In the idyllic town of McMinnville, Oregon, where the Willamette Valley converges with the Oregon Coast, Mike Riddle has spent the past 21 years perfecting his craft as a custom home builder through his company, Mike Riddle Construction. Leading a team of 12 skilled individuals, Riddle specializes in creating dream homes, focusing on both new construction and remodeling, particularly within the realm of custom, high-end luxury homes.
Project Overview
His passion for his work is evident in every project he undertakes, exemplified by one of his latest endeavors—a bespoke coastal single-family custom home in Neskowin, Oregon, which presented unique and impressive challenges.
For Mike, the heart of his work lies in collaboration. He approaches his role not as a quarterback but as a team player, recognizing the importance of every role in the construction process. This single-family project was particularly meaningful to him.
The Challenge
The clients for this project were a retired couple embarking on a passion project to live right on the coast. Although an ideal setting for a forever home, Mike and his team were hired by Capri Architecture to address the project’s greatest challenge: its proximity to the ocean—only 900 feet away—with a wetland in between. The need for a sustainable and well-flashed exterior shell that could withstand the corrosive effects of salt air and wind became paramount. The clients desired a cedar look, presenting Mike with the challenge of finding a solution that would achieve the aesthetic appeal of cedar without the high maintenance requirements and rapid weathering due to constant exposure to erosive elements.
The Solution
After discussing options, Woodtone’s RusticSeries™ emerged as the ideal alternative, providing longevity without compromising on aesthetics. As a longtime purchaser of RusticSeries™, Mike was confident in how it would address multiple concerns:
- The finish warranty offered reassurance in the face of oceanfront challenges.
- The unique wood look provided by RusticSeries™ allowed the home to stand out amidst its surroundings, avoiding the commonality of other coastal homes.
- The two-tone finish and cedar texture added an aesthetic charm that resonated with the clients’ vision.
The Reward
The project, completed in 2021-2022, highlights the fusion of craftsmanship, creativity, and collaboration that Mike pursues in every project.
The collaboration on this passion project, involving great architects and delightful clients, was not just about building a home but enjoying the challenges, excitement, and rewards that come from the journey.
In the world of custom home building, Mike Riddle stands as a testament to the power of collaboration and innovative solutions.
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Photos by David Papazian Photography
