(ARA) - With summer on the horizon, families will be heading to backyards across the country for picnics, sports games and to simply soak up the sun. A lush green lawn is the perfect setting for these activities and will be the envy of the neighborhood. How does one achieve...
(ARA) - A home is a place of comfort and relaxation. Many homeowners are now taking to the outdoors and making this space an extension of the dream home they've always wanted. One way to transform a house into a dream home is by utilizing the outdoor space with the addition...
(ARA) - Through tempestuous weather and extreme four-season cycles, today's vinyl siding is living up to both the style and durability demands of discerning builders, remodelers, architects, homeowners and multifamily developers. Manufacturing advancements allow the market's innovative producers to artistically recreate looks of genuine weathered cedar, reclaimed brick and deeply-faceted...
Plan Number 56576 The key elements of functionality, flexibility and value are all addressed in this design. The first floor offers an open concept living space with subtle definition of the kitchen, family and dining areas by the use of columns and ceiling height variations. Views of the courtyard and optional...
If there’s one lesson we’ve all learned by now, it’s the fact that the kitchen functions as the hub of the home. From spacious luxury designs to compact starter plans, this area becomes the focal point of every house. If you still question the necessity of a large, open kitchen,...
We've realized the importance of outdoor living spaces for years; creating an “indoor/outdoor” relationship is certainly nothing new. However, as we continue to adjust the size of the new homes we build and search for ways to add value to our designs, extending living space outdoors becomes a critical design...
Imagine a young couple buying an affordable house in a neighborhood with the comfort of knowing that their home could grow along with their family and their finances. Consider a couple of aging “baby boomers” who would like to downsize to an efficiently designed two bedroom cottage – with the...
One result of escalating development costs has been the downsizing of lots. With construction dollars directly tied to the linear footage of roads and utilities, it stands to reason that lot widths continue to decrease. Plan Number 30502 It's not unusual to see lots in both infill areas and newly planned developments ranging...
Responding to the concern for privacy in high-density environments has resulted in the creation of secluded side courtyards on several of the designs. Particular attention has been paid to the proper proportions, massing, roof forms, and scale of each exterior design. Plan Number 30501 These considerations - along with the appropriate selection of...
What makes a home inviting? As with any discussion of design elements, the answer is usually quite subjective. Diverse personal preferences make it difficult to nail down specifics, but a few general guidelines can help increase the attraction and comfort of several areas in your home. The front door and entry,...
