WASHINGTON, D.C. – January 24, 2013 – (RealEstateRama) — A Kiawah Island, S.C., residence has been selected as Home of the Year in the 2012 Best in American Living Awards (BALA) by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
English Angel, an Arts and Crafts style house designed by Wayne Windham Architect of Kiawah Island, and built by Buffington Homes, Johns Island, draws inspiration from the most influential English architects of the early 20th century.
Other team members include interior designer Kathryn McGowan of Charleston and the land planning firm of Sunnyside Designs of Johns Island.
Designed to be enjoyed by multiple families as a second home, this 4,900-sq. ft. home contains three identical master suites, three additional bedrooms and a total of six bathrooms. The home’s bold stucco massing and steep roof pitches make a commanding presence, while flared roof lines and various detailed openings articulate the form.
“As one of the judges noted, this home is a finely crafted tribute to the Arts and Crafts tradition with beautiful oak interiors and exterior windows,” said Skip Howes, 2012 chair of NAHB’s design committee and president of Scott Homes Ltd. in Woodland Park, Colo.
“It’s easy to get carried away with interior details, but in this house the details are done just right,” Howes said. “This home embraces the most compelling trends we have seen this year.”
Inside the home, neutral colored walls accentuate richly stained woodwork. The timber trusses and the intersecting peak and arch ceiling open the living room to form a dynamic gathering space. Stained glass connects the kitchen and dining room. The open floor plan allows abundant light and views to the exterior, and also provides a sense of connection and functionality. A pair of matching staircases separates the two upper master suites, trimmed with custom balusters.
Now in its 29th year, BALA recognizes outstanding achievement by builders and design professionals in all sectors of the residential housing industry including single-family production, custom, rental, affordable, interiors, remodeling, community and international, based on the principle that good design is not and should not be limited to high-priced and/or custom homes. Even the simplest, most affordable homes can receive an award if they showcase good design.
Award winners were announced during the annual NAHB International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas.
Additional Information about the BALA program can be found at www.nahb.org/BALA, including the 2012 BALA Portfolio, featuring a review of design trends and scores of project photographs.
