Custom Home articles from March 2003

Custom Home archives from March 2003

International flavors. (Editor's Page).
March 1, 2003... Take a look around any new kitchen and bath, and you'll probably see the effects of globalization. In my own remodeled kitchen and bathroom, products from Italy, Germany, New Zealand, and Japan are partnered with homegrown goods. I wouldn't be...

Kitchen master: virtuoso kitchen designer Mick De Giulio shares his wisdom. .(Interview)
March 1, 2003... Mick De Giulio designed his first kitchen when he was 19. The experience was so gratifying that 22 years later he's still at it. Since 1984, he's headed de Giulio kitchen design, which has become one of Chicago's most prestigious kitchen design...

See through showers. (Custom Touches).
March 1, 2003... "A glass shower must be meticulously and minimally executed," explains Aspen, Colo.-based architect David Gibson. "Normal materials can have connectors and frames, but all that goes away and every detail is revealed with glass." Glass is a...

Correction.
March 1, 2003... The photograph on page 74 of the January/February issue of CUSTOM HOME incorrectly identified builders Charles Barry and Andrew Goldstein. Barry appears on the right. We regret the error.

CEDIA calendar of events. (The Custom Electronic Design and Installation Association).(Calendar)
March 1, 2003... CEDIA REGIONAL EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION May 18-20, 2003 Dallas-Addison Marriott Quorum Dallas, TX June 8-10, 2003 Seattle Marriott Hotel, Sea-Tac Seattle, WA June 22-23, 2003 Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Richmond...

Deep impact: serene soaking tubs relax today's harried homeowners. (Design).
March 1, 2003... Custom builders and architects are looking to built-in soaking tubs to combat stress and foster a romantic haven. "Even if the tub isn't used frequently," says Chicago-based architect Garret Eakin, "it's enough to see it and enjoy the thoughts...

Kitchen archipelago: multiple islands for multifunction kitchens. (Design).
March 1, 2003... When clients clamor for open kitchens connected to other social areas, custom home pros must find a way to eradicate barriers while providing enough storage and unimpeded traffic patterns. Many designers turn to multiple islands for a solution....

Seeing stars: the kitchen and bath are the stars of the house, and these four winners of the first annual Kitchen and Bath Star Awards shine brightly indeed. (2003 Kitchen and Bath Star Awards).
March 1, 2003... Grand Award Best Custom Master Bath Private Residence, Prides Crossing, Mass. Award Architect Adolfo Perez assembled a sensuous palette of natural materials to finish out this free-flowing master suite. Quartered sepele and ribbon-stripe...

Counter trends: American kitchens embraced the future--and the past.
March 1, 2003... Time marches on, but for America's kitchens, it marches backward as well as forward. A growing emphasis on the kitchen as a multipurpose living space has given architects and designers the freedom to reinvent the room whole. Some have seized...

Clean living: baths have blossomed into practical relaxation centers for busy homeowners.
March 1, 2003... Baths aren't just utilitarian spaces anymore. Like the kitchen, these rooms, especially master baths, have become activity centers for multitasking homeowners, They're places to read, relax, or watch television, as well as shower, shave, or put...

US stone Avanza. (State of the Art).
March 1, 2003... Composed of 93 percent quartz and stain-resistant polymers, Avanza Natural Quartz is nonporous, stain- and heat resistant, and available in 20 natural colors. Fifteen edge treatments and a variety of thicknesses are available for Avanza...

Cosentino USA. (State of the Art).
March 1, 2003... Silestone quartz surfacing is available in seven new colors. Engineered of 94 percent natural-quartz crystals, the product is nonporous and scratch-resistant. And because it has four times the flexural strength of granite, it resists chipping,...

Like a rock: quartz surfaces are growing in popularity, but it's not just because of their good looks. .(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... Engineered-quartz surfacing offers a range of characteristics that make it an attractive category for both contractors and home buyers. The material is generally less expensive than natural stone. It's also easier to work with and lighter in...

DuPont Zodiaq. (State of the Art).
March 1, 2003... DuPont's Zodiaq can be used to create tub decks; tub, shower, and fireplace surrounds; wet bars; kitchen and bath countertops; and backsplashes. Available 3/4 inch and 1 1/8 inches thick, Zodiaq comes in 29 colors, is nonporous, and can be...

Caesarstone. (State of the Art).
March 1, 2003... Caesarstone's quartz comes in 32 colors, six honed finishes, and thicknesses of 1/2 inch, 3/4 inch, and 1 1/4 inches. Manufactured in Israel, Caesarstone has been certified by the International Quality Network as ISO 9002-compliant, ensuring...

Cambria. (State of the Art).
March 1, 2003... Nine new colors have been added to the company's quartz surfacing palette, bringing Cambria's color offerings to 30. The product is available in 2-, 3-, and 4-centimeter thicknesses for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and other...

Rustic Pewter. (Sinks).
March 1, 2003... The Sylvia basin is now available in the new Wild Pewter glaze. The basin comes 6 1/2 inches deep and in custom sizes. It can be installed under a counter or as a drop-in. Bates and Bates. 800.726.7680. www.bates andbates.com. Circle 175 ...

Concrete beauty. (Sinks).
March 1, 2003... The concrete ChefSink now comes in a straight-edged version in more than 100 colors and 16 sizes with one or two bowls. The sink bottom is embedded with a perforated stainless-steel sheet for traction. Sonoma Cast Stone. 877.939.9929....

Clay layers. (Sinks).
March 1, 2003... The bowl of the Highlands under-counter, fireclay sink is decorated with striated layers of green and brown accented with two bands of 24-karat gold. The 15 3/4-inch-square basin is available in biscuit. Kohler. 800.4.KOHLER. www.kohler.com....

Kitchen apron. (Sinks).
March 1, 2003... The Blancomagnum 10 1/2-inch-deep, stainless-steel, double-bowl, farmhouse sink has a satin finish that resists stains and calcium deposits, says the maker. The sink is also available as a single-bowl unit. A front-mounted, chrome towel bar may...

Clear simplicity. (Showers and Tubs).
March 1, 2003... Clearwater Collection freestanding bathtubs are made using a twin-skinned--acrylic, vacuum-molded process that creates an insulated barrier. The barrier, filled with fiberglass and acrylic, increases the tub's thermal properties. The Deva tub...

Sensory system. (Showers and Tubs).
March 1, 2003... The new Taron shower system includes a cylindrical showerhead, a dual-spray hand shower, four body sprays, and an anti-lime system. A thermostatic temperature-control valve allows users to preselect water temperatures. Grohe. 630.582.7711....

Falling water. (Showers and Tubs).
March 1, 2003... Westbrook Falls whirlpool and soaking tubs feature built-in water canals designed to provide relaxing waterfall sounds. The under-mount and top-mount tubs also can include the Falling Water Soaker, Chromatherapy LED Light Effects, and System...

Panoramic view. (Showers and Tubs).
March 1, 2003... Crafted of 3/8-inch tempered safety glass that can be sandblasted or frosted in any pattern, the company's shower enclosures are custom-designed to spec and can include curved glass. Solar gray, solar bronze, glue chip, or Crystal Clear glass...

Mutable metal. (Showers and Tubs).
March 1, 2003... The 32-by-62-by-26-inch Copper Victorian Soaking Bath is crafted entirely of copper. The tub will take on a patina with age. Diamond Spas. 800.951.SPAS. www.diamondspas.com. Circle 174 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Swan curve. (Faucets).
March 1, 2003... The Country Bath Collection's new wide-spread lavatory faucet features a curving C-spout and solid-metal scrolled levers. Constructed of solid brass, the faucet is available in polished chrome, polished nickel, satin nickel, Inca brass, and...

Filter fresh. (Faucets).
March 1, 2003... The Triflow water-filtration bathroom faucet incorporates a third handle that operates the filtration system. Independent water lines run through the faucet and spout for filtered and unfiltered water. The system's filtration unit fits under...

Easy clicking. (Faucets).
March 1, 2003... San-Ei's "click" function adjusts water volume and temperature with each vertical and horizontal click. Shown is the Mare K8792J-BW, a multidirectional--water-flow faucet. San-El Faucet Manufacturing Co. 800.222.7982. www.san-ei-faucet.com....

Professional classicism. (Faucets).
March 1, 2003... The Tara Classic Profi gooseneck faucet features a pendulum-swing spray head. The spray's hydraulic diverter senses when the hand spray is in use and automatically diverts water from the main tap. Dornbracht. 800.774.1181. www.dornbracht.com....

Fill 'er up. (Faucets).
March 1, 2003... Watermark's new Pot Filler Faucet features a swing arm that pulls out from and returns to its wall-mounted base. The faucet is available in 33 finishes. Watermark Designs. 800.842.7277. www.watermark-designs .com. Circle 169 [ILLUSTRATION...

Clean up. (Appliances).
March 1, 2003... Washer and dryer set can be installed stacked, side by side, or under a countertop. The W6441 washer features an anti-crease program and is Energy Star rated. The T731 dryer has six drying options. Both have LED displays. ASKO. 800.367.2444....

Double duty. (Appliances).
March 1, 2003... Wolf's new dual-fuel range is available with a 30- or 36-inch single oven and a 48- or 60-inch double oven. The range uses the company's dual convection system along with four heating elements and two convection fans to control eight cooking...

Fire wall. (Appliances).
March 1, 2003... La Cornue's Flamberge in-wall rotisserie operates via gas or electricity. The Flamberge is available in several porcelain-enamel colors with six trim choices: satin or polished brass, chrome, stainless steel, nickel, or copper. La Cornue....

Compact design. (Appliances).
March 1, 2003... This 18-inch, under-counter trash compactor is the newest addition to Viking's Designer Series line. The product is available in six colors; brass trim is optional. Viking Range. 888.845.4641. www.vikingrange.com. Circle 161 [ILLUSTRATION...

On the range. (Appliances).
March 1, 2003... The new Performance Series line of commercial-grade, stainless-steel gas ranges comprises 24-, 30-, 36-, and 48-inch models. All feature 22,000-BTU gas ovens and 15,000-BTU infrared broilers. Capital Cooking Equipment. 310.605.5000....

Cold room. (Appliances).
March 1, 2003... Two new models in the Pro-Chef line of built-in, glass-door refrigerators offer 48 cubic feet of capacity. The all-refrigerator GS36RM and the combination refrigerator/ freezer GS72RFI (shown) are available with white metal or stainless-steel...

Extra large. (Appliances).
March 1, 2003... The 60-inch, dual-fuel Epicure Range provides two full-sized, 13,000-BTU convection ovens and 14-inch grates on its eight 15,000-BTU sealed burners. Dacor. 800.793.0093. www.dacor.com. Circle 157 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Controlled cooking. (Appliances).
March 1, 2003... Jenn-Air's new CustomControl electric cooking element provides 3,000 watts of power, rivaling the cooking performance of a gas range, says the maker. The CustomControl element is included on the company's 30-inch and 36-inch smooth-top glass...

Double time. (Appliances).
March 1, 2003... The CJ SpeedCooking convection-and-microwave double oven shaves up to 75 percent off cooking time, says the maker. The 1.9-cubic-foot microwave is incorporated into the top half of the oven, with the 4.1-cubic-foot convection unit situated...

So Euro. (Appliances).
March 1, 2003... The Eurotech EDW174 dishwasher features the Sani-Clean program, which washes and rinses dishes with 160-degree water, and premium sound insulation. It is available in white, black, and graphite. Eurotech. 800.898.1879. www.eurotech...

Model sinks. .(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... "Looks great, less maintenance" is the slogan best befitting these two stainless sinks that Craig Reece, owner of Indian Rock Construction and Design, Berkeley, Calif., had fabricated for his own kitchen. One-piece construction seamlessly...

Beyond perfect. .(custom home designs)(Brief Article)(Editorial)
March 1, 2003... The two houses featured in this issue of CUSTOM HOME OUTDOORS are close to perfect. They have spectacular sites, one-in-a-million lots, really. And they're both located in regions where the climate is splendid for most of the year. Each glories...

Dining out.
March 1, 2003... Most grown-ups spend their workdays inside, so coming home to a well-appointed outdoor space for dining, entertaining, or just kicking back has become an increasingly high priority for homeowners. Builders and designers respond readily with...

Cool clean water: a guide to nonchlorine pool water treatments.
March 1, 2003... By far the most common pool treatments use some type of chlorine. Few alternatives are as inexpensive, or as effective by themselves at both killing bacteria and breaking down organic contaminants, such as algae, soap, suntan lotion, skin...

City heights: a plan that lives up to the view.(Brief Article)
March 1, 2003... At approximately 15,007 square feet, the La Jolla, Calif., site wasn't big by custom home standards. But its view laid visual claim to a spectacular swath of the Southern California coast, including downtown San Diego and the Catalina Islands....

Desert drama: between the rocks is a fine place.
March 1, 2003... Nestled into a boulder-strewn mountainside near Scottsdale, Ariz., this 10,000-square-foot custom home enjoys both a commanding view of Phoenix and complete privacy. The privacy is provided by two enormous granite outcroppings--each...

Glowing ground. (Outdoor Products).
March 1, 2003... In-ground lights feature compact design, adjustable tilt and lock reflectors, low-surface-temperature options, antislip top plates, and noncorrosive finishes. Lamp options include low-wattage ceramic metal halide, compact fluorescent,...

Indirect reflection. (Outdoor Products).
March 1, 2003... The FARO outdoor indirect luminaire uses a proprietary reflector technology for glare-free area lighting. FARO is UL-listed for wet locations. .hessamerica. 704.471.2211. www.hessamerica .com. Circle 3 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

All-weather listening. (Outdoor Products).
March 1, 2003... The Northridge Series Mark N24AWII is a two-way, 4-inch, weatherproofed outdoor bookshelf speaker. The speakers are fitted with high-efficiency woofers and specially designed titanium-laminate-dome tweeters. JBL. 516.496.3400. www.jbl.com....

Made for shade. (Outdoor Products).
March 1, 2003... The Australia awning, with a retractable lateral arm, projects from 4 to 12 feet and can be motorized. The product comes in widths of 5 to 40 feet, in a range of valance designs and frame and trim colors. A sun-and-wind sensor is optional....

Steel chef. (Outdoor Products).
March 1, 2003... Stainless-steel-clad base, wall, and specialty cabinets for outdoor use feature weather- and insect-resistant interiors of white plastic. Specialty cabinets include grill and burner cabinets (shown), bar cabinets, corner and transition...

No nails here. (Outdoor Products).
March 1, 2003... Timberlast Composite Decking is made from a wood composite produced by an extrusion process that sheathes wood fibers in plastic to protect against rot, decay, and insect damage. Hidden deck clips allow the planks to float on supporting joists....

Red clay. (Outdoor Products).
March 1, 2003... Clay Street pavers, pool copings, and step treads come in three new colors: Parquet Tan (shown), Peachtree Avenue Pink, and Savannah Brown. The clay pavers are 2 1/4 inches thick and are available in standard and modular sizes. Boral Bricks....

Plank by plank. (Outdoor Products).
March 1, 2003... Tongue-and-grove TenduraPlank composite porch plan--in 8-, 10-, and 12-foot lengths--is now available in a wider, 6-inch width. The plan comes primed and requires no sealing. Tendura. 800. TENDURA. www.tendura.com. Circle 8 [ILLUSTRATION...

On cue. (Outdoor Products).
March 1, 2003... Company offers indoor and outdoor pool tables and supplies and has a special opening dealer price program. Imperial International. 800.526.6261. Circle 20 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Child safety. (Outdoor Products).
March 1, 2003... Using laser technology. Prevent perimeter pool alarm detects anyone entering its laser beam path and sounds an alarm before that person enters the water. System includes remote controller, laser transceiver, two reflectors, and two mirrors....

In the shade. (Outdoor Products).
March 1, 2003... Large umbrellas are an attractive outdoor accessory and offer shelter from the sun and rain. Becher-Schmidt USA. 201.666.7024. Circle 21 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

On the porch. (Outdoor Products).
March 1, 2003... Tobago Cay Collection offers high-back, deep seating with powder-coated aluminum frames. Available in several finishes. Telescope Casual Furniture. 518.642.1100. Circle 22 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Illuminated. (Outdoor Products).
March 1, 2003... Recessed Steplyte line now includes an LED light source that uses high-output 1-watt Luxeon white LED. It is available in three- and five-watt series with integral reflector and transformer included. Fixtures are constructed of marine-grade,...

In the ozone. (Outdoor Products).
March 1, 2003... Eclipse and Total Eclipse Ozone generators feature corona-discharge ozone technology. Eclipse 1, 2, and 4 are for in-ground pools up to 25,000 gallons. Total Eclipse offers 24-hour operation for new pools up to 50,000 gallons. DEL Ozone....

Recycled relaxation. (Outdoor Products).
March 1, 2003... Made from recycled plastic bottles and containers, and permeated with UV-stabilized coloring that is consistent throughout the entire product, Seaside's EnviroWood furnishings provide the look of traditional painted wood with no maintenance....

Private island. (Outdoor Products).
March 1, 2003... System of islands designed for cooking, beverage service, refrigeration, and storage is available in 12 configurations with locking casters or as stationary units. Islands are made of solid mahogany and topped with polished granite. Hinges are...

Aromatic therapy. (Outdoor Products).
March 1, 2003... Up to nine targeted jets can be controlled from each seat in the 850 Series spas. The units also feature the SunScents aromatherapy system and SilentAir aromatherapy injector jets and come in in-ground and aboveground models. Sundance Spas....

Outdoor gourmet. (Outdoor Products).
March 1, 2003... The stainless-steel, 56-inch Gas Grill features an infrared rotisserie and High Intensity Sear Zone. Options include a built-in refrigerator, accessory drawers, and a hidden trash compartment. Built-in and cart models are available with either...