NBN Online for the week of September 5, 2005

(Plain Text Version) for full graphical version, click here.

In This Issue:

Front Page
Economists Begin to Assess Katrina’s Toll on Housing
NAHB Establishes Relief Fund for Katrina Victims
Low-Income Housing Can Be Used for Hurricane Victims
Nation's Building News Will Not Be Published Sept. 12
Layouts for Living
Floor Plans: A Taste of Elegance, A Touch of Tuscany
Coast to Coast
Missouri Condemnation No Longer So Imminent
Economics & Finance
Unsustainable House Price Gains to Wind Down
U.S. Cement Consumption to Remain at Record Levels
Tips
Builders' Tip: Fitting Pulldown Attic Stairs
Business Management
Improve Your Business, Follow These Basic Principles (Part 1)
Employee Benefits Can Be Costly for Small Businesses
Design
Ten Design Trends to Watch
Seniors Housing
If You Build It Overseas ― Expect Challenges
Disaster
Hurricanes Call For a Job Site Plan
Prepare Your Business to Weather the Storm
Remodelers
Heating Solutions That Don’t Require Enlarging Bathrooms
Education
Education Calendar
Green Building
Awards Focus on Green Building Achievements
Legal
Ask the Lawyer — About Volunteer Work
Labor
Record Attendance at Superintendent Courses
Building Products
Insulation Keeps Out Crawl Space Humidity
Endowment
Harrisburg Builders ‘Housing a Nation’ Oceans Away
TV
NAHB-Produced Shows on HGTV & DIY — This Week
Association News
Builders Help Install Basement Windows in Foster Homes
Builders Support Hurricane Ivan Recovery Efforts
September Is Associate Appreciation Month
Subscribe Your Employees — You Could Win a Digital Camera
Save on Dell™ Computer Products
Save More With BuilderBooks.com Rewards
Calendar of Events

Related Articles

Economists Begin to Assess Katrina’s Toll on Housing

NAHB Establishes Relief Fund for Katrina Victims

Low-Income Housing Can Be Used for Hurricane Victims

Nation's Building News Will Not Be Published Sept. 12

Floor Plans: A Taste of Elegance, A Touch of Tuscany

Builder:
Maracay Homes (www.maracayhomes.com)
Architect:
Bloodgood Sharp Buster (www.bsbdesign.com)

The rhythmic rooflines, natural looking materials, iron details, soft colors and graceful arches of the LaVerna model, by Maracay Homes, would be right at home in the Tuscan countryside. But this 3,943-square-foot home designed by Bloodgood Sharp Buster Architects and Planners is nestled in the Villa de Sorano neighborhood of Phoenix, and looks just as appropriate there.

Front entry couryard      © Mark Boisclair Photography

A gated arch leads into a sheltered entry courtyard that, upon entering the home, opens up to an unobstructed view from the front door through the great room to the lushly-landscaped patio and pool area. Off to the left, the dining room extends the livability by opening onto a welcoming courtyard with fireplace.

Great room     © Mark Boisclair Photography

 

Rustic Touches, Thoroughly Modern Living

Rustic beams, brick and stone accents and high windows in the great room add to the Tuscan farmhouse feel. A wall of atrium doors visually and physically connects the large, light-filled space to the outdoor living area.

The kitchen area ― with its large single-level island with seating for three ― truly functions as the heart of the home. It’s fully open to the great room and easy entertaining and adjacent to a cozy, light-filled morning room and quiet sips of coffee.

Tasting room     ©Jerry Portelli

A Flair for Entertaining

By opting for a lower level, the home gains plenty of space for entertaining and family fun. A home theater features a large screen and plenty of seating for movie aficionados. There’s also a hobby room/game room and another hidden jewel just right for small gatherings — a rustic wine cellar complete with a tasting room.

Home theater     © Mark Boisclair Photography

An Entire Wing of Private Spaces

A “library” softens the transition from public to private spaces. The master bedroom suite includes a spa tub and separate shower, his and her vanities and a walk-around closet. The master bedroom at the rear of the home opens directly to the patio and pool area.

A den separates the master suite from the other two bedrooms, which also can be directly accessed from the entry courtyard.

Master bedroom     © Mark Boisclair Photography

A Welcoming Blend of Form, Details and Functionality

The LaVerna truly welcomes its owners and visiting friends and family with intricate details, functionality and flair — a complete Tuscan dream.

Master bath     © Mark Boisclair Photography

 

Rear view     © Mark Boisclair Photography

 

Kitchen     © Mark Boisclair Photography

 

Hallway with "library" transition to private spaces     © Mark Boisclair Photography

 

Click to enlarge.

Features & Specs

The Villa de Sorano, LaVerna model

  • Total Square Footage: 3,943

  • Location: Villa de Sorano, Phoenix 

  • Two-Story Tuscany Design

  • Sheltered Entry Courtyard

  • First-Floor Master Bedroom Suite and Optional Casita 

  • Two Bedrooms on First Floor

  • Great Room With Story-and-a-Half Ceiling Fireplace

  • Lower Level Theater 

  • Lower Level Hobby Room

  • Wine Cellar and Tasting Room

  • Kitchen With Morning Room

  • Dining Room With Lifestyle Courtyard 

  • Rear Covered Patio

  • Three-Car Garage

 Maracay Homes, Phoenix, Ariz. (www.maracayhomes.com)
— Bloodgood Sharp Buster, Des Moines, Iowa
 (www.bsbdesign.com)

Front page photo and front elevation photo: © Mark Boisclair Photography 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


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