by Sean | May 8, 2017 | Building Green, Green Building, Home News, News, Postings
“This house smells…different than the rest. Actually, it doesn’t really have a smell?!” said Mrs. Lee as she walked into the Parade of Homes entry I was manning last year. Mrs. Lee, like many other visitors in years past, noticed what most builders are missing across the country, the fact that IAQ is important.
I had the privilege, two years ago, of sitting in a research lab think tank with seven other top builders from across the nation. The question was posed to us “What is the greatest concern that you have about the homes that you are building today”? Each builder at the table said that they were concerned about building homes so tight that they might be poisoning the people that move into them. When they got to me, I was dumbfounded by their answers and had to ask my own question, “Are you using a rater”?
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by Sean | Mar 17, 2017 | Accreditation, Building Green, Green Building, Home News, News, Postings, Recognition

January 10, 2017
The National Association of Home Builders last night honored 12 individuals who have excelled in teaching NAHB education courses and for their professionalism as NAHB educational designation holders as the Educators and Designees of the Year. The awards were given during the 2017 International Builders‘ Show® held this week in Orlando, Fla.
“These home building industry professionals definitely ‘walk the walk,’” said 2016 NAHB Education Chair William L. Shaw, Jr., GMR, CGR, GMB, CAPS and CGP, a Houston remodeler and NAHB instructor. “These leaders don’t just talk about the importance of education. They also work to stay current and even ahead of industry trends so they can set an example for the home builders, remodelers and other industry professionals who make up our great Federation.”
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by Sean | Mar 13, 2017 | Accreditation, Building Green, Green Building, News, Postings, Recognition
Black Mountain, NC, Living Stone Design + Build project, “Rhodo Reno”, is the overall winner for the Best Renovation in the 2017 National Green Building Awards by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB).
“The NAHB Green Awards represent the best of the best in green building practices and advocacy efforts, and this year’s group of winners is particularly impressive,” said NAHB Chairman Rick Judson, a home builder from Charlotte, N.C. “The demand for green building is growing exponentially, and these honorees are a great example of what can be accomplished in terms of sustainable and energy-efficient building practices.”
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by Sean | Feb 13, 2017 | Accreditation, News, Recognition
[et_pb_section admin_label="section"] [et_pb_row admin_label="row"] [et_pb_column type="4_4"][et_pb_text admin_label="Text"]FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Molly Sullivan-Reeves Molly@LivingStoneConstruction.com LivingStoneConstruction.com 828.669.4343 Local Builder Honored with National Design Award Asheville, NC January –A local builder has won a gold award for the One-of-a-Kind Custom Home (2501-3500hsf) category in the 2016 Best in American Living™ Awards (BALA) by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). The Watkins residence (Swannanoa NC) was a collaborative team effort designed by Vinyet Architecture and built by Living Stone Design + Build. The interiors were designed by ID.ology Interiors & Design. The landscaping was created and installed by Gardens for Living. “The objectives were simple” says Sean Sullivan of Living Stone Design + Build. First we had to design a home with clean lines that came from natural mountain materials. Next, like all of our homes, we had to make it super energy efficient. Our last objective was to create an amazing outdoor living space while maximizing views. The biggest challenge was designing+building in this new style that reflected the clients taste. The objectives were met by utilizing our processes with our design team at ID.ology. The result was a beautifully designed home. The home was certified Green, and super energy efficient, with its geothermal and radiant floor heating systems. And lastly, we created an incredible outdoor living space off the back that includes a pool, pool cabana and firepit, all without interrupting the views. “BALA recognizes the very best in residential home design,” said Karen Kassik-Michelsohn, 2016 BALA subcommittee chair. “The award winners have shown that they are some of the most talented and forward-thinking professionals in their field.” Now in its 33rd year, BALA recognizes outstanding achievement by builders and design professionals in all sectors of the residential housing industry including single-family production, custom, rental, affordable, interiors, remodeling, community and international, based on the principle that good design is not, and should not be, limited to high-priced and/or custom homes. Even the simplest, most affordable homes can receive an award if they showcase good design. Award winners were announced during the annual NAHB International Builders’ Show in Orlando, Fla. Additional Information about the BALA program can be found at bestinamericanliving.com, including the 2016 BALA Portfolio, featuring a review of design trends and project photographs. ##### Living Stone crafts award-winning custom homes that exceed client expectations. Their proven process and strategic partnerships with architects, designers and realtors delivers happier, healthier homes to those seeking their dream life in the mountains.[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column] [/et_pb_row] [/et_pb_section]
by Sean | Feb 13, 2017 | News
Laura Sullivan is a woman in a man’s world. It started as a child, when she’d accompany her father to job sites, getting her hands dirty throwing materials in the dumpsters in his investment properties. It continued during school, when she combined her passion for art with her experience in real estate to earn a degree in interior design (and a minor in art). Upon graduation from college, Sullivan invested further in that traditionally masculine world, as she received both her real estate broker’s license and her contractors license.
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