as a clean way to join materials.
• INCORPORATE NATURAL ELEMENTS in the furnishings and accessories such as wood and natural fibers. Punctuate the space with glass and metal details to add interest, contrast and light reflection. Pull colors from the stone to guide color decisions but avoid matching.
• USE STRATEGIC LIGHTING to add greater emphasis on the natural contours and raw beauty of the rock.
• MAINTAIN THE FINISH OF THE ROCK if it has been sealed, by cleaning and resealing over time, especially in high-traffic areas.

Antique chairs reupholstered in a Perennials Fabric partially surround a custom oval table from Loggia in San Francisco in the dining area. A window seat offers a tempting spot
to linger after any meal. | Photo: Christopher Stark

The homeowners have an extensive collection of heirloom furnishings that fill the property. An antique chandelier that was originally used in the living room was relocated to one of four bedrooms on the upper level. | Photo: Christopher Stark

Pendant lights from De Sousa Hughes hang over a Stone Forest sink set in the powder room’s custom walnut vanity. | Photo: Christopher Stark

A push panel mirrored cabinet above the quartzite slab sink and custom walnut shelving offer space saving solutions in the main bathroom. | Photo: Christopher Stark

ARCHITECTURE – DNM Architecture
INTERIOR DESIGN – Andrea Lackie Design
CONSTRUCTION – Sawtooth Builders
KITCHEN – Design Henrybuilt

As featured in Mountain Living’s March/2025 Issue