TAKING A VISUAL TOUR OF THE BUILD PROCESS

The build process is a complex, but highly organized process. The following images show the journey from dirt to dream: an client’s 11,000 sq. ft. custom English Manor home situated on eight wooded acres in Charlotte. Kingswood broke ground in May 2008 and handed the keys over to the owners in July 2009.

The exterior consists of custom stone, brick castellation with custom cedar ornamentation – along with stucco, wood, and herringbone brick Tudor elements in the gables. In addition there is copper and carved stone detailing. The grounds include two water features and a Biltmore Estate inspired sweeping grass plain at the rear of the home.

Clearing of the lot begins in May 2008. By June the foundation is in. It's 175' wide and 96' deep and will be a conditioned crawlspace. A vented crawl space can compromise the durability of the house and create a health hazard for the occupants. A conditioned crawl space can prevent mold growth and wood rot, eliminate drafts, and, actually lower the home's utility bills.

August 2008. A view of the front and rear elevations. The home is framed and the roof nearly completely dried in. The view from the rear shows the three car garage entries once you drive through the porte cochere. The third story gable seen from the rear is the third floor home entertainment area consisting of a bar, pub area, half bath and; of course, a complete home theater.

September 2008. The roof is on and the windows are in. The masons have also completed the firebox and chimney flue.

October 2008. The brick veneer is quickly being applied to the exterior walls and around the chimney. The mechanicals are also being roughed in.

November 2008. Far left, a membrane is installed on the exterior walls as part of the blown in insulation process. Next image shows the final details being applied to the outdoor living area's stone fireplace. The rear view shows that all of the brick veneer is now installed and work on the boxing at the roof eaves is underway. The front view shows that all of the brick veneer has been applied and work has begun on the stucco and stone.

December 2008. The interior is really beginning to take shape as the rooms are now being defined with the addition of the sheetrock walls. The center photo shows the back of the Grand Salon with a series of French doors including palladium transoms that will offer panoramic views of the back yard, including the Outdoor Living area and a beautiful water feature. The sweeping curved staircase , a main focal point as you enter the home, is also installed but with much detail work yet to come.

January 2009. A view of the front to the right of the Porte-Cochere shows the English Tudor details. The vaulted ceiling and beam detail is taking shape. And the elevator is installed.

March 2009. Many of the interior details are taking shape, such as (beginning at the left): The coffered ceiling and drywall are being primed. The walnut paneling in the Dining Room. The fireplace in the Dining Room. The oak paneling in the Great Room. On the right, the front entry and porch are almost complete.

June 2009. The interior custom details and finish carpentry continue...

July 2009. And the finalé! Here you can see the outdoor covered living space complete with fireplace and a beautiful water feature. To view more photos of this world class home, please click here