I prefer honest materials. Even a very convincing fake that boasts improved durability and performance rubs me the wrong way. So don’t expect to see any stone-look porcelain or vinyl “wood” flooring at our projects. There is one area where I make a compromise, and that is in regards to rafter tails.

Tim and I are often assessing which features of a building we notice and appreciate most. Long after one has settled into a new environment, what are the details that don’t escape one’s notice after familiarity has made itself at home? I’m here to make a case for the eaves. Sure, you can still build a beautiful home without drawing attention to this component. Yet, when you take the time to craft this area with care and quality it makes the whole house sing!

I’ve contemplated why this space matters so much to me. I’ve concluded several things. First, it gives a glimpse into the workings of a structure; not unlike a clock with a clear cover that showcases the gears and components that make the machine tick. Secondly, it reveals an appreciation for craftsmanship and materiality. Instead of boxing up and hiding this integral element, it makes it beautiful. Seated on the master porch at Camp Bluebird, one can catch a spectacular view of the home’s eaves. The porch overhang is particularly deep at this vantage point.

What makes the rafter tails at Camp Bluebird faux? Well, certainly not the material. They are crafted from solid 2 x 6 Western Red Cedar. However, they aren’t actually the rafters that form the roofline. Those are made from yellow pine—a much more affordable material. Handcut cedar rafter tails are attached to the ends of the pine rafters. These cedar tails support the roof overhang and create a stunning eave that borders the entire home. This is one of the few areas where I condone a little trick of the eye. The rafters after all are still solid wood, and though quite decorative they serve a very important function.

A Case for Faux

Sight Lines & Vestibules

Embracing the Necessities