Supplement to Tulsa World | Saturday, June 21, 2014
HOME PL NS
tulsaworld.com/homeplans
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Choosing amenities wisely for your new home By Stefanie Forney
LeBlanc, division manager of Champion Windows, Sun Rooms, Roofs and Home Exteriors of Tulsa. uilding a home is one of the “Up to 30 percent of your energy loss most exciting and rewarding can be through your windows. With toprojects you can undertake. day’s rising energy costs, that can cost You may have been planning which you a lot of money. Choosing Energy features you want in your dream home Star-rated windows with Comfort 365 for years. glass will result in lower utility bills and Do you desire a large front porch? being more comfortable year-round.” An outdoor living center? The home inWindow costs will vary terior of your dreams based on the brand, size may include hardand type. In general, wood floors, granite steel and wood are countertops and the most expensive two laundry rooms. choices, fiberglass Only you know what costs less than steel you want and what and wood, and vinyl your budget can is the least expensive accommodate. material. When planning When selectyour new home, ing vinyl windows, consider your curLeBlanc recomrent lifestyle and mends welded the changes you sash and frames for anticipate in your strength and durabilfamily for the next ity. A quality spacer, few years. Will your which separates the family be expandtwo panes of glass ing? Do you enteraround the edge, will tain often and host reduce heat loss and overnight guests minimize condensaregularly? tion. Foam filling Take the time in the vinyl frame to research options and provides additional Courtesy of Garbe’s meet with professioninsulation, and the als before making any Make sure you match the right wood-grain finish decisions. Poor design style lighting to your home. gives frames the choices will lead to diswarm look of wood, appointment, and over time your dream while making them resistant to blistering, home might become a nightmare. peeling, shipping and fading. Window into your world “These windows will not warp or rot Windows are an important design over time, so they will continue to operelement in a home. Not only do they ate like new for years to come,” LeBlanc provide natural lighting for the home says. interior, but they play a vital role in how Let there be light the house looks from the street. They also Lighting is another feature that can capture views, bringing the outdoors enhance or diminish the comfort of a in. In addition, windows protect against home. It can make your dream home feel weather extremes, ensuring that your like a palace or a dungeon. home interior stays as fresh and beautiful “Choosing the right lighting makes as you designed it. all the difference in the world,” says Mary “When windows are made with infeSchulze, manager for Garbe’s Lighting rior glass, you are being robbed of energy and Home Accessories. “Lighting can efficiency, UV protection and being com- change the decor, the style and the ambifortable in your own home,” says Danny ance of any room, plus it can add color to an otherwise plain space and enhance wall coverings, even furniture and appliAbout This Section ances.” Home Plans was Before selecting lighting for the variprepared by Tulsa World’s ous living spaces in your house, Schulze Advertising Department. suggests you first look at the overall style For more information of your home. Is it modern? Craftsman? Colonial? Knowing this will give you a or to advertise, starting point for the type of lighting that call 918-581-8519. will best suit your design. Special Sections Editor
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Courtesy of Champion Windows
Windows add so much to a home. They enhance the beauty of a home interior, capture views and protect against the elements. Next, consider the type of illumination you want to achieve for each room as well as the function of each space. “Most living spaces will require three types of lighting: ambient, accent and task,” she says. “Ambient is considered general lighting. Recessed lighting is one example. Accent is more focused lighting, such as a spotlight on an object, and task lighting is more function oriented, such as under-cabinet lighting for reading recipes or desk lamps for work.” Schulze recommends light layering in your living spaces. “Light layering allows you to have the right type of lighting for each function in each room,” she says. “Take the family room, for example. This is a room where
you may play, watch movies, read, relax or sometimes even eat. Each one of these functions may require different types of lighting. You may have dimmable recessed lighting, cove lighting, a ceiling fan with a light kit or chandelier and portable table lamps or canister uplights all in the same room. Each type of fixture will give you the right illumination for each function.” Fence me in When it comes to amenities outside the home, many home buyers choose to fence their property. The reasons are many, including boosting privacy, security and curb appeal. “Choosing the right fence is a very See AMENITIES page 6
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AMENITIES From page 4
important decision because it is an investment in your current property,” says Meleigha Wear, corporate administrator for Ranchers Pipe & Steel. “You should not only choose the type of fence to satisfy your needs but consider the longevity of the product.” Ranchers offers beautiful wood privacy fencing, stylish ornamental and practical chain-link fencing. The ornamental fences are powder-coated, high-quality steel products that will look great over time. The company has three types of wood privacy fences. The traditional cedar fence comes in a regular style with wood or steel posts, economy with a fabricated steel frame or the decorative style, which allows you to add finials of your choice. Chain-link fencing is an economical way to enclose an area to keep pets in or other creatures out. “Our best-seller is the Xcel ornamental fence simply because it offers a number of different styles, heights and designs that meet a wide variety of needs,” Wear says. Whether you are choosing fencing, windows, lighting or any of the other amenities for your new home, it’s vital to think about your needs as well as your preferences before going shopping. Get the facts about the products available to you, and have fun as you create your new home. Courtesy of Ranchers Pipe & Steel
Ornamental fences come in a wide range of styles. Made of powder-coated, high-quality steel, they will maintain a great look over a long life.
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NMLS #798151
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Custom homes stand out with distinctive designs
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ustom builders create homes designed for each owner individually or from their own, private stock of designs. This approach contrasts with production builders who construct communities by restricting design to a group of preselected home types and lots they have picked and purchased themselves. Custom builders tend to build on land owned by the customer, start fresh with each design, spend more time on each project and often work on fewer than 10 homes a year. The National Association of Home Builders provides the following information to better understand custom home building. Benefits of a Custom Home Custom homes stand out from the crowd. They are each one-of-a-kind and are typically upscale with luxury upgrades and unique architectural design. These homes can be more stylized than many production homes—a buyer can contract anything from a luxury log cabin in the woods of Vermont to a pueblostyle home in New Mexico. Home buyers choose their ideal location and environment, so custom homes often incorporate elements of the landscape into the design and can be built to fit each sites’ outstanding feature; whether that is a view of the ocean, a natural stream, or the distinct colors and plants of a desert landscape. For instance, Architect Joel Turkel of Turkel Design and the building team at My House Design created the Gambier Island House. Perched on a hill overlooking the waterfront in British Columbia’s Gulf Islands, the custom builders used careful planning to integrate the home with its lush forest atmosphere. The home’s sleek design, use of green building techniques and connection to nature earned the home a spot as a finalist in the 2012 Best in American Living Awards. Green Building Concern for the environment is growing among U.S. households — and so are energy costs. Because of this, many custom builders are embracing green building techniques. Features such as solar panels, water-saving appliances, insulation to improve heating efficiency and the use of renewable or recycled building materials are all popular techniques to improve a home’s efficiency. Custom builders allow buyers to include a wide range of green products and give them the opportunity to weigh each cost and benefit to create a home that is stylish, comfortable, but also eco-friendly. New Amenities Specialized amenities really set custom homes apart. Today home-
owners like to see features that will improve their lifestyle through health, entertainment or comfort. Yoga studios, resistance pools and fitness rooms can be added to encourage healthy living; game rooms, theaters and even a bowling alley can be added for fun; and for comfort, screened-in porches or warm hearths can make your home feel cozy and welcoming. Custom amenities are also take a high-tech turn. In world where there’s an app for everything, buyers are beginning to expect a custom home to do more and be “smart.� Nowadays you can control many features in your home using a phone, controlling energy usage, security systems, lighting and even the music playing in each room. The Atkinson residence in Berlin, Maryland, won a Silver Award in the 2012 Best in American Living Awards for its use of layered balconies and porches that make the most of the home’s spectacular view of the water. The home’s nook is an example of the unique architectural details often included in custom homes. Multigenerational Living Whether it’s aging parents moving in with their adult children or young adults living back with Mom and Dad, multigenerational households have specific needs when it comes to a home. Custom builders are seeing an increasing need to tailor homes to this lifestyle. According to a 2011 study by the Pew Research Center, 39 percent of adults ages 18 to 34 have had to move in with their parents in recent years. In the same year, the U.S. Census reported that 4.3 percent of 76 million households were made up of at least three generations. Multigenerational families often build homes that include the traditional mother-in-law suite or even feature a locked-off living space within the home. These apartment-style spaces can have their own kitchenette, full bathroom and living areas to provide a sense of privacy and independence. Universal Design As the country grows older and many baby boomers look to retirement, universal design features are an ever-growing priority for many custom buyers and builders. This design uses features such as wider doors, lower countertops and fewer stairs to create a home that everyone can enjoy comfortably. An accessible home allows owners to age in place, prolonging their ability to stay in the house independently. It can also increase the value of the home by opening the market to any future buyer, despite age, stature or ability.
Courtesy of NAHB
The Atkinson residence in Berlin, Maryland, won a BALA Silver Award for a one-of-a-kind home over 6,501 square feet. Its use of layered balconies and porches make the most of the home’s spectacular view of the water.
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Choosing the right builder W
hen in the market for a new home, you should shop for your builder as carefully as you shop for your home. Whether you are buying a condo, a townhouse, a house in a subdivision or a custom house, you want to know that you are buying a good quality home from a reputable builder. Here are tips from the National Home Builders Association to help you choose a builder. Make a list of possible builders Once you have thought about the type of house you want, you will need to find a builder. • Contact the Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa to obtain a list of builders who construct homes in your area. • Look in the real estate section of your local newspaper for builders and projects. Looking through the ads and reading the articles can help you to learn which builders are active in your area, the types of homes they are building, and the prices you can expect to pay. Make a list of builders who build the type of home you’re looking for in your price range. • Local Realtors also can help you in
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your search. Ask friends and relatives for recommendations. Ask about builders they have dealt with directly or ask them for names of acquaintances who have recently had a good experience with a builder. Do your homework Once you have a list of builders, how can you find out about their reputations and the quality of their work? The best way to learn about builders is to visit homes they have built and talk with the owners. • Ask builders on your list for the addresses of their recently built homes and subdivisions. Builders may even be able to provide names of some homeowners who would be willing to talk with you. • Drive by on a Saturday morning when homeowners may be outside doing chores or errands. Introduce yourself and say you are considering buying a home from the builder who built their home. Talk to several owners, and try to get a random sample of opinions. The more people you talk with, the more accurate impression of a builder you are likely to get. At the very least, drive by and see if the homes are
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visually appealing. • When you talk to builders and homeowners, take along a notebook to record the information you find and your personal impressions about specific builders and homes. Doing so will help you to make comparisons later. Some questions you can ask people include: Are you happy with your home? If you had any problems, were they fixed promptly and properly? Would you buy another home from this builder? • Usually, people tell you if they are pleased with their homes. And if they are not, they will probably want to tell you why. Shop for quality and value Look at new homes whenever you can. Home shows and open houses sponsored by builders are good opportunities to look at homes. Model homes and houses displayed in home shows are often furnished to give you ideas for using the space. You may also ask a builder to see unfurnished homes. When examining a home, look at the quality of the construction features. Inspect the quality of the cabinetry, carpeting, trim work, and paint. Ask the
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Never hesitate to ask your builder a question. Get as many specifics as possible. builder or the builder’s representative a lot of questions. Get as many specifics as possible. If you receive the answers verbally rather than in writing, take notes. Never hesitate to ask a question. What seems like an insignificant question might yield an important answer.
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Popular trends in home building By Stefanie Forney Special Sections Editor
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ingle-family homes are getting bigger. In the past four years, the average home size has risen from 2,362 square feet in 2009 to 2,679 square feet in 2013, according to the National Association of Home Builders’ annual survey of home trends and buyer preferences. To learn why, just look at who is buying new homes. “The data is very clear. It shows that in recent years, buying a home has required having a high credit score — about 58 points higher than the average U.S. consumer — and also a pretty nice median household income — about $107,000,” says NAHB Assistant Vice President of Survey Research Rose Quint. “So, when you put all those facts together, it’s not surprising at all to see that the home size and features are trending up.” The most likely features to be included in the average home this year are a walk-in closet in the master bedroom, a laundry room, low-E windows throughout the house and a great room, according to NAHB’s latest survey of single-family home builders in the country. Energy-efficiency features are also high on the list, such as Energy Star-rated appliances, programmable thermostats and Energy Star-rated windows. Fresh style Style is a personal thing, and choosing the right interior appointments can make the difference between comfort and discontent. “We are seeing a new movement in home building — transitional,” says local builder Adam W. Curran. “It’s a mix of the Old World traditional look mixed with modern elements.” The lines are clean, yet the feeling is warm. Transitional style is not too formal, nor fussy. “With the East and West coasts going very modern, those images and stories lead the headlines, but Tulsa is still traditional, so you will see modern elements incorporated but won’t see a full takeover,” Curran added. Sheron Gearhardt, builder sales decision manager for Mill Creek Carpet & Tile, has also seen a move toward more transitional looks in home interiors. “The choice is toward rich textures and lighter, fresher colors. Even the granite selections are going lighter — white and grays — to follow the demand from our consumers.” Gearhardt said it is mostly due to baby boomers being ready for lifestyle changes and coming out of the Old-World darkness and to influences from a younger buying public. Emphasis on the casual People today are choosing an increasingly casual lifestyle, and that is evident in today’s floor plans. “I think the media room with eight reclined chairs and stages is going to start becoming a thing of the past,” says Curran. “More and more people are requesting no stage and want to do a U-shaped couch. The traditional media room will still be here for many years, but more and more are going toward a more relaxed feel.” Another trend is eliminating the formal dining room. Formal dining rooms remained common 10 years ago but were losing their favor, much like the
formal living room. “Most of our clients are going for the hearth room concept, which is enlarging the nook and adding a fireplace,” Curran says. “It makes way more sense with modern-day kitchens having such large islands. It allows the family to be all together, and it gets used almost all the time, where a formal tends to stay vacant most of the year. We’ve been doing the hearth room concept for about nine years. Now you are starting to see it in a lot more homes.” Great outdoors Outdoor living spaces continue to be included in new homes. According to a survey of home builders, a patio or deck is one of the top three features most requested of new home buyers. Homeowners are building stone patios with outdoor kitchens complete with large, built-in grills, refrigerators and work areas. They’re including outdoor fireplaces or fire pits to extend the season and outdoor lighting to extend usability into the night. They’re even installing televisions and stereos. “Families today want options, and the trend is to get outside and enjoy outdoor cooking and leisure time with friends,” says Steve Surles, marketing director for Forest Ridge/The Robson Cos. “Outdoor kitchens and living spaces give families an inviting area to entertain or just enjoy the outdoors together.” Safe and secure Another trend that Surles sees with home buyers today is the inclusion of built-in safe rooms. “Since we live in Tornado Alley, families are preparing for those acts of Mother Nature.” Other trends in new home building include: • Open floor plans Builders and buyers are taking the walls down. New construction features comfortable open living spaces with several functions to meet the needs of every family member. • Spa-like bathrooms Today’s bathrooms are luxurious and relaxing retreats. Tub and shower spaces are separate. Popular improvements include multiple shower heads, creating a dedicated grooming area and installing heated flooring. • Universal design elements Comfortable design and accessibility for people of all ages and abilities is on the rise. Single-story homes, wide halls and doorways, flexible floor plans, pull-out storage and add-ons, such as grab bars and task lighting, make it easy to age in place without sacrificing style or independence. • Hardwood flooring A variety of hues or grain patterns are available today, and wood lasts for more than a century. Reclaimed hardwood flooring is recycled from sources such as old homes and barns and provides a rustic look. • Multifunctional rooms Today’s builders/buyers make every inch count in new homes. Practical ideas include creating intimate spaces with nooks and alcoves, adding built-ins to transitional spaces, outfitting home offices, and creating laundry rooms to substitute as hobby or craft rooms. • Smart Storage Previously overlooked spaces are used for extra stowaway space, including under stairways and window seating.
Courtesy of Adam Curran Homes
ABOVE: Due to increasingly casual lifestyles, more homeowners are opting for hearth rooms rather than formal dining spaces.
Courtesy of Adam Curran Homes
ABOVE: Homeowners and builders are giving more attention to outdoor living spaces.
Courtesy of Adam Curran Homes
ABOVE: Today’s spa-like baths are luxurious and relaxing retreats. Tub and shower spaces are now separate.
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Energy Star-certified homes are designed and built to higher standards than the average home today, delivering energy efficiency savings of as much as 30 percent when compared to typical new homes.
Energy Star homes a step above
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o earn the Energy Star, a home must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Homes achieve this level of performance through measures including: • Complete thermal enclosure system — Comprehensive air sealing, properly installed insulation and highperformance windows work together to enhance comfort, improve durability, reduce maintenance costs and lower monthly utility bills. • Complete heating and cooling system — High-efficiency systems that are engineered and installed to deliver more comfort, better moisture control, improved indoor air quality and quieter operation. • Complete water management system — A package of best building practices and materials protects roofs, walls and foundations from water damage, provides added protection and reduces the risk of indoor air quality problems. • Energy-efficient lighting and appliances — Energy Star certified lighting, appliances and fans are commonly installed throughout Energy Star-certified homes, helping to reduce monthly utility bills. To ensure that a home meets Energy Star guidelines, third–party verification by a certified home energy rater (or equivalent) is required. This rater works closely with the builder throughout the construction process to help determine the needed energy-saving equipment and construction techniques and conduct required on-site diagnostic testing and inspections to ensure the home is eligible to earn the Energy Star label. Since the inception of the Energy Star Certified Homes Program, the program’s requirements have evolved. Step 1: Builder chooses to partner with Energy Star. Through a partnership agreement with EPA, a builder agrees to affix an
Energy Star label on homes that are independently verified to meet program guidelines and to build at least one Energy Star-certified home every 12 months to maintain their partnership. Through the partnership agreement process, the builder also selects a home energy rater to work with to qualify their homes. An Energy Star builder partner may not build exclusively Energy Star-certified homes. Some builder partners offer Energy Star in specific home models, subdivisions or developments, or as an upgrade option. However, there are also many builders that have made a commitment to build 100 percent Energy Star certified homes across their entire operation and developers who require all Energy Star construction in their developments. Step 2: Builder works with the rater to select appropriate energy-efficient home features. The builder submits his architectural plans to their home energy rater for review and analysis. The rater looks for key information on the plans to help the builder choose the best combination of energy-efficient features to ensure that the home will earn the Energy Star label when constructed. Step 3: Builder constructs home and rater verifies features and performance. The builder then constructs the home. Throughout the construction process, the rater performs a number of inspections and diagnostic tests to verify the proper installation of the selected energy–efficient features and overall energy performance of the home. Step 4: Rater qualifies the home as Energy Star and Issues an Energy Star label. After the rater completes the final inspection and determines that all requirements have been met, the rater will provide the builder with an Energy Star label, which is placed on the circuit breaker box of the home.
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Best Kitchen by Tim Scott
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JUNE 21, 2014
Design Inspiration Get kitchen and bath ideas from 2014 NKBA award winners
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First Place for Large Kitchen by David McFadden
he National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) revealed this year’s 18 category and 11 specialty award winners in the 2014 NKBA design competition. The frontrunners of the competition include Best Kitchen Winner Tim Scott of XTC Design Inc., Toronto, Ontario; and Best Bath Winner Sol Quintana Wagoner from Jackson Design and Remodeling, San Diego, California, whose projects scored high on various criteria, including safety and ergonomics, elements and principles of design, design planning, creativity and presentation. Tim Scott’s medium kitchen project, which won the Best Kitchen Award, was designed for a family of four WHO loves to entertain. It features two work zones, good storage options for point-of-use essentials, and other state-of-the-art features. The creative play of a chunky, back-beveled marble background, walnut cabinetry, wavy backsplash tiles and a lava stone floor, among other elements, bring a wow factor
to this space. Sol Quintana Wagoner earned the Best Bath Award for her contemporary, Asianthemed room, featuring an elegant black pocket door with Shoji-style panels, an ochre wall, sensor-activated lighting system, and an arced onyx sink with gold fixtures — a meticulously planned room with glamor and sophistication galore. “This year’s winners offer a stunning variety in themes, styles and finishes,” says 2014 NKBA President John Petrie, CMKBD. “From English Cottage to Farmhouse styles and Contemporary Asian to Coastal themes, these winning designs demonstrate creativity, precision and versatility. ” A panel of seven, certified industry experts evaluated nearly 400 entries for projects from across the United States and Canada in the 2014 Design Competition. Each judge was either a Certified Master Kitchen and Bath Designer or both a Certified Kitchen Designer and a Certified Bath Designer.
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Best Bath by Sol Quintana Wagoner
Best Universal Design by Shawn McCune
Best Green Design by Elina KatsioulaBeall
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All-American Log Homes The original ‘green’ way to build
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f you’re dreaming of buying and Log homes meet green building building a log home, you are not standards alone. More people live in these Log home construction earns points modern, rustic residences today than at in the green building standard for the any time in history. The warmth of wood, many ways it saves energy and protects solid construction and powerful conthe environment, including: nection to nature add up to a feeling of Trees are a renewable resource. On safety and sanctuary unlike any other top of this, waste is kept at a minimum type of home. during the milling process, as manuAlthough log construction is a timefacturers utilize all portions of the log. less classic, the log homes of today can They use everything from bark and be quite different than their early Ameriother sources made into mulch to wood can counterparts. Today’s log homes scraps that become raw material used in often feature innovative designs that carvings and other home products. feel modern, open and upscale. Many The homes can be sold as kits or builders include large windows with “packages” with the bulk of building outstanding views of the outdoor landmaterials delivered at one time. This scape, cathedral ceilmethod reduces fuel ings for a light and July is Log Homes Month costs and carbon airy feel and modern emissions compared In 2012, the U.S. House of Repkitchens perfect for to traditional site resentatives declared July “Log entertaining. building. Homes Month” in the CongressioWhile constructPre-cut log-home nal Record, and to celebrate this, ing a log home is packages go up the Log Homes Council is holding one of the simplest quickly and leave National Log Homes Open Houses and most efficient less waste than throughout the month. Special ways to build, each conventional conevents include open houses, mill new home brings struction. Walls are tours, log home raisings and educa- completed simply by a host of choices tional seminars across the country. concerning style and stacking logs, which Visit www.loghomes.org for a materials. means there is less calendar of events. The National energy consumed to Association of Home craft the home. Builders shares these tips to help you Log homes are energy efficient build the log home of your dreams. Logs absorb heat energy during Types of Log Homes the day and radiate it at night, keeping To start, there are more than 17 occupants feeling comfortable while common tree species used in the log also using less energy over the life of and timber home industry, each with its the home. In fact, homes built with solid own unique properties. Grain pattern, log walls are typically 2.5 to 15 percent color, size (diameter and length), thermal more energy efficient than standard performance and resistance to decay are stick-frame construction, according to an all important considerations. Plus, logs NAHB study. can be fashioned into a host of different In addition to the benefits of solid corner styles and profiles, using different timber construction, Log Homes Council fastening and sealant systems. member companies engineer their log There are also two distinct kinds of wall joinery and roof systems to elimilogs that make up most homes today. nate air infiltration and moisture, conManufacturers of milled logs that are serve energy and increase comfort. This precut to fit a particular home design engineered approach can continue with are the most popular choice today, mak- every product included in a log home ing up 90 percent of homes constructed. package. However, 10 percent of log homes use Getting Started handcrafted logs with many custom • Find a manufacturer: Go to www.logbuyers still preferring this look of conhomes.org or nahb.org/logdirectory for a struction. While logs from a mill can be full list of manufacturers who belong to identified by their uniform diameters, the National Association of Home Buildhandcrafted logs will vary slightly for a ers’ Log Homes Council. hand-hewn appearance. • Contact a builder: Most log home Once you pick the basics of what you manufacturers market and sell their want in a log home, you can find more homes through local builders, dealers than 400 companies in North America to or developers who will work with you make your dream log home. throughout the process.
Courtesy of Honest Abe Log Homes
The warmth of wood, solid construction and powerful connection to nature of a log home adds up to a feeling of safety and sanctuary unlike any other type of home.
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Architectural guide to residential styles
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very house has a style. Sometimes it combines a mixture of two or more. The National Association of Realtors provides a short list of architectural styles. Art deco The 1925 Paris Exhibition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs launched the art deco style, which echoed the Machine Age with geometric decorative elements and a vertically oriented design. This distinctly urban style was never widely used in residential buildings. It was more widespread in public and commercial buildings of the period. Towers and other projections above the roofline enhance the vertical emphasis of this style, which was popularized by Hollywood movies of the 1930s. Flat roofs, metal window casements, and smooth stucco walls with rectangular cut-outs mark the exteriors of Art Deco homes. Facades are typically flush with zigzags and other stylized floral, geometric, and “sunrise” motifs. By 1940 the Art Deco style had evolved into “Art Moderne,” which features curved corners, rectangular glass-block windows, and a boat-like appearance. Popularized in the United States by Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen, the style enjoyed a revival in the 1980s. Bungalow These narrow, rectangular one and one-half story houses originated in California during the 1880s as a reaction to the elaborate decoration of Victorian homes. The style then moved eastward to the Midwest in the early 20th century, where it remained popular until the Great Depression. Bungalows have low-pitched gabled or hipped roofs and small covered porches at the entry. The style became so popular that you could order a bungalow kit from Sears and Roebuck catalog. The name “bungalow” had its origins in India, where it indicated a small, thatched home. Colonial America’s colonial period encompassed a number of housing types and styles. However, when we speak of the colonial style, we often are referring to a rectangular, symmetrical home with bedrooms on the second floor. The doublehung windows usually have many small, equally sized square panes. During the late 1800s and throughout the 20th century, builders borrowed colonial ideas to create refined Colonial Revival homes with elegant central hallways and elaborate cornices. Unlike the original colonials, Colonial Revival homes
are often sided in white clapboard and trimmed with black or green shutters. Contemporary You know them by their odd-sized and often tall windows, their lack of ornamentation, and their unusual mixtures of wall materials — stone, brick, and wood, for instance. Architects designed contemporary-style homes (in the modern family) between 1950 and 1970, and created two versions: the flat-roof and gabled types. The latter is often characterized by exposed beams. Both breeds tend to be one-story tall and were designed to incorporate the surrounding landscape into their overall look.
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Many Craftsman-style homes have wide front porches across part of the front, supported by columns. Craftsman Popularized at the turn of the 20th century by architect and furniture designer Gustav Stickley in his magazine, “The Craftsman,” the Craftsman-style bungalow reflected, said Stickley, “a house reduced to its simplest form ... its low, broad proportions and absolute lack of ornamentation gives it a character so natural and unaffected that it seems to ... blend with any landscape.” The style, which was also widely billed as the “California bungalow” by architects such as Charles Sumner Greene and Henry Mather Greene, featured overhanging eaves, a low-slung gabled roof, and wide front porches framed by pedestal-like tapered columns. Material often included stone, rough-hewn wood and stucco. Many homes have wide front porches across part of the front, supported by columns. Federal Ubiquitous up and down the East Coast, Federal-style architecture dates See STYLES page 18
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STYLES From page 16
from the late 1700s and coincided with a reawakening of interest in classical Greek and Roman culture. Builders began to add swags, garlands, elliptical windows, and other decorative details to rectangular Georgian houses. The style that emerged resembles Georgian, but is more delicate and more formal. Many Federal-style homes have an arched Palladian window on the second story above the front door. The front door usually has sidelights and a semicircular fanlight. Federal-style homes are often called “Adam” after the English brothers who popularized the style. Georgian Befitting a king — in fact, the style is named for four King Georges of England — Georgian homes are refined and symmetrical with paired chimneys and a decorative crown over the front door. Modeled after the more elaborate homes of England, the Georgian style dominated the British colonies in the 1700s. Most surviving Georgians sport side-gabled roofs, are two to three stories high, and are constructed in brick. Georgian homes almost always feature an orderly row of five windows across the second story. Modern-day builders often combine
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features of the refined Georgian style with decorative flourishes from the more formal Federal style. Prairie In suburban Chicago in 1893, Frank Lloyd Wright, America’s most famous architect, designed the first Prairiestyle house, and it’s still a common style throughout the Midwest. Prairie houses come in two styles: boxy and symmetrical or low-slung and asymmetrical. Roofs are low-pitched, with wide eaves. Brick and clapboard are the most common building materials. Other details include rows of casement windows; one-story porches with massive square supports; and stylized floral and circular geometric terra-cotta or masonry ornamentation around doors, windows and cornices. Queen Anne A sub-style of the late Victorian era, Queen Anne is a collection of coquettish detailing and eclectic materials. Steep cross-gabled roofs, towers and vertical windows are all typical of a Queen Anne home. Inventive, multistory floor plans often include projecting wings, several porches and balconies and multiple chimneys with decorative chimney pots. Wooden “gingerbread” trim in scrolled and rounded fish-scale patterns frequently graces gables and porches. Massive cut stone foundations are typical of period houses. Created by English
architect Richard Norman Shaw, the style was popularized after the Civil War by architect Henry Hobson Richardson and spread rapidly, especially in the South and West. Ranch Sometimes called the California ranch style, this home in the modern family, originated there in the 1930s. It emerged as one of the most popular American styles in the 1950s and ‘60s, when the automobile had replaced early 20thcentury forms of transportation, such as streetcars. The style takes its cues from Spanish Colonial, Prairie and Craftsman homes, and it is characterized by its onestory, pitched-roof construction, built-in garage, wood or brick exterior walls, sliding and picture windows, and sliding doors leading to patios. Saltbox This New England colonial style got its name because the sharply sloping gable roof resembled the boxes used for storing salt. The step roofline often plunges from two and one-half stories in front to a single story in the rear. In colonial times, the lower rear portion was often used as a partially enclosed shed, which was oriented north as a windbreak. These square or rectangular homes typically have a large central chimney and large, double-hung windows with shutters. Exterior walls are made of clapboard or shingles.
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Tudor facades are dominated by one or more steeply pitched cross gables. Tudor This architectural style was popular in the 1920s and 1930s and continues to be a mainstay in suburbs across the United States. The defining characteristics are half-timbering on bay windows and upper floors, and facades that are dominated by one or more steeply pitched cross gables. Patterned brick or stone walls are common, as are rounded doorways, multi-paned casement windows and large stone chimneys. A subtype of the Tudor Revival style is the Cotswold Cottage. With a sloping roof and a massive chimney at the front, a Cotswold Cottage may remind you of a picturesque storybook home.
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Staying safe in Tornado Alley By Stefanie Forney
behind Sheetrock wall,” Wiggs says. “All that remains showing is the steel door.” When deciding to include a safe room ornadoes can be destructive and in your home, make sure it meets the Fedare potentially deadly. However, eral Emergency Management Agency’s taking timely precautions can save (FEMA) criteria. lives and reduce property damage. “The FEMA 320 guide to safe rooms Although all 50 states experience includes design requirements so that the tornadoes, two regions typically have a room will be anchored properly to a reinhigher number each year. One is Florida, forced slab and will be able to withstand and the other is Tornado Alley, an area penetration from debris at speeds of an covering all or parts of Arkansas, Iowa, EF5 tornado,” says Vince Mims, owner/ Kansas, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, national manager for Family Safe, the North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South company that installs Wiggs’ safe rooms. Dakota and Texas. Whether you choose an in-ground or Tornado Alley is a hotspot for these above-ground shelter is up to you. If you violent storms due to the cold polar air have physical limitations, are older or from Canada, warm tropical air from want to use the safe room as a gun safe Mexico and dry air from the Southwest or a vault, an above-ground safe room clashing in the middle of the country. Tor- is a better choice. If you don’t have the nadoes in this region typically happen in space for an above-ground shelter, an late spring and occasionally the early fall, underground shelter would work better but they can appear at any time of year. for you. Either one is acceptable as long The severity of a tornado is categoas the storm shelter is built and installed Courtesy of Family Safe rized by the Enhanced Fujita (EF) Scale, correctly. with ratings from EF0 (65-85 mph threeAccording to FEMA.gov, 76 percent of Both above-ground (above) and in-ground (below) storm shelters provide second gusts of wind) to EF5 (over 200 all tornado fatalities occur from people excellent protection during a tornado as long as they are built and installed mph). exiting their homes, so inside the home is correctly. Oklahomans, who have seen more best and quickest. than their share of tornadoes, are plan“But depending on the home and the ning ahead by identifying a safe place in budget, it is not always the best option their homes to hide during a tornado. or even a possibility,” Mims says. “Give Choose a room that is away from yourself enough time to get into the windows in a centrally located spot that room/shelter safely. If you need to exit is as low to the ground as possible. If you the home to get into the safe room, leave have a basement, make it your safe place. early and stay late.” If you do not have a basement, consider Before buying a safe room, do your an interior hallway or room on the lowest homework. Check out the companies floor. Make sure your safe place has no with the Better Business Bureau. Look at windows or glass doors, and keep this the company’s safe room testing, certifiplace uncluttered. cations and work history. Ask if the storm Many homeowners are adding a torshelter was tested by Texas Tech Univernado storm shelter to their homes for an sity or other laboratories, and request to added measure of safety. Robert Kleven, look at the test documents for yourself. new home salesperson with Concept The National Wind Institute at Texas Tech Builders, is seeing an increased interest in University has a track record of being one safe rooms. of the best locations for designing and “It started even before the terrible testing storm shelters. Since the 1970s, Moore disaster, but that dramatically Texas Tech has pioneered the scientific increased overall interest,” says Kleven. development of materials and con“About 25 percent of the new homes we struction that will make storm shelters build include safe rooms, but we expect withstand the harshest winds, and they that to increase over the next year.” continue to test and certify today’s best Local home builder Brian D. Wiggs gets products. requests for safe rooms from practically Less than half of the shelter designs every new client he takes on. on the market today have been built to ”Sometimes the safe room does not meet or exceed FEMA 320 standards for make the final budget cut, but they all safe room construction or have been would like to have one,” says Wiggs. In impact-tested at Texas Tech’s National fact, 75 percent of his clients include a Wind Institute. safe room in their new home. The installation and construction of These storm shelters can be installed your storm shelter can make the difanywhere in the house, then the house is ference between life and death in an built around the safe room. “We usually emergency. With that in mind, it’s never build them as a closet in one of the guest been more important to know what you rooms, and the steel walls are concealed are getting.
Special Sections Editor
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50+ homes meeting needs of older Americans
A
merica is getting older. As baby boomers come into their 50s, 60s and 70s, the country faces big changes. By 2040, the number of Americans 65 or older will expand to more than 79 million — up from just 40 million in 2010. The National Association of Home Builders forecasts that the share of households headed by someone age 55+ will increase through 2019 to account for more than 45 percent of all U.S. households. These growing ranks of empty-nesters, new retirees, grandparents and active seniors are leading builders across the country to meet the special needs and preferences of 50+ buyers looking to relocate, downsize their homes or find a new senior-friendly community. These 50+ homes often form around socially engaged communities and often include amenities like nature trails, pools and recreation centers. Many use design elements that promote low-stress living and include special features such as an extra bedroom suite for guests and accessible kitchens, bathrooms and gardens. The 50+ niche is vitally important to help ease the transitions between life stages. Builders are redefining what it means to relocate with age by providing more lifestyle options for the growing 50+ population. The NAHB provides the following information to better understand the options for this type of housing. Active-adult communities Today’s baby boomers are not looking for the isolated retirement communities of the past, yet many still want the sense of community and shared interests that come from living in a place designed for their generation. Active adult communities are made for residents looking to remain engaged and independent. Many residents are still working or recently retired and enjoy communal amenities like pools, recreation centers, social events, hiking trails, tennis courts and nearby restaurants and shopping. For 50+ households, this can be an affordable option to downsize to a smaller home and still will allow them to age in place comfortably with a true sense of community. Assisted living Assisted living is aimed at residents who want to live somewhat independently but have access to services like meals, personal care, social activities, medical support and in many cases 24hour health supervision. Assisted living is for those who can no longer live entirely on their own, but don’t yet need the full support of nursing care. The level of
service is typically adjusted to fit the individual to create personalized attention and individual care. Community Care Retirement Communities Community Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) are a happy medium between the support of assisted living and the independence of active adult communities. Residents can choose more independence by living on their own in single-family homes, apartments or condominiums, but as additional assistance becomes necessary there is the added benefit of assisted living or nursing care facilities. Residents transition smoothly and can rest assured that health needs can be accommodated minus the stress and hassle of moving. CCRCs often are rich with amenities and communal areas that foster community engagement, but they are also great for a sense of stability. Courtesy of Bill Barley Universal Design Universal design focuses on making a Cottages at Saluda River Club in Lexington, South Carolina, is as inviting as it living space fully accessible to people of is attractive. It won the Best of 50+ Housing Award winner and active-adult comall different ages and abilities. This often munity. requires small innovations in design Courtesy of Bill Barley that are increasingly inviting and stylish. Some examples are widened doorways Many 50+ homes for wheelchairs, adjusted showers and include special feabaths, raised flower beds for seated tures such as a craft gardening, open, single-level floor plans room that includes and lowered appliances. These measures built-ins for better take away the stress of high-mainteuse of space. nance homes with steep staircases and high operating costs that many seniors Courtesy of Mark Boisclair live in today. With a move to a home with universal design elements, you can Community have both updated style and feel totally centers offer numercomfortable in your own space. ous social activities. Healthy and Active Lifestyle Some include cookWouldn’t you want to live somewhere ing classes (below). with its own nutritionist, massage therapist, spa and shuttle service? With a rise in demand for healthy living in recent years, many 50+ buyers demand these amenities — as well as lifestyle directors, workout classes and hiking trails. 50+ communities don’t just focus in physical health but can also be great for a person’s emotional and social health. Many 50+ communities have social groups form around activities such as games, cooking classes, even dancing. One of the biggest trends in 50+ is to locate communities near big universities so residents can continue learning by taking classes or going to the cultural and academic events that revolve around college campuses. These amenities make for a rich and busy life. Courtesy of Steven McBride
Many active-adult communities have social groups that form around activities such as pickleball (right).
JUNE 21, 2014
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Your yard will take on a well-planned look if plants are installed in an organized way. Masses of plants in a well designed plan tend to look better than a jumble of individual plants.
Landscaping tips from the pros
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andscape designers spend years learning the science of horticulture, plant selection and the elements of design. The most important thing to consider when developing your landscaping is to create a functional space that you and your family will love and enjoy for many years to come. Here are a few design basics from the pros with Professional Landcare Network: Function — Your yard should meet your family’s needs. Before you start planting, think about how you want to use your yard. Do want to create great play areas for kids? Do you want to create a yard your pets will love? Do you want to attract wildlife? Or do you want to relax and entertain in your yard? Answer these questions before you start designing your new landscape. Color — Consider plant color, not only in the flowers, but also in plant leaves, fruit and branches. Remember to check the seasonal color changes of plants as well. Create visual interest per season. One mistake people make is to use too many different colors. Create masses or blocks of color rather than a scattering of all colors, which can be confusing to the eye. Remember that your eye will be drawn to the colorful plants, so do not feel the entire yard has to be full of them. Instead, have some accents of color in different parts of your yard in all seasons. Proportion and scale — Plant size is important. First plan where to place large plants such as shade trees, then locate smaller trees, shrubs and finally ground cover and flowers. Tall plants and trees anchor a space and provide shade and privacy. Consider where you want to use larger plants to screen unwanted views and where you want to have smaller plants to open up or enhance a view. Be aware of the size a plant will be at maturity. A single decorative ornamental tree or shrub or specimen cacti can be added as a focal point in the landscape. Remember that larger
masses of one element, be it annuals or shrubs, can often achieve a better effect than one large plant. Texture and form — Many plants have beautiful textures and shapes. Select a few plants that have an interesting form or texture. There are plants that grow upright or cascade. Some are spiky. Some are columnar or round shaped. Some are evergreen. Some are succulents, agaves or cacti. Choose a few plants that provide interest, variety and contrast. Get creative. Organization — Your yard will take on a well-planned look if plants are installed in an organized way. Masses of plants in a well designed plan tend to look better than a jumble of individual plants. Even an informal, “naturalistic” theme should involve masses of plants in an organized design instead of random individual plantings. A basic design principle is to put plants together in odd-numbered groupings of three, five or seven plants, etc. Theme — If you uncover a design theme for the yard, your design choices will be made easier. Do you want a look that is natural and romantic with curving lines and hidden spaces? Do you want a modern and urban feel? Or do you want a neat and highly manicured appearance? The beauty of landscape is that it is possible to have different looks in different areas of your yard. When planning your landscape, consider your climate, soil type, drainage, exposure (sun and shade), potential use of native plants, water requirements and types of wildlife, such as deer. By incorporating a master plan, you avoid potential problems of having to re-do work, wasting money and time. Landscape professionals can provide consultation, design and installation expertise in all of these areas. They can also help with information on local building codes, restrictions and potential maintenance and water cost issues.
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