What a concept
Summerfield project showcases gorgeous home, benefits MDA
by Danielle Jackson
How often does the opportunity arise to view a beautiful home while also helping to raise funds for a worthy cause? This fall, head to the WXII 12 Concept Home, a more than 6,000-square-foot residence constructed through a joint effort between TL Concepts of Kansas City and Otey Construction Inc. of Summerfield, to do just that.
Tours, which are offered Sept. 17-Oct. 4, showcase the latest trends in new-home construction. And the $10-per-person entry fee goes entirely toward the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA), an organization that helps combat neuromuscular diseases through worldwide research, comprehensive medical and community services, and professional and public health education.
Stately beauty
The Concept Home, called Bear Lodge, is located within The Farm at Summerfield, a new-home community in northwest Greensboro. During the tour, guests can wander through the $1.75 million home, which blends old-world charm with today’s most popular conveniences.
Boasting four bedrooms, five-and-a-half bathrooms, an oversized four-car garage and an elevator, the stately home showcases the latest in new-home concepts and design trends while ensuring solid construction and energy-efficient living. It features 150-year-old beams inside and out, as well as four covered porches, a lush terrace overlooking the back yard, and a gourmet kitchen, all with unique architectural and decorative detailing.
The brainchild of award-winning builder Kevin Otey, who began his career 30 years ago as a house framer, the home is expected to draw at least 1,500 to 2,000 Triad residents this fall.
“Our company identifies respected builders and those willing to construct cutting-edge homes,” says Tamra Trickey of Kansas City-based TL Concepts, which partners with builders nationwide on various projects.
“We sought out Otey Construction, and Kevin Otey completely embraced the project and has built a beautiful home.”
Bright ideas
According to Trickey, the aptly named Concept Home is a place where visitors can take a tour and gather ideas, whether they’re building or remodeling.
“The word ‘concept’ is synonymous with ‘idea,’ ” she says.
“The idea is to come up with and showcase the latest, greatest, state-of-the-art building materials and appliances.”
“Appliances are a big thing,” notes Paul Harris, Otey Construction’s general manager.
“During the tour, we’ll be showcasing some of the newest appliances from General Electric, such as a washing machine that gets filled with detergent just once a year.”
Other trends include energy-efficient Pella windows, asphalt shingles from Grand Manor that claim to last the life of a home, and TechShield, a form of insulation from Louisiana Pacific that’s designed to reduce heating and cooling costs.
“The market is down right now, and we hope that the tour will help spur people to build or remodel,” Harris says.
“Housing affects everything from appliances and light fixtures to furniture,” he adds. “Hopefully this will energize people and get them to talk about building again.”
A greater cause
The true impact of the WXII 12 Concept Home, however, is that all funds raised during the tour and kickoff fundraiser Sept. 15 go toward MDA, which was created in 1950 and has more than 200 offices nationwide.
The organization also is executing tours and will have several volunteers available to greet guests and answer questions.
“Between the tour and fundraiser, it’s our hope that we can raise anywhere from $20,000 to $50,000 for the charity,” Trickey says.
How’s that for a worthy cause?
Danielle Jackson is editor of Triad Living, Wake Living and Fifteen501 magazines.
A group effort
The 2009 WXII 12 Concept Home will offer tours to the public from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays and from noon to 6 p.m. Sundays Sept. 17-Oct. 4. Guests can tour the $1.75 million, 6,600-square-foot Bear Lodge home, which is located in northwest Greensboro’s Summerfield neighborhood. Tickets cost $8 per person at Greensboro Harris Teeter stores, and $10 per person at the door.
More than a dozen area companies have come together to donate their time and services to make the WXII 12 Concept Home a success. They include:
• Advanced Tech Systems, Greensboro, which supplied audio, video, security and automation
• Amanzi Marble & Granite, Kernersville, which supplied marble and granite
• Barbour Spangle Design Group, High Point, which helped select the home’s design elements
• Beeson Hardware Co., High Point, which supplied plumbing fixtures and door hardware
• Carolina Garage Door, Winston-Salem, which supplied garage doors
• Carolina Wood Floors Inc., Winston-Salem, which supplied hardwood floors
• Carpet One by Henry, Greensboro and Winston-Salem, which supplied carpet and tile
• Clearwater Construction & Design, Greensboro, which supplied paving
• Designing Kitchens & Baths, Rural Hall, which supplied cabinets
• Hodges Triad Electric LLC, Kernersville, which supplied electrical and lighting
• Illuminations of the Triad Inc., Kernersville, which supplied lighting fixtures
• Otey Construction Inc., Summerfield, the home’s main builder
• Pella Carolina, Triad, which supplied windows and doors
• Prudential Carolinas Realty, Triad, which is offering real estate services
• Stock Building Supply, Triad, which supplied appliances and building materials
For more information on the WXII 12 Concept Home, visit www.wxii12.com/concepthome/.