Power of One: High Design Lite
Power of One: High Design Lite
Upscale homes typically tend toward lots of square footage and giant monthly utility bills. But must big and consumptive be the high-end standard? Deena Loveland, a 25-year veteran salesperson with Prudential Michael Smith in Bellevue, Wash., says no.
The land and new-home specialist built her own home as proof positive to buyers and builders that upscale can mean small, energy efficient, and low maintenance.
“With their kids on their own, baby boomers are looking for a different kind of home, something smaller that’s easy on the environment and yet tops in quality, style, and comfort,” says Loveland.
Exterior and interior walls on Loveland’s 2,400-square foot home use recycled Styrofoam, concrete, and steel; the roof is metal; and plumbing and radiant heating tubes use a composite of aluminum and plastic to increase efficiency and reduce maintenance. The kitchen and bath feature high-style “smart” appliances, such as low-voltage, recessed lighting and a Takagi “tankless” water heater that uses continuous-flow technology, designed to consume less energy than a traditional hot-water tank. For flexibility, bathroom and bedroom walls can be reconfigured.
“Until people see how style and energy efficiency work together, they won’t demand it,” she says. “This house puts it all together.”
Loveland completed her house in October and has begun showing it to builders and other real estate professionals.
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