‘Parade’ homes = Idea homes

The 2011 Parade of Homes' Best of Show winner, by Grove Park Construction

Builders utilize latest technology, energy saving systems
By KERRI BARTLETT
For Brentwood Home Page
Inspiration can be gained at the Parade of Homes at Annandale from the French style rooftops to the blades of grass on perfectly landscaped lawns. A walk through at the Parade provides attendees with a plethora of ideas not only in interior design but also ideas in constructing a new home or renovating an older one.

At the Parade of Homes Preview Party held Sept. 22, Grove Park Construction earned the most honors -- seven awards including “Best of Show.”

“Our goal was to create a sophisticated interior look and a French eclectic exterior design,” Grove Park builder Brandon Jenkins said. The exterior roofline, window patterns and stucco finish create a French eclectic appeal that resembles an elegant, spacious chateau. The interior design by Kathleen Evers of K Evers Interiors exhibits a sophisticated and comfortable look with luxurious built-in finishes.

Carbine and Associates also incorporated French design inspirations into its Parade home’s architecture. Because the Carbine home sold before the start of the Parade, the clients were able to customize every detail in architecture, design and décor, truly creating a unique, personalized custom home.

“Our entire project was designed and built with the family in mind. We wanted to create livable, authentic architecture with the character of an aged structure that had been in place for 100 years,” said J.B. Haile, senior vice president and partner at Carbine and Associates. The home also includes green energy features to save on operating costs while reclaimed materials were implemented into the construction to create an aged, warm look in the exterior and interior design.

The Grove Park kitchen, above, received the 'Best Kitchen' award

If thinking about building or renovating a home, a few of the most noteworthy features in materials and construction seen in two of the Parade homes are listed below to generate the flow of ideas.

Grove Park Construction

• Poured concrete walls were used instead of cinder blocks to provide solid, strong support in the home’s construction.
• Foam insulation was used for optimum efficiency.
• Tankless hot water heaters were mounted on the back garage wall to save space and energy.
• All natural stone products were used throughout the home including marble, limestone and tumbled travertine.
• The use of 5 cm ivory marble counter tops on the periphery of the kitchen, black opal honed granite on the island top and custom-built ivory cabinets – all locally made -- contributed to Grove Park receiving the “Best Kitchen Award.” Marble tiles were also used in the master bathroom along with a marble mosaic in the bathroom entry.
• Special attention was dedicated to the construction of the outdoor living space that features a bar, outdoor kitchen, fire pit, fountain hot tub and a putting green.
• The master bathroom shower features a his-and-her shower with eight spray heads.
• The game room features four plasma screen TV’s in which four games can be watched at the same time.
• A wine cellar on the bottom floor features tumbled travertine floors and a dramatic arch stone ceiling.

Carbine and Associates

• Geothermal heating ventilation and air conditioning systems control the home’s temperature. Cores were drilled 150 feet underground that regulate the temperature inside by using the constant temperature of the earth. Haile said that this form of energy is efficient and leads to lower operating costs.
• An irrigation well and holding tank was constructed by drilling 450 feet. into the earth to form an irrigation well in which water can be extracted and held in a 1,500-gallon tank used to water the yard. Also, rainwater is collected from the gutters on the roof and distributed into the holding tank. Thus, two sources of water for irrigation were created so that city sources of water are not needed, leading to savings in the long run.
• A few of the reclaimed materials used to create an aged look while giving the home character include old-Chicago brick and white and red oak hardwood floors salvaged from a barn in Kentucky that was recently demolished. Also, reclaimed exposed pine beams on the ceilings were used to add architectural detail, which added a look of aged charm.
• The use of “character grade” materials give the home natural characteristics of imperfections that create a look of warmth and character. 

And the honors go to…

Grove Park Construction “Best Landscaping,” “Best Kitchen,” “Best Master Suite,” “Best Floor Plan,” Best Outdoor Living Area,” “Best Interior Decorating,” and “Best of Show” Recipients: Builder Brandon Jenkins and designer Kathleen Evers with K Evers Interiors	Carbine & Associates “Best Child’s Room” and “Best Wall Treatment” Recipients: Builders John Montgomery, J.B. Haile and Brandon Ketcham and designer Julie Couch with Julie Couch Interiors
Hidden Valley Homes “Best Front Elevation,” “Best Foyer” and “Best Home Theater” Recipients: Builders Jim and Trina Spangler and designer Jennifer Jones with Jennifer Jones Designs, Inc.	Legend Homes “Most Livable,” “Best Draperies” and “Best Craftsmanship” Recipients: Builder Doug Herman and designers Jason Bradshaw and Bob Deal with Bradford's Interiors