Custom Hillside Residence

Structural System

Wood-framed superstructure with steel moment frames at large openings, over a stepped reinforced-concrete foundation and retaining walls following the slope.

Existing Conditions

Steeply sloped lot with variable bearing depth and site drainage directed around the building pad.

Scope of Work

• Gravity and lateral design of the wood and steel superstructure
• Stepped foundation and site retaining wall design from the geotechnical report
• Deck and guardrail structure design
• Framing observation visits at key milestones

Design Challenges

• Large glazed openings on the downhill face limiting shear wall length
• Stepped bearing elevations across the footprint
• Owner priority on exposed timber framing at the main living space

Engineering Approach

• Steel moment frames at the view elevation, wood shear walls elsewhere
• Foundation steps standardized to repeatable details for the concrete crew
• Exposed glulam members sized for appearance-grade spans and connection concealment

Construction Considerations

• Excavation and shoring sequence reviewed with the builder before foundation work
• Hold-down and strap hardware scheduled per wall line to simplify inspection

Outcome

Sample outcome summary: the stepped foundation placed without redesign and the exposed timber structure met the architect's intent. Replace with a verified project narrative.

Project Images