March 31, 2007

Ultimate 'green home' ready at Red Oaks

Robert Lord Builders' latest high-end home may sport the timeless tan hues of natural stone on the outside. But make no mistake about it -- this thoughtfully planned new abode is thoroughly green both inside and out.

Located at Red Oaks, a single-family home community in St. Charles, the new inventory home is one of the most ambitious, state-of-the-art, lavishly appointed and spacious that custom builder Robert Lord Builders, Inc. has yet created. It can also be considered among the most environmentally friendly residences ever constructed in the Chicago area.

"Our goal was to craft an extremely spacious, intricately detailed dream home that would exceed everyone's expectations in terms of luxury and comfort as well as energy savings," firm owner Robert Lord said of the completely custom residence, which spans approximately 15,000 total square feet.

To visit Red Oaks:

• Directions: Located on Lot 2 at 6N558 Kim Lane in the Red Oaks subdivision -- off Denker and Silver Glen Roads in St. Charles -- Lord's custom inventory home is priced at $3.5 million and available for July delivery.

• Information: Call (630) 584-9009, or visit www.robertlordbuilders.com.

"As a result, we incorporated a variety of new, innovative green and renewable products and ultra-energy efficient systems--the combination of which, I believe, is uniquely resourceful and inventive."

Case in point: the home utilizes an underground geothermal heating and cooling system that provides a renewable fuel source to maximize energy efficiency. A series of ground source geothermal heat pumps capitalize on the earth's constant temperature (approximately 55 degrees) to effectively heat and cool the home using water or an environmentally friendly antifreeze liquid circulated through a closed-loop pipe buried in the ground. The conditioned air is then distributed throughout the house via forced air blowers and traditional ductwork.

"A geothermal induction system will save homeowners up to 70 percent in heating costs and up to 50 percent in cooling costs compared to a conventional system," Lord said.

To boost energy efficiency even further, Lord employed closed-cell foam insulation -- a spray-applied polyurethane foam that surrounds the home's building shell in a single blanket of air-tight insulation from the foundations, up the walls and across the roof.

"The use of closed-cell foam insulation is estimated to reduce energy costs by up to 75 percent," said Lord, who added that the home is replete with Energy Star-rated appliances and products.

Of particular interest to the environmentally conscious is the home's distinctive hybrid septic system. By using an aerobic digester in tandem with a raised sand filter, Lord cut the size of the septic field by half and was able to save several trees in the process. The aerobic digester also helps reduce the time it takes for waste matter to decompose, making it an earth-friendly system. In addition, the water well uses a constant-pressure demand technology and is up to 75 percent smaller than the size of a traditional well--saving space, water and energy.

While the home's green amenities are designed to appeal to the conscience and the pocketbook, it's the custom residence's numerous luxury appointments, architectural attractions and finer details that will catch the eye and satiate the senses. Fashioned in a French Provincial style, the exterior flaunts the faí§ade of a palatial castle-like estate -- as evidenced by elegant octagonal twin turrets that bookend the entryway.

Once inside, the visitor is greeted by a wide window vista across the foyer of an attractive veranda adjacent to a swimming pool. A right turn leads to the gourmet kitchen, equipped with Wolf appliances, an intricately detailed mantle hood, maple cabinets topped with a warm crí¨me glaze, granite countertops and marble flooring. The heart of the room, however, is wood-burning fireplace with a decorative pot swing that harkens back to a bygone age.

"This direct-vent, high-efficiency fireplace alone, which is linked to forced-air ductwork, can heat up to 3,000 square feet of living space in the home," said Lord. "It's one of six fireplaces found throughout the house."

Adjacent to the kitchen is a curved, 380-square-foot sunroom that includes a fireplace and is surrounded by tall windows that offer an expansive southern view. A bountiful family room with a 540-square-foot ceiling graced by intricately carved wooden beams connects to the kitchen on the other end. A formal dining room resides in the right turret space, countered by a home office in the left turret. A home theater room showcases a 110-inch rear projection high-definition screen, a concert hall-type stage with lavish drapery, and several lounges and bar stools. Completing the first floor is a spectacular octagonal master bedroom suite with a 16-foot tray ceiling lined with curved, detailed beams, an unforgettable fireplace that includes a hand-carved French mantle and surround and a Travertine marble surround that weighs one-and-a-half tons. The master bath boasts a six-foot-tall, see-through waterfall, a six-foot by six-foot Jacuzzi and a three-step-up, 16-function-control shower system.

The home's second level features two walkout viewing porches directly over the veranda and three bedrooms, each with its own bathroom and loft space for play or storage accessible by a custom ship's ladder. A gallery room just down the hall is the ideal space for a grand piano or fine art display. Upstairs awaits a home-within-a-home with its own private entrance: an abundant 1,000-square-foot suite that's perfect for a guest, live-in relative, nanny or home business. The home also offers an unfinished walkout basement -- complete with two stone fireplaces -- that is master-designed to be easily finished.

Other notables on the property include a carport carriageway area between a two-car garage and a second foyer, a rear-facing four-car garage with an extra storage area, two verandas, a 40'x16' custom-tiled fiberglass pool, and a decorative walking bridge overlooking a small pond just before the entryway.

"The 1.7-acre wooded homesite itself is wonderfully scenic and exquisitely landscaped," Lord said. "The entire lot is surrounded by woods and overlooks a gorgeous 15-acre lake 60 feet below. We preserved as many existing mature trees as possible when planning the home, so that the property boasts a healthy mixture of oaks, hickories, maples and other species. And portions of the trees we couldn't save will be renewed in the form of custom woodwork and trim we plan to add throughout the home. Plus, 75 percent of our construction waste is recycled, and all of the suppliers and vendors we choose to work with are local, which helps cut down on gas consumption and pollution." Robert Lord Builders.