Design Challenge Winners Announced
Ten designers submitted entries that celebrate the attributes and aesthetic appeal of a home constructed on a raised wood floor, all part of a promotion sponsored by Raised Floor Living and the Houston Home Builders Association. The Raise the Floor — Houston Design Challenge is a two-part competition to recognize an outstanding builder and designer. This activity will demonstrate the advantages of raised wood foundation construction in the Greater Houston area.
Roger Farrow with City Homes of Houston was selected as the winning builder. His 75'x125' lot in the historic Heights section of Houston established parameters for designers to create a home meeting specific design criteria in terms of required square footage and features. He was one of four judges, joined by Kevin Harris, FAIA of Kevin Harris Architect, LLC of Baton Rouge, Louisiana; LaVerne A. Williams, AIA, LEED AP, Environment Associates Architects & Consultants, and Kathleen Reardon, LEED AP, RD Architecture, LLC, both of Houston.
Jeremy McFarland holds his plaque as the Grand Prize Winner. (L-R) Bruce Cordova of Raised Floor Living; Holly Ridgway, Alex Ridgway, Jeremy McFarland and Gloria Carlos of Brickmoon Design; Richard Wallace of Raised Floor Living
The judges selected Jeremy McFarland of Brickmoon Design in Spring, Texas as the Grand Prize Winner and the recipient of a $2500 cash award. His two-story Craftsman-style home includes 4 bedrooms plus 3 full and 2 half baths adding up to 4,086 square feet of conditioned living space. Front and rear porches add another 300 square feet. Judges commented: "It successfully captures what people want in a luxury home. The overhangs contribute to energy efficiency. The floorplan is conducive to outdoor living." For his entry, Jeremy also won a $250 honorable mention award for Most Livable Design, and he received a $3500 cash award for completion of the construction drawings. His design will be used to demonstrate raised wood floor foundation design possibilities and to explain construction methods and details to other builders throughout the Greater Houston area.
Two other finalists each received $2500 cash awards for their efforts: Robert Blair of Lifetsyle USA Design in Houston and Patrick Berrios of Patrick Berrios Designs, Inc. in Sugar Land, Texas. The entry by Mr. Berrios also received honorable mention recognition as the best use of wood products. John P. Guy of NewCottageHomes.com in Katy, Texas won the final award, honorable mention for best curb appeal.
The Judges
LaVerne A. Williams, AIA, LEED AP, Environment Associates Architects & Consultants; Houston, TX
Kevin Harris, FAIA, Kevin Harris Architect, LLC; Baton Rouge, LA
Kathleen Reardon, LEED AP, RD Architecture, LLC; Houston, TX
Roger Farrow, City Homes of Houston
