Deer Park

This house contains 3200 heated square feet located in Alto Country Club on the prestigious Deer Park Drive. The couple asked me to build this design based on a sketch that was drawn on an 8"x11" piece of graph paper with a list of amenities that they wanted to include in the house. We began changing the shapes of rooms and location of windows and doors until they were satisfied with the flow of the house. We then developed a plan on the HVAC design, roof design, and other structural requirements. With the help of a local draftsperson, we established a little rough sketch into blue prints that we could use to pull a building permit and begin construction. They specifically requested a vaulted ceiling with triangular fixed windows at the peak of the ceiling in order to bring in more natural sunlight. We installed stained & lacquered wood ceiling on the vaulted ceiling that extended 25' from the finished floor.

Always entertaining friends and family, this couple incorporated an open design in their huge great room in which the kitchen, living area, and front foyer were all connected in one expansive space. A gas fireplace with a flat-screen television is located in the center of the living room to allow easy viewing. Alongside the television, a built-in entertainment area with surround sound speakers allowed everyone to better enjoy this gathering area. The kitchen cabinetry is made of natural hickory with Indian Parana 3 cm granite countertops, chosen by the owners, also installed throughout the kitchen and baths for a beautiful finish and low maintenance. A deep cast iron kitchen sink and stainless steel appliances added to the upscale finish of the kitchen area. A wine chiller resides in the kitchen island.

The vaulted ceilings created an interesting dilemma when it came time to install light fixtures, but with the help of pendants (and a good plumb bob), we were able to accurately and, aesthetically pleasing, locate lights on the bar and the breakfast area. Well located recessed cans and wall sconces helped illuminate the great room and foyer.

The plumbing fixtures are Delta Brizo with a nickel finish. Upgrades were implemented throughout the bathrooms including a pull-out sprayer in the master tub, deep porcelain vanity sinks, and custom tile work in the showers. We installed a wavy granite backsplash in the master bathroom according to the owne''rs vision and custom built-in closet work that includes drawers, shoe boxes, rods, and an island with granite countertop, which turned out to be a nice, final touch to this upscale house. The guest bath incorporates a glass block wall allowing more natural light to enter the shower and a sola-tube in the ceiling that allows light from outside to enter the entire room due to the owner's desire to bring in as much natural light as possible. The shower door has self-centering hinges that allow for a frameless unit.

The exterior of the house is comprised of stone veneer, synthetic stucco, vinyl windows, and an asphalt-coated steel shingle Girard roof that carries a lifetime transferable warranty.