Recently, Walker Homes completed several projects in Westin Estates that employ some classic modern Prairie Style characteristics: strong horizontal lines, low-pitched roofs, overhanging eaves, groupings of windows, open interiors, and so on. For us, it is a new way forward in the implementation of ideas, styles, techniques, and materials.
In these two cases it was a true collaboration—the homeowners brought the needs and wants, the architect created the plans, and we, as the builder, brought the plans to life. All three parties contributed in significant ways to the look, feel, and utility of the resulting homes.
We, of course, love the classic styles: Cape Cod, cottage, Craftsman, country French, Tudor, ranch, and so on—we’ve built over 350 custom designed homes in RVA since we began. But what we love most is working with clients to break new ground—literally and figuratively researching and implementing the new ideas, new techniques, new styles, and new materials. These were brimming with all.
A few photographs…
1 | The exterior of this home features an eclectic mix of stone, brick, and granite used to frame groupings of simple but dramatic, casement windows (Andersen Windows).
2 | The industrial style of the interior is punctuated by the contrast between the dark accents and the blonde flooring. To create the illusion of floating, the risers of the staircase are anchored to a beam that is embedded in the far wall. A floor to ceiling glass wall transforms a utilitarian run of stairs into a centerpiece.
3 | Another staircase treatment we created drama (inside and out) by bracing it against one of the home’s prominent windows.
4 | This kitchen features a large island with a quartz white waterfall countertop, double ovens, a Sub-Zero side-by-side refrigerator/freezer, and a Wolf range and hood.
5 | The rooms throughout are large, neutral colored, and appointed with the amenities you’d expect in a high-end design—the finest doors and hardware, minimalist trim, recessed lighting, extra outlets, and so on. The casement windows open to views of the surrounding woodlands and allow for lots of light.
6 | Dining rooms are sized for large gatherings. Rooms beyond each serve a specific purpose defined by the homeowner—one primary reason for choosing to custom build a own home.
7 | An example of the types of ideas you can implement is this inside/outside entertainment area. The four windows at the center of the photograph accordion fold to allow the outside in and facilitate the passing of food and drink back and forth from the outside pool area.
8 | This master bathroom offers high-end appointments such as custom cabinetry, contemporary light fixtures, chrome hardware, and an extra-large, glassed-in shower.
9 | The steam shower is finished in a striking porcelain with Schluter linear drain and tile trim.
10 | Even the smaller bathrooms repeat elements of the clean, industrial theme. The tall linen cabinets to the left and right serve as the modern replacement of the medicine cabinet.
11 | The deck is finished in Ipe hardwood and built close enough to the ground to allow for the elimination of railings providing an unobstructed view to the pool just beyond. The pool, the flagstone paved patio, and the decks are easily accessed from several different points and provide an outdoor space large enough for entertaining as well as getting away from it all.
34 years of building homes has taught us that the degree of creativity and excitement our clients enjoy is directly proportional to our ability to manage the process. May I send you a copy of the Walker Homes Introduction Package? It includes more about the homes we’ve built, explains our business, and introduces our A-list of partners.
For your copy, please call with 804 270 7195 or email your request to info@whywalker.com (with your name and street address).
Ready to talk? I’d be happy to discuss the possibilities with you.
Jim Walker
804 270 7195 | info@whywalker.com | whywalker.com
