ALL IN THE DETAILS

Building Concepts is a client-driven business. Each home is the beautiful result of professional expertise blended with a thoughtful understanding of the client’s lifestyle.

Alan and Kim Hochhalter began the business 26 years ago. And while technology and trends have changed over the years, Building Concepts' philosophy has remained at the core of all they do. “The client’s satisfaction is our sole purpose. We’re doing it as a service to the client, for the client,” stated Kim.

The model home in South Fargo is a stunning showcase of the architectural and design combination of principal architect Alan Hochhalter and interior designer Karen Freberg. The Building Concepts slogan “Architects • Designers • Builders” truly defines the depth of their services.

Entering the light-filled 3,434-square-foot rambler-style home, it’s evident every detail was carefully considered. A large expanse of windows covers the east wall of the living room offering a stunning view of native grasses and dunes of the Osgood Golf Course.

Natural light has always played an important role in Building Concepts homes. It begins with the site plan, determining how the home will sit on the land and incorporating windows as part of the environmental design. “We have always used abundant windows,” said Alan. Windows throughout the home optimize sunlight while strategic placement promises privacy.

The distinctive living room fireplace is heavily textured with a scratch coat for both visual and tactile appeal. Along one side of the fireplace the wall is covered with walnut planking, clear-coated to bring out its natural deep, rich color. Floating shelves finish off the area. The skillful mix of wood, texture and shape brings out a sculptural element giving the room visual interest and creating a feature wall and focal point.

The deep, rich walnut is carried through into the kitchen in the cabinetry which features a full overlay flat panel design. A granite slab in warm tones provides workspace on the island. The island's generous size also allows for casual dining with seating on three sides.

Freberg chose monochrome quartz for the perimeter kitchen surfaces allowing the island stone to stand out with its beautiful natural movement. Complementing the upper cabinets is a smattering of open shelves, the perfect place to show off special items.

The kitchen introduces stone-inspired slate, a new GE finish for appliances. It comes as a response to the popularity of stainless steel, but the dislike of fingerprints and the cleaning that comes with it.

A large pantry sits just off the kitchen combined with what Freberg describes as a “drop zone.” It’s a place for keys, mail, cellphones and gloves, along with lots of storage in the built-in cabinetry. It solves the question of what to do with those every day life items as you walk in the door.

An ingenious space next to the pantry is the multi-purpose room. One area of the room is used for laundry with the washer and dryer occupying only a portion of the room rather than being its focus. There is room for the laundry basket and a place for things to dry. But more than that there is space to work on crafts, wrap gifts, or a multitude of other activities. “We wanted this room to be comfortable if you wanted to sit here or use it as an office space,” said Freberg. There is also an incredible amount of storage including a built-in file storage cabinet.

Filling out the main level of the home are two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The first bedroom, sitting at the front of the home, can be a guest room or could function as an office. A main floor bathroom in the hall is one of three that features custom shower-tile designs by Freberg. At the rear of the home is the master bedroom/bathroom. The amply spaced bedroom is graced with morning light and a beautiful view. The master bathroom features double floated vanities, an amazing freestanding soaking tub with a black base for a punch of interest, custom-tiled shower with glass doors, and a large window for natural light. Finishing off the master suite is a his-and-hers walk-in closet.

The stairway railing leading to the lower level serves both a functional and visual purpose. Made of walnut rails and customized aircraft cables it is a true piece of art.

A fully finished basement complements the main level of the home. Downstairs is an entertainment area with a family-friendly bar, perfect for adult beverages or sodas for the kids and snacks for game night. The room boasts a glass-enclosed wine room with a walnut backdrop. It was a cornerstone of the design for the room, setting the tone of elegance and comfort. Nine-foot ceilings give the basement rooms a spacious feel.

Adjacent to the entertainment area is an exercise room. A main feature of the room is the flooring. Made of durable rubber matting, it offers comfort and practicality underfoot. It acts as an insulator keeping the floor warm and provides a nice cushion for low-impact when exercising.

Two generously sized bedrooms and an additional bathroom complete the lower level of the home.

Part of an18-home development, the model home, like the others, is association maintained including snow removal and lawn care. Each home is completely custom-designed and built.

“Being architects and designers,” Alan explained, “we’re always trying to come up with something new and different. We never build the same home twice.” It’s the reason you’ll never drive down the street saying “that’s a Building Concepts home.”

Building Concepts shines in their ability to work with the client. Freberg was quick to explain, “A home can be beautiful but if it’s not functional for the family, it’s not what you need.”

Personal attention to detail and personal attention to each client are the cornerstones that make these homes truly a home of one's own. Armed with inspiration and options, Building Concepts works with each client, helping them to make choices suited to both their lives and their tastes.

Freberg is responsible for the finishing touches of the home including everything from flooring to cabinetry, to paint choices and beyond. Both Hochhalter and Freberg keep up on industry trends by attending shows and following industry experts.

One of the exciting things Building Concepts offers is 3D visualization. New software technology allows for representations of rooms not yet built so the homeowner is able to see the finished project, giving them confidence and allowing for changes to be made while still in the planning phase.

It’s a fascinating and engaging process. “Primarily, the homeowners come in because they’ve seen something we’ve done that they like,” said Kim. “Alan will go into an in-depth interview with them and write down everything they are saying, getting all the data. He will take what they want and create a home plan for them. We are listening to what people are looking for and showing off those features.”

“We’ve put our hearts and souls into what we do. It’s very personal,” said Alan. [AWM]