A SMART HOME IN PARADISE
Builder Glenn Layton always acts and looks like the respected professional that he is. But he could be forgiven for taking a little extra time in front of the mirror before heading to a particular jobsite in Paradise Key South Beach.
That’s because film crews would be waiting, recording his every word and interaction for all the world to see.
“It’s a challenge to have a camera in the middle of what you’re doing, no doubt about that,” says Layton. “But one thing I noticed. On the days the film crews were there, all the subcontractors made it a point to wear logo shirts. I did, too.”
What was all the fuss about? Paradise Key South Beach is the site of HGTV’s Smart Home 2013, which was built by Glenn Layton Homes and designed by architect Mike Stauffer.
HGTV personality Jack Thomasson, who also produces the network’s annual Dream Home sweepstakes, was frequently on hand to narrate the proceedings and offer input, usually suggesting changes that would enhance the home while showing up well on television.
For the Dream Home promotion, Thomasson selects a location and assembles a team of local designers and contractors to build a home worth at least $1 million. National suppliers provide state-of-the-art materials and products.
A Dream Home television special is aired on HGTV and viewers are invited to enter online for a chance to win the completed home. The 2012 contest drew more than 81 million entries.
The concept is the same for the Smart Home, which showcases leading-edge home technology.
“The features and functionality of this home are like nothing we’ve ever offered in HGTV home giveaways,” says Thomasson, who some locals may remember as publisher of Jacksonville Magazine in the early 1990s “It sets the standard for creative spaces and ways that consumers can use emerging technology to improve their homes.”
Layton, Thomasson and Paradise Key South Beach developer Lon Walton first met in May of last year and hashed out the details. Stauffer finished the design by the end of the month, the foundation was poured by August and the home was completed by late March.
“Typically, a home like this would take us in the 240-day range,” Layton says. “This project was done in 141 days. We were at it seven days a week.”
The Smart Home is a cozy 2,400 square feet with 1,000 additional square feet of covered porches and decks. And because it adheres to Paradise Key South Beach’s strict architectural guidelines, it reflects a coastal vernacular architectural style that recalls Old Florida. In fact, it was inspired by shingle-style vacation homes from the early 1900s.
However, everything else about the home is decidedly 21st century. Technology connects many of the appliances and devices, and allows occupants to monitor energy use and control systems such as security, interior climate and lighting. It is also LEED certified for eco-friendliness and energy efficiency.
The home features products provided by national partners including GMC, Bassett Furniture, Moen, Shaw Floors, ADT Security Services, Bush Brothers & Company, Garnier, The Sherwin-Williams Company, Tempur-Pedic Management, Trex Company and Char-Broil.
HGTV began accepting entries in early April, following the broadcast of two television specials: Behind the Build: HGTV Smart Home and HGTV Smart Home 2013. The prize package includes not only the fully furnished home but also a 2013 GMC Terrain Denali and $100,000 in cash from Quicken Loans. The total value is more than $900,000.
Entries will continue to be accepted through May 31 at 5 p.m. eastern time. Viewers may enter twice per day online — once at HGTV.com and once at HGTVRemodels.com.
With just 62 homesites, pedestrian- and bicycle-friendly Paradise Key South Beach is nestled just five blocks from the Atlantic Ocean. Footpaths and wooden walking bridges dot the neighborhood, which embraces Florida-friendly landscaping and an indigenous plant palette to reduce lawn maintenance.
“This community’s thoughtful design vision and refreshing coastal architecture make it a remarkable place to live and a wonderful setting to showcase the first HGTV Smart Home,” says Walton.