Homearama 2011 Review: Outside In Living

Homearama is my favorite Louisville real estate event of the year. Only thing better would be a surprise visit from HGTV to re-design a room in my house!

This year’s Homearama took place in Norton Commons, a great site for such an event. One of the largest on record, there are 21 homes all vying for your vote! In this summer heat, you’ll need a TALL glass of lemonade to make it through them all before you pass out.

We made it through and out alive to tell the story! Before we talk about individual homes, let’s speak first to trends I see in Louisville real estate 2011.

1. Green Building

This trend has been going strong for some time but make no mistake, green building in Louisville is here to stay. Most Homearama homes tout at least a few energy efficient home features. Whether it is the Low-E windows and doors (most have these) or the high-efficiency HVAC systems (most also have these) or a geothermal system (only in one that I found), it’s clear that consumers are looking for energy savings and many of Louisville’s builders are cooperating.

When I spoke with Martin Madden of Geothermal by Design, I learned something new. Typically, loops are installed horizontally just several feet below the surface of the ground. This requires a decent sized lot, something Norton Commons doesn’t offer. But Martin said that loops could be installed vertically as well.

So for #6 Robbens Nest, even though the home isn’t sitting on a very large lot, geothermal is possible. This is especially important while still tax incentives from the Federal government are in play.

RESIDENTIAL RENEWABLE ENERGY TAX CREDITS
Consumers who install solar energy systems (including solar water heating and solar electric systems), small wind systems, geothermal heat pumps, and residential fuel cell and microturbine systems can receive a 30% tax credit for systems placed in service before December 31, 2016; the previous tax credit cap no longer applies.

2. Outside In Living

The second major theme I took away from this year’s Homearama was the emphasis on outdoor living. Due to the scarcity of land in Norton Commons, architects and designers have to work overtime to find ways to not only maximize the outdoor space that they do have, but also look for opportunities to bring as much of the outdoors inside, as possible.

Most homes had at least one courtyard or covered porch; several had more than one. A few even had a third story (or lookout room!) full of windows to capture even more natural light.

It’s certainly a challenge to accomodate these small lot sizes but several layouts stood out to me for doing a better job bringing the outside in, they were these six: #3 Grafton Manor, #7 The St. James, #10 The Barkley, #12 La Bella Vita, #20 Metropolitan and #21 The Athena. (Editor’s Note: After clicking a link, make sure to view the home’s floorplan to see how porches/courtyards in these homes were certain focal points.)

3. Modern Gaining Ground on Traditional

Speaking with Jeremy McGraw of Provident Homes, who built Homearama 2009’s Favorite Home by the way, we discussed current trends in Louisville home building. One thing that surprised both he and I was how more and more people are looking to modernize their home’s interior even as they maintain a more traditional exterior.

From high-end appliances to more current furniture, flooring and fixture designs, modern is finally coming to Louisville. I say, “It’s about time!”

[Make sure you read Angie Bogg’s piece about interior design of this year’s Homearama which highlights some of the more modern trends that are popping up with more regularity.]

Noteworthy Homes

With so many homes to choose from it’s easy to get them confused. Usually what happens is that a certain feature, let’s say a grand kitchen or outrageously cool media room, will stick in your mind, which will often dictate your vote.

But if you take the time to evaluate the homes, not only by luxury features but also by smart floorplan design and quality of construction you’ll arrive at a more reasonable selection. Sure, it takes more time but, “Heck, I love new houses!”

Given that these homes all faced a grand green space complete with large fountain, I find that rooftop porches give a far superior view than side-yard ones. Then when you add the open floorplan of The Barkley, along with it’s great use the courtyard, this was my favorite home. #8 Benvenuti a Casa came in a close second.

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