American Dream

The NAHB points out that these innovations result in a 61% reduction in energy usage for heating and cooling, and a 50% reduction for water heating compared to a comparably sized home in the same climate.

Even the exterior materials used on the house offer green benefits, notes Orgren. He cites as examples the roof, which is made of concrete tile, and the exterior siding, which is a fiber cement product.

Furthermore, the wood flooring, wood windows and doors are all made from lumber which is a certified sustainable resource, adds Orgren.

Last, but not least, the association is proud of the fact that this year’s NAH has the distinction of being the first certified “green” home built through the NAH program since the program’s inception more than 20 years ago.

Kitchen Clinic
According to Orgren, the kitchen layout offers enough flexibility that the homeowner can seamlessly entertain or enjoy a quiet meal.

He explains: “The way the kitchen works with the Great Room is the way people live. It is one large space, but a group can easily communicate with someone who is watching TV, for instance.”

He continues: “It is a gourmet’s kitchen with a gourmet-style range. You can bring in a chef to cook for you because all of your amenities are right there.”

To that end, “We selected all GE appliances with concealed drawers for the kitchen,” Saxon notes.

Hannigan adds that the large, maple island with green opaque stain is another highlight of the kitchen design. “It is huge with a large granite piece and a 6mm edge on it, with a double ogee around it,” he explains. “It really played extremely well [in] the kitchen.”

“It works because it is an entertaining home,” he says, adding that the bar area is set up for four chairs, but since it opens up to the family room, it could accommodate as many as eight.

He adds that the island features two dishwashers, an icemaker, a trough sink and a pot sink. “There are three faucets, and a pot filler on the other side,” he also notes.

Complementing the placement of the island is a combination freezer/refrigerator that sits across from it, and a 48" gas grill that sits in between them.

In regard to the large stone hood found over the range, Saxon adds: “That is the largest exhaust fan I have ever seen. It is a huge, pre-cast, concrete exhaust fan with big, scrolled corbels on the sides.”

Also of note, he adds, is the three-unit combination wall oven, microwave and warmer tray. A nearby wine cooler completes the appliance selection, and adds to the overall function.

The kitchen design also ties in seamlessly with a big, 22', square outdoor living area, which is found adjacent to it.

Orgren points out: “You can directly step out of the French doors into the pool area and the sitting area. You have a great view of the lake from the kitchen through that same set of doors.”

Cabinet Fever
Hannigan points to the kitchen cabinetry, which was supplied by Canac Cabinets, a Kohler Co., as the most eye-catching element of the home.

“The cabinetry is exquisite, and is the heart of the home, in my opinion,” he says, noting that all of the cabinetry around the perimeter features cherry wood complemented by a nutmeg and chocolate glaze.

He continues: “On either side of the range are two columns that can be pulled out for spice racks. [They] would definitely be a conversation piece.”

“We also did some tremendous molding,” he adds, citing the use of floor-chiseled travertine above and below the crown molding.

Saxon adds: “I put the tile inset in the top of the cabinetry and the stone around the top edge of the cabinetry, which created the effect that the cabinetry was set in stone.”

“There was also a different type of travertine we put around the backsplashes, which [you can see, for instance], over the range,” Hannigan says.

Complementing the cabinets, according to Saxon, are tan, brown granite countertops. They are featured all along the perimeter of the kitchen.

He adds: “There are also cabinets that look like cabinetry, but actually house a dumbwaiter. Behind the dumbwaiter cabinet is a nice area with a desk, as well as a menu-planning area with bookcasing above it.