The Well Build is entering a major milestone. The basement walls are finally going up, creating the strong foundation this custom home needs for decades of stability. Over the next few weeks, the crew will begin framing and setting the massive timber beams that give the structure its character and strength. This is where planning meets execution—every measurement, every pour, and every beam matters.

We’re sharing the full journey so you can see what it really takes to turn raw land into a lasting home: design choices, material selection, and the on-site problem solving that keeps a project on track. Whether you’re planning your own build or just love seeing the process, this is the phase where things get real. 🏡🔨 #WellBuild #CustomHome #ConstructionJourney #TimberFrame #BasementBuild #FramingSoon #DreamHome #BuildingTips #HomeConstruction #BuildingProgress #RedRiverGorge #NaturalBridgeStatePark #DesignBuild

Almost there. Next comes the under water structure. Then we will be ready for rain! We will share the details soon!

#excavation #landdevelopment #natureoasis #designbuild #newconstruction #kubota #construction #rrg #redrivergorge #cabin #customcabin #nature

⸻
Lake Building 101 + 102: From Dirt to Ecosystem 🛠️🌊🦆

Dreaming of building a lake on your land? Here’s what it really takes — and what to expect once it’s alive with wildlife:

Step 1: Plan & Design – Location, size, watershed, and soil matter. A good design upfront saves headaches later.
Step 2: Soil Test – Clay is your best friend. Without enough of it, water will seep away. Sometimes builders add clay or bentonite to seal it.
Step 3: Excavate & Core Trench – Digging isn’t just moving dirt. A compacted clay “core” under the dam stops leaks. Build up in lifts and compact every layer.
Step 4: Shape the Dam – Stable slopes (3:1 backside, 2:1 water side) and a wide base protect against failure. Taller = wider.
Step 5: Drainage & Spillways – A must-have. Spillways prevent dam washouts during heavy rains.
Step 6: Finish & Fill – Smooth slopes, seed grass, and let the water rise. Now the real magic begins.

🌱 Bringing It to Life (Lake 102)
• Aquatic Plants – Keep it balanced (10–15% coverage). They oxygenate and shade the lake.
• Fish Stocking – Start with forage fish (bluegill, minnows) before introducing bass or catfish for a balanced food chain. You can even farm tilapia in Kentucky!
• Habitat Structures – Add logs, stumps, or rocks underwater to create shelter. Think fish apartments.
• Wildlife Visitors – Frogs, turtles, dragonflies, herons, and maybe ducks will find their way.
• Water Quality – Watch for algae blooms. Aeration or fountains can keep oxygen levels steady.

👉 A lake isn’t just a hole in the ground—it’s an engineered water system that transforms into a living ecosystem. Done right, it adds beauty, biodiversity, and long-term value to your land.

💬 Want me to drop a “Lake 201” post breaking down the details of the build and step-by-step of what happens once construction begins? Let me know in the comments.

Final step before the basement walls are formed for concrete.

The WELL Building Standard emphasizes controlling moisture to protect occupant health and building durability. Installing a capillary break beneath the basement stem wall stops water from wicking upward through concrete, where it can create hidden mold, degrade air quality, and compromise structure. By interrupting this movement at the foundation, we protect indoor environments, extend the life of the home, and maintain a healthier, drier living space.

#WELLBuildingStandard
#HealthyHomeDesign
#MoistureControl
#BuildingScience
#HomeDurability
#CapillaryBreak
#FoundationProtection
#IndoorAirQuality
#SustainableConstruction
#HealthyLivingSpaces

Take a little tour through the Gathering Grove @hootingowl_homestead we are coming into the final touches and are excited to see this all come together!

#redrivergorge #construction #commercialbuild #design #wilderness #nature #rrg #newconstruction #designbuild

Every strong, healthy home starts from the ground up — literally. Before a single wall goes up, we make sure the base is ready to perform for decades. That’s why at this stage we’re carefully compacting the gravel under the slab in measured layers. This step ensures the slab won’t settle or crack over time, creating a stable, lasting foundation for everything above it.

This isn’t just about structural strength — it’s about health, too. We follow WELL Building Standard principles, which look at the home as a system that impacts your well-being. That means controlling moisture, improving air quality, and building in ways that protect the people who live here for years to come. Proper compaction is a critical part of that, as it helps keep the slab dry and free from future issues.

Once the footer concrete has fully cured, our next step will be to apply a capillary break. This is a protective barrier that stops water from wicking up through the foundation into the walls — a hidden detail that plays a huge role in keeping basements dry and indoor spaces healthy.

After that, we’ll move on to building the basement walls, with the same care and attention to both strength and occupant health. Every phase is intentional, and every detail is chosen to ensure the home performs at its best for generations.

#WELLBuildingStandard #HealthyHome #BuildingScience #BuildToLast #SustainableConstruction #MoistureControl #HomeFoundation #BasementConstruction #CapillaryBreak #CustomHomeBuild #LuxuryHomeBuilder #RedRiverGorge #KentuckyBuilder #ConcreteWork #FoundationPrep #SlabPreparation #StructuralIntegrity #MoistureBarrier #EnergyEfficientHomes #HighPerformanceHome

This cabin isn’t just built to look good — it’s built to last. 🏡✨

The Goldenrod @hootingowl_homestead was crafted last year to stand strong for decades — blending modern comfort with old-school durability. Every board, beam, and finish was chosen to protect against moisture, weather, and wear.

💡 In Red River Gorge, cabins face real challenges: heavy rain, temperature swings, and high guest turnover. That’s why we built The Goldenrod from the ground up with:
✅ Moisture-proof foundation & capillary breaks
✅ Energy-efficient insulation for year-round comfort
✅ Low-VOC materials for clean, healthy air inside
✅ Durable finishes that still look new after years of guests

Most cabins are built for the listing photos.
We build for the next generation.

💬 Would you stay here for a weekend getaway? Drop a 🏕️ in the comments!
📌 Save this post if you want your next cabin built to last.

#CabinLife #RedRiverGorge #CabinGoals #ModernCabin #KentuckyCabin #CabinBuilder #LuxuryCabin #CabinRental #AirbnbCabin #CabinInTheWoods #CabinStyle #CabinVibes #CabinDesign #CabinConstruction #SustainableBuilding #BuildToLast #CabinGetaway #LuxuryVacationRental #CabinLiving #CabinRetreat #RedRiverGorge

Footers are going in on our latest WELL project, and that means it’s time to talk modern building science.

The foundation of a healthy home starts below the surface—and one of the most overlooked details in residential construction is the capillary break. Without it, moisture from the ground can wick up through concrete, bringing unwanted humidity, mold risks, and long-term damage into your basement and living space.

After a full 7-day cure, we’ll be applying @Prosoco FastFlash, a high-performance liquid membrane that creates a structural air and water barrier directly on top of the footer. This stops water from migrating into the stem wall—and eventually, your home.

We’ll also install a second capillary break at the top of the stem wall, just beneath the sill plate, for full continuity. These steps may seem small, but they’re essential in building durable, dry, and WELL-aligned homes.

🔍 Follow along as we continue to share the details that make the difference.

#BuildingScience #WELLstandard #HealthyHome #ModernConstruction #Prosoco #ConcreteCure #FoundationMatters #RedRiverGorgeBuilder #CapillaryBreak #BasementWaterproofing #CustomCabin #RedRiverGorge #NaturalBridge

🔨 Building for Well-Being — Human Health

We’re thrilled to share that one of our latest builds is being designed in alignment with the WELL Building Standard — a science-based framework that focuses on creating spaces that actively support human health, comfort, and performance.

From the foundation materials to the ventilation, lighting, and water systems, we’re taking a deep dive into how every detail of the home can enhance physical and mental well-being. That includes clean air, low-toxin finishes, optimized natural light, and thermal comfort — all backed by the same science used in some of the most innovative wellness-focused buildings in the world.

We’ve always believed that a home should do more than just look good — it should feel good to live in. And this project is a powerful step in that direction.

It’s an exciting challenge and a unique opportunity to elevate what we’re already passionate about: building cabins and homes that inspire, restore, and truly serve the people inside them. We can’t wait to share more as this home comes to life.

#WELLBuildingStandard
#HealthyHomes
#BuildForWellbeing
#HealthyHomeDesign
#WellnessArchitecture
#IndoorAirQuality
#ToxinFreeLiving
#BiophilicDesign
#SustainableBuilding
#DesignForHealth