|
Innovative
new products beautify homes... inside
out
 At
Oke Woodsmith, we go the extra mile to design and build homes that
not only meet our clients' needs,
but also reflect their lifestyles. We believe a keen grasp of how
our clients live in their homes, paired with the talents of our
in-house designer, are what set us apart from other design/build
firms. Our ultimate goal is to create a living environment that will
be visually outstanding and functionally relevant for years to come.
As specialists
in new technologies, products and finishes, we are able to source
hard-to-find items that can make a room more comfortable, more
stylish or simply infuse it with knock-out appeal.
We encourage our
clients to accompany us to an annual builders' show in the U.S.
where they're able to view the latest American design elements.
Innovative wine cellars and garage lifts are just a few of the ideas
that have captured the imaginations of our clients, and which we
have been able to adapt to their own living spaces.
We have also
taken clients to Chicago to visit Merchandise Mart, the world's
largest design centre. With 700,000 square feet of space and 130
showrooms featuring more than 2,000 product lines, the centre offers
an outstanding selection of home furnishings, wall and floor
coverings, lighting and accessories - all under one roof.
We have even
traveled to a quarry in Wisconsin in search of particular stone
combinations for one-of-a-kind homes. While these trips inspire
ideas, we try, as much as possible, to buy products locally. In the
London area, we accompany clients to businesses to select such
elements as staircases, windows, trim, flooring and cabinetry.
By providing
this level of service, we expose clients to new products they may
not have seen before. We believe this attention to detail will help
them to make the best decisions possible.
Listed below are
some of the latest (and we think greatest) products available to
buyers of custom homes:
Ribbon
fireplaces: In the last two years, modern design influences have
led to an evolution in gas fireplaces. Fireplaces have moved far
beyond a replica log-burning insert to a sleek, rectangular style
that creates an architectural focal point in a room. Ribbon
fireplaces emit gas flames that dance in a horizontal line along
beach stones, glass stones or lava rock. Unlike gas inserts, ribbon
fireplaces don't overheat a room. A direct vent fireplace also
operates without the need for a chimney or flue, which makes it
easier to install.
Light tubes:
The concept of using a light-emitting tube to illuminate a
windowless area dates back to the ancient Egyptians, although the
first commercial applications were marketed in 1991. A round tube
lined with highly reflective material conveys light rays through a
building from a dome situated on the roof or an outer wall. The dome
collects and reflects as much sunlight as possible into the tube; at
the end point, a diffuser spreads the light into a room. The
technology has recently been improved and the tubes convey brighter,
whiter light into dark areas and diffuse it more naturally than
previous versions.
Self-cleaning
windows: These are an attractive option for homeowners who
don't want the upkeep of cleaning large expanses of glass in
hard-to-reach places. A self-cleaning surface breaks down organic
dirt on windows using the sun's ultraviolet rays, even on cloudy
days. When it rains, the water is dispersed evenly over the surface
of the glass. The rain then washes away the dirt, leaving minimal
spotting or streaking.
 Invisible
screens: These window screens are virtually invisible, giving
homeowners a crisp, clear view of the outdoors. From the exterior,
the screens are nearly undetectable so they don't detract from a
home's appearance. They also allow considerably more natural light
into a home and offer improved airflow.
Motorized
insect screens: These retractable screens effectively exclude
insects from porches and patios, making dining al fresco much more
pleasurable. The screens also reduce the glare of the sun without
impeding the view of a sunset - an important consideration for
lakefront properties where the sun sets at a low angle in the sky.
Concrete
finishes: A new product, FossilCrete vertical stamping system,
is a stamped concrete finish that can be used on floors, walls, and
around windows and doors. Finishes include dry-laid stacked stone
and rustic logs, as well as natural fossil prints and animal tracks.
The product is ideal for a feature wall that won't take the weight
of natural stone; it's lightweight, bonds to most surfaces, and is
water resistant and durable.
In lower levels
and garages, many homeowners are opting for concrete floors that
have been etched in a particular pattern, such as a diamond shape or
a navigational star, and stained. When used in hallways and living
areas, the patterns create the effect of an oriental rug.
Rain chains:
An Asian invention, rain chains act as a more attractive and
functional alternative to the downspout component in a traditional
rain gutter system. Rain chains consist of a series of metal cups,
with a hole in the bottom of each, or vertical chain links. They
funnel water from a rain gutter, down the length of the chain to a
collection system, such as a rain barrel. The water can also be
directed into a basin where the water slowly overflows, much as it
would from a downspout. Alternatively, the water can be directed to
the ground where drains carry it away.
Gas lanterns:
Used as an architectural detail, gas lanterns emit a soft,
flickering light that creates a romantic, Old World ambiance outside
a home. Electronic ignition systems allow the lanterns to be
controlled from an ordinary light switch. They can also be placed on
a timer or a photocell so they operate only when needed. Gas
lanterns are available in coach house designs, which are ideally
suited to the exterior of a garage or a gate post.
Garage lifts:
A motorized lift system increases the storage capacity of a
garage by allowing homeowners to store lawn furniture, canoes,
motorcycles and sports equipment on a secure platform in an overhead
position. The concept can also be applied to vehicles. A two-bay
garage, for example, can accommodate four cars when two are stored
below ground or above two others.
Retractable
awnings: Adapted from a South African design, ShadeTree
retractable awnings give homeowners the flexibility of having sun or
shade in specific areas of a deck or patio. An overhead track system
that resembles a pergola supports awning fabric that rides on cross
members. The members contain rollers that glide smoothly in the
overhead tracks, allowing the awnings to be extended in seconds and
retracted easily.
Prioritize,
prioritize. . . Selecting some or all of these design elements
can happen only after clients prioritize the rooms, features and
finishes they want to incorporate in their homes. To accomplish that
goal, we request that they:
 *
Write down their ideas and arrange them into four lists. The first
is an inventory, by floor, of the rooms
they most desire.
* The second is
a must-have list with critical elements for each room, such as a
sitting area in the master bedroom. We also ask our clients to make
observations about the way in which they live in each room. Knowing
whether they dress in their bedroom or in their ensuite bathroom
helps us to design the most functional floor plan for them.
* The third list
is comprised of five to 10 elements clients would love to have
-
such as a see-through fireplace - but which may not be financially
possible.
* The fourth,
and most important list, details features couples absolutely don't
want in their homes. This list allows us to eliminate certain
possibilities and gain insights into their tastes.
We also ask
couples to prioritize their top three rooms. These may vary
drastically from one spouse to another. Although most people know
what they want, many don't understand how much it will cost to
achieve it.
At Oke Woodsmith, we enjoy helping our clients transform their ideas
into distinctive homes crafted specifically for their needs, tastes
and budgets. Helping them define their own style, and source
innovative items that will enhance their enjoyment of their home,
remains the driving force behind our company.
Back >>
Oke Woodsmith Building Systems Inc.,
70964 Bluewater
Highway,
Grand Bend, Ontario Canada N0M 1T0
Phone (519) 238-8893 Fax (519) 238-8894 |
