The award-winning, 4,500-square-foot house, which opened its doors to the first of thousands of visitors in September 2001, takes advantage of the latest technologies to create a healthy indoor environment while respecting its outdoor surroundings. The indoor climate system, for example, includes a humidifier, air conditioners, ventilators, and UV light systems to improve air quality. Built to maximize vertical rather than horizontal space, the house's "footprint" is small. The site in the Chestnut Ridge development in Hoover, Alabama, was chosen because of the development's commitment to community values as well as amenities that make living a fit life enticing, easy, and fun. Green-space buffers and a walking-trail system are highlights of the neighborhood, and schools are within walking distance to most homes.
Foyer
Polished black and rich shades of deep brown contrast with light walls to create a dramatic entrance to the house. The hardwood floors allow for easy cleaning, since they don't trap dust and other allergens as some carpeting does. Because the house has no downstairs hallways, rooms open onto rooms, making efficient use of space.
Great Room
Glass doors let in plenty of natural light and give this room an open-air feel―a "passive solar"approach. The cozy interior melds with the outside deck, expanding the entertaining space.
The relaxing neutral tones of the all-hardwood furniture and the natural-fiber rug balance the warm red undertones of the wallsGlass doors let in plenty of natural light and give this room an open-air feel―a "passive solar"approach. The cozy interior melds with the outside deck, expanding the entertaining space.
Breakfast Nook
This arrangement expands the casual entertaining area of the inviting great room and keeps people close to the kitchen, which is a natural place to gather. The kitchen activity can spill over easily to the nook. Window seats make efficient use of space and take up less room than traditional chairs. And it's easy to clean the natural-fiber rug and uncurtained windows.
Pantry and Laundry
Just off the kitchen, the highly organized butler's pantry with custom shelving accommodates oversized and less-used items, such as platters, tureens, and tall wineglasses, leaving the central kitchen spaces uncluttered.
In the adjacent room, the efficient, oversized washer and dryer mean fewer loads of laundry, and the machines are quiet, too. A dumbwaiter transports laundry to and from the upstairs to simplify wash day. Built-in shelving holds laundry room necessities.
Home Office
Spacious work surfaces, abundant natural light, a ceiling fan, and a fireplace yield a comfortable, user-friendly work space that makes a compelling argument for telecommuting.
Deck
Casual entertaining can extend outdoors, where plenty of seating, a gas grill, and a rolling vista await guests. The decking material is made from recycled plastic grocery bags, reclaimed pallet wrap, and waste wood; it won't split, splinter, warp, or rot.
Kitchen
The kitchen's all-wood cabinets are made of distressed pine, the countertops of stain-resistant concrete, and the backsplash of slate. The room also features energy-efficient appliances; general, task, and undercabinet lighting; functional work spaces, including an island with shelves for cookbooks; and such environmentally friendly features as an Energy Star dishwasher, which exceeds government standards for energy conservation.
The microwave is mounted in the island (opposite the main sink) for improved safety and control when handling hot items. Flanked by handy shelves, the professional-style dual-fuel range has a convection oven and a stainless-steel surface, which makes cleanup easy. The multipurpose "cook sink"mounted in the island contains a steamer that can steam vegetables or cook pasta. After draining the water, it can be used as a regular sink.
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