Fine Homebuilding readers submitted a number of projects for consideration; 10 were selected as finalists, and three were chosen as winners.

First place: Straw Bale Sanctuary. During the last housing boom, Tate Locke and his father, Bill, forged a successful partnership building a few spec homes in the Colorado Rockies. After many years of designing, building, and renovating homes for others, Locke and his wife, Julie, now owners of Cristee-Meade Building Company, decided it was time to build their own.

Second Place: Stony Creek Cottage. Sited beside a meandering tidal river in Connecticut, this four-bedroom, three-and-a-half-bath home has an air of understated elegance. The ceiling detail and crown molding in the living room continue through to the beautifully detailed front entry. The kitchen features custom cabinetry, black granite countertops, and stainless steel appliances. The mudroom has beadboard wainscoting for durability with ample built-in storage, a mahogany bench, and a stone floor. The living room, dining room, and kitchen are well-connected and positioned to take in the views of the shoreline.

Third Place: Efficient Timber-Frame Living. Ben and Sanfra Weiss spent two years designing their house. Ben, an amateur woodworker, built the timber frames and interior designer Sanfra outfitted their dream home. The design is based around a 20-ft. by 50-ft. timber-frame open plan that houses the kitchen, living room, and offices. A second 24-ft. by 26-ft. timber frame includes the foyer, powder room, laundry, closets, and stairs to the guest quarters above the garage. The master bedroom and bath are also on the first level. The second level includes two bedrooms and baths, plus a guest suite with a living room and kitchenette. With its wraparound deck, stone patio, and three covered porches, the house transitions from inside to outside with style.

For the full report, including all ten finalists, click below.

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