Island Life, English Style - Builder's Notes

The design team worked with architecturally appealing and environmentally sensitive building products designed to decrease maintenance. The oyster-shell tabby exterior repeats in the surrounding sidewalks and driveway. Attractive brickwork and a diagonal pattern scored into the driveway's concrete breaks it up visually. Loose pea gravel carpets a guest parking area shaded by trees.

The cottage's shingled roofline has an intentionally steep slope. "We didn't want the houses to feel squatty," explains John. "The lots aren't wide, so if we designed a lower pitched roof, the house would feel small. Again, the proportions were important to us." On the roof, "quarter sawn treated shingles from British Columbia will age gracefully to fit in with the look of the area," says Rick Mullin, area manager of Simonini Builders.

Energy-efficient materials reduce costs during winter and summer months. The heating and cooling system utilizes extra-thick insulation to minimize operating sound. The home's fiberglass building insulation helps maintain indoor temperatures while softening acoustics. Naturally fire-resistant insulation also repels mildew and mold in the humid conditions.