PARAGON VOL 6 ISSUE 2.Indd

VOLUME 6 GRAINDA BUILDERS ISSUE 2 PARAGON

Backyard Envy. A freshly cut, manicured lawn is certainly the American standard, but this family went further and transformed it into a paradise. It’s a place to simply relax and unwind or entertain in style. A beautiful tree-lined backdrop sets the stage for creative ideas to be dreamed, designed, and executed.

SPOTLIGHT

his pool house has every has a total of 604 sq. ft. heated kitchen, bathroom, garage, sauna, T trendy accessory for today’s and 1,213 sq. ft. under roof. All fireplace and more. We imple- forward thinking homeown- custom construction projects pres- mented many unique design er, from reclaimed barn wood ent their own unique challenges, features during this project. Even shiplap and barn doors to indus- and this one was no different. The the sound system around the pool trial weathered rebar railing. soil was poor and the setbacks is state-of-the-art, carefully hidden tight. Each challenge takes plan- away components to maintain “We spend more time outside ning and expertise to overcome. aesthetics. This lifestyle concept now than inside our own house,” offers it all, from a party pad, to an explains the homeowner. Despite the building’s smaller elegant guesthouse, to a quiet re- Designed by Robert T. Foster square footage it holds all the Design Studio, the pool house components of a full size home: q Pool with arched fountain design. t Reclaimed barn wood shiplap with to entertaining, this pool house p Rustic tile work in oversize shower blonde brick to tie-in with main house. was also designed for health and and bath with distressed wood vanity. wellness. The upper floor con- treat. The outdoor kitchen and bar tains full size professional fitness oversized shower and tile adds features everything a professional equipment and spectacular views to the rustic feel and the vanity chef or backyard BBQ enthusiast of the pool and tree line. compliments the reclaimed barn could possibly want. Adjacent to wood shiplap. The Finlandia the kitchen is a garage to store One of the central attractions sauna adds a feeling of spa-like the gardening tools, riding mower inside the pool house is the lower luxury and elegance. When plan- and pool equipment. In addition level bathroom and sauna. The ning this type of outdoor living Muted warm hues, black granite Japanese soaking vessel and metallic dining room fixtures.

z Clockwise from top: Views of different elevations of the pool house.

project, we recommend a few guidelines. First, the distance between a structure and the pool is often based on the depth of the pool water.

Secondly, it is a good idea to follow some of your home’s architectural styling, so it creates visual cohesion.

Third, an under roof patio provides shelter for enjoyment out of the sun (and rain). Fourth and often overlooked, remember to leave room for storing outdoor lawn and pool equipment. the a-team

Design: Robert T. Foster Design Studio Reclaimed Wood: Reclaimed Lumber & Beams Masonry: Griffin Masonry Interior Trim: G & R Woodworking Stairs & Rails: Andronics Construction Windows: Pella Window & Door Boxing: Advanced Renovations Bath Hardware: Barefoot Masonry: Griffin Masonry balustrade beauty THE NEW FRONTIER FOR CREATIVE EXPRESSION

DESIGN

tairs have always been an commercial, industrial and S essential element in a home. residential material applications From a practical sense, balus- have started to blur as homeown- trades are used to prevent falls, but ers seek more unique expressions a luxurious staircase in the foyer for their living spaces. What used can be the centerpiece and accen- to be applicable to outdoor in- tuate the home décor. Balustrades, stallations is now acceptable and defined as a row of small columns even desirable indoors. topped by a rail, have become the focal point of staircases in today’s Designs run the gamut of material custom homes. Interior design- from wood to glass to metal to ers and custom home builders bamboo to repurposed materials have been focusing their creative like iron and weathered rebar. inspirations on actually showcas- Whatever your style, be creative ing balustrades. The lines between and the sky’s the limit. luxury upgrade WHY PERSONAL WELLNESS SAUNAS ARE HEATING UP HOME VALUES

TRENDS

he benefits of saunas are these saunas achieve the same p A traditional sauna kit by Finlandia widely reported, from desired results and selection may was the perfect marriage to this oversize T relieving stress and sooth- be influenced by personal needs, pool house shower. ing tired muscles to numerous space restrictions, home décor health benefits cited by health and project price range. the body at less intense tempera- publications. The emergence of tures than the traditional model. pre-manufactured kits has made A traditional sauna, such as the A steam bath is somewhere in this wellness trend even more one we installed in our featured between. Whichever type of accessible to homeowners and pool house, provides the most sauna you choose to invest, the builders as a luxury upgrade. intense environment with ex- health benefits of heating the body treme temperatures and blasts of in this manner are numerous. There are three types of saunas hyper-steam from splashing water (Finnish for bathhouse): tra- on heated rocks. For many, this Though the initial investment to ditional (hot rock and water), is what a true sauna is all about. have a custom sauna installed in steam (steam bath) and a newer The growing popularity of using your home can be substantial, a technology using infrared. All of infrared saunas is that they heat sauna adds value to your home and requires very little upkeep. and home buyers. As people’s Home buyers seeking a spa lives become busier, they seek experience in the privacy of their ways to simplify the maintenance home will value the addition of a of their home without having to sauna or steam room when sacrifice comfort and luxury. shopping for a new home. The construction is fairly Like gourmet kitchens and cus- straightforward with a multitude tom wine cellars, saunas are an of add-on options to create the added luxury upgrade that distin- look and style of your choosing. guishes your home from others. It adds a sense of luxury, especially Whether you are building a when it is part of a bigger picture new custom structure or like a home gym, a backyard liv- renovating an existing one, ing experience, or an upgraded incorporating a sauna will bring master bathroom. a 2,000-year-old health and healing practice, into your home Saunas’ low maintenance makes adding value and luxury for them attractive to homeowners years of enjoyment. JOE’S MAINTENANCE CHECK LIST FOR YOUR HOUSE

Check your hoses and exterior faucets for leaks -- even a tiny drip can add up to a big waste of water. Pinhole leaks in hoses can be covered up by wind- ing regular electrical tape around the (dry) hose in overlapping layers.

Test smoke/carbon monox- ide detectors and all GFCI outlets monthly as well as fire extinguisher pressure gauges.

Re-caulk exterior wood surfaces every 6 months: this will make wood products last the longest.

Give your gas grill a deep cleaning, turn the heat up to high and let the grill cook with the lid closed for about half an hour. Allow the grill to cool and then brush it off with a grill brush.

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