James F. WilsonSPREAD OUT: A utility room justoff the kitchen has its own separate entrance to the outside, and provides plenty of space for bulk storage, countertop projects, and heavy-duty cleaning jobs. A wall-mounted ironing board from Broan (inset) folds away when not in use.
James F. WilsonCLEAN UP: For convenience, the house has a laundry room off the kitchen and another laundry area in the upstairs Jack-and-Jill bath. Each features a Duet front-loading washer and dryer pair from Whirlpool Corp. The washer handles up to 16 pairs of jeans in a single load, and the dryer uses AccelerCare technology to dry clothes in the same amount of time it takes to wash them.
James F. WilsonQUARTZ OF APPEAL: Silestone quartz countertops by Cosentino are used in rooms throughout the house, including the laundry room, upstairs snack kitchen, and the outdoor summer kitchen. The material is made of more than 90 percent quartz so it is hard and durable, and select styles feature Microban antibacterial protection.
James F. WilsonCLOTHES STORAGE: Closets and laundry areas have storage systems from Schulte Strong Home Storage. The system starts with freedomRail, an adjustable hanging rail from which components hang. Components such as the O-Box, with two and three drawers, eliminate the need for a dresser in the bedroom. Pieces are available in white, maple, and cherry.
James F. WilsonWORK SPACE: The garage offers an extensive Gladiator GarageWorks storage system by Whirlpool Corp. Wall cabinets, steel gear boxes, shelves, baskets, and other accessories hang from heavy-duty GearWall panels that serve as the base of the system and maximize storage capacity. A variety of other accessories such as tables, workbenches, and floor tiles are available.
James F. WilsonCOURTYARD MANOR: Overhead Door Corp.'s Courtyard Collection custom doors adorn the garage. Designed in the carriage-house style, the doors are made from steel and feature full-depth polyurethane insulation. They are available in 18 designs and with optional windows, decorative hardware, and a variety of colors. These doors feature Wyndbridge-style windows.
James F. WilsonTANKLESS JOBS: Instead of traditional hot water tanks, the InSync Home features four energy-efficient tankless water heaters from the Rinnai Corp. Installed in the second-floor mechanical room, the units provide endless hot water and can be adjusted with a remote control keypad. They require less space than traditional tanks, offer flexible installation options, and provide more hot water capacity for high-demand fixtures.
It's amazing how a house just feels good when all of its parts work in concert. Chores become more efficient, clutter disappears, and stress suddenly goes by the wayside. The InSync Home is chock full of super-appointed storage areas, ergonomic space-savers, health-smart products, high-performance building materials, and a zillion other features that help it run with the precision of a well-oiled machine. The end result is less maintenance, greater peace-of-mind, and (gasp!) unexpected moments of free time. Now fancy that.
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James F. WilsonHOME OPENER: Phantom garage-door openers from Overhead Door Corp. do the heavy lifting. Featuring a DC motor and a reinforced belt drive, the openers offer 120 kilograms of lifting power, a C-channel operator boom, and a soft start and stop. To enhance the convenience and flexibility of the openers, the company added a wall console with a vacation lock and a wireless keypad.
James F. WilsonUTILITY PLAYER: Because more homeowners are gravitating toward mid-sized SUVs, the garage has the all-new 2007 Dodge Nitro—the first such vehicle for the manufacturer. The company says it has sporty handling, loads of tech-savvy features, and flexible cargo room to meet the everyday needs of most families.
James F. WilsonSERENITY NOW: The EPA has deemed indoor air quality a major concern, which is why Beam Industries' Serenity Plus Series Model 2775 central vacuum system is in the house. Outfitted with a HEPA filter, the built-in system is up to five times more powerful than an upright and removes dirt, dust mites, pollen, and other allergens, depositing them in a canister in the garage.
James F. WilsonABSOLUTE POWER: Hurricanes and power outages are facts of life in Florida, which is why the InSync Home has a standby generator and automatic transfer switch from Kohler Power Systems. The generator automatically restores power to the home's pre-determined circuits when utility power fails, and then reverses the process when utility power resumes. It uses a General Motors 1.6-liter overhead four-cylinder engine.
CELL FOAM: Building scientists recommend a tight building envelope to help combat air infiltration and to promote energy efficiency. This is why InSync features closed-cell foam insulation with Enovate by Honeywell. This type of foam has the highest R-value per inch and is two to three times stronger than other types of insulation. It also creates a sound barrier and helps reduce outdoor noise.
OPEN FOR BUSINESS: American Express' Open small business owners charge card allows builders to have immediate access to a wide range of benefits and services such as those that can help save money and gain control over business expenses. Builders can also earn valuable rewards.
James F. WilsonON THE SIDE: Garage facades can sometims appear monolithic, but not this one. Attractive second-story massing and an adjacent first-floor loggia downplay the auto focus of the InSync Home's utilitarian side. Quaint lighting fixtures, carriage-style doors, variegated concrete pavers, and a 4/12 -pitch "boosted" barrel tile roof by MonierLifetile add flavor to the home's Spanish eclectic vernacular.