Florida Dome House

On Building A Strong Foundation

Steve Ellis Thoughts Leave a Comment

Reinforced concrete construction? Impact-resistant doors and windows? In Florida, as anywhere, what goes into storm-proofing a home—whether new home construction or a painstaking renovation— is the deciding factor about what …

Smart Glass

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The future is here! With the latest developments in high-tech materials, smart glass takes consumer control to a whole new level. In the past, the options we, as homebuilders, had …

On Giving Thanks in a Painting

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As earnest as we are at this time of year about giving thanks, there’s always the self-imposed pressure to climb inside a Norman Rockwell painting and do it from there. But the danger in accepting nothing shy of poetic standards for ourselves comes from the age-old cliché about perfectionism. In short, without the sparkling white tablecloth, perfectly browned bird, ultra-crisp…

chickering piano factory boston

The Importance of Continuity

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In 1972, my father, a Boston-based developer and contractor, got to renovate Boston’s historic Chickering & Sons Piano factory. Among the most prolific piano manufacturers of the 19th century, Chickering was the company responsible for the piano PT Barnum used for world-renowned Swedish opera singer Jenny Lind’s 1850, 93-city concert tour. Transforming the Tremont Street structure into one of Boston’s …

A Meticulously Handcrafted Home

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This new, custom home is nearing completion on Longboat Key at Marker 29. It has been meticulously handcrafted for a terrific couple that chose a simple and fortified design with an abundance of covered outdoor living areas for their home on the bay. Stay tuned for more updates on this project!

Almost Finished

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Some of the “close to finish” shots of this gorgeous home. We are so grateful to Bambi and Jeff, the proud owners of their new west-of-trail home!

The Eastbrook Project

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The original structure was gutted to the studs and blocks walls, reimagined to open up the living room, kitchen and great room, and to emphatically open the master suite to an expansive, screened-in outdoor living area with pool and patio. Check out this project in our portfolio for more information.

Lovely, Rich Mahogany

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The Osprey Ave House will receive this very tight grained mahogany wood on and around the garage door, front entry and the cantilevered window bump-out. Mahogany has been used for over 100 years in the construction of yachts – both for structural applications and finish details. Back in Boston, during college, I was known on the waterfront as one of …

Pilots, Sailors and the Building Process

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My business partner, Grant Castilow, is an avid pilot. I am a lifelong sailor. Sailing and Flying both rely on the principle of lift — which has to do with airspeed, angle of attack and many other technical factors. Without careful attention to lift, and flexible, strategic decisions made to facilitate and maintain it, goals will not be met. Additionally, …

Aurora Award Winners

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The 2012 Aurora Awards were presented at the Southeast Building Conference in Orlando a week ago, and several of the winning houses had a look of familiarity to Herald-Tribune readers. These houses have been featured in the newspaper, either for their green credentials or for winning architectural awards. Or both. Here’s a look …

New construction company sarasota

The Anti-McMansion

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MyGreenBuildings’ prototype “green rebuild.” ired of tear-down homes replaced by McMansions, the two-story, boxy structures that tower over more modest, older homes? Steve Ellis and Grant Castilow are. The two …