The Ridge Home

Architect Dick Knecht’s creation of this elaborate home recognizes sustainability and environmentally sound options conveyed throughout the structure. The entrance to the house is perched out on top of 20 foot wide ridge. The house was designed to blend into the surroundings and look as if it is a unifying part of the hill. The precarious position maximizes views of a grandeur landscape. From the SD prairie to the Hills of Wyoming, you can see for miles. With careful planning, a commitment to excellence and years of experience, this project and projects just like it represent how J. Scull Construction and Custom Homes by J. Scull are professional experts in building custom build homes and custom luxury homes in the Rapid City and Black Hills area.

The exterior of this flawless home is covered in weather-proof wood siding salvaged from Wyoming snow fence that looks like barn wood. The large masonry fireplace is faced with local stone quarried down the road. The interior takes you in and treats you to a view rivaled by few homes. Sturdy wood beams plus rock and tile work make this a luxurious lodge.

*This home is the 1st LEED Certified Home in South Dakota. LEED stands for “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design”. The certification means the home was designed and constructed in accordance with the guidelines of the LEED for Homes green building certification program. LEED certification is based on a points system that revolves around optimizing performance in 5 major areas; energy efficiency, water efficiency, indoor environmental quality, material selection, and site development.

The home features an array of environmentally friendly options:

• Solar Photovoltaic Power System

• Energy Star Rated light fixtures in 95 percent of home

• Rainwater and gray water harvesting system to capture water for flushing toilets and watering landscape

• Recycled snow-fence boards used for the siding

• High-efficiency, self modulating furnace

• Tankless hot water heaters

• Low-flow water fixtures

• Local stone used for masonry work

Measures taken during construction include the following:

• Limited site disturbance during construction, and reclamation of disturbed area

• Special steps in handling and recycling construction waste

• Use of responsibly harvested and manufactured materials

• Toxin and dust control