residential building and design portfolio

www.allanhomesonline.com

Introduction It has truly been my privilege at Allan Homes to work with our clients in Designing and Building their New Homes, which is what I love to do. It is fun and exciting to see a New Home Plan develop from concepts and ideas shared and created by both our clients and Allan Homes, and then to see those Plans and Ideas take shape in actual construction. Developing the Foundation Plan and then watching as that Foundation is poured; preparing the Framing Diagrams and then completing the Roof Framing; creating the Kitchen Layout, making Wood and Stain Selections, and then receiving those Cabinets and appreciating the beauty of Amish Craftsmanship; thinking through the Detail Drawings required for an Elaborate, Two-Story Window Wall and then looking through that completed Window Wall; envisioning with our clients the Elevations and Style of the Home, then driving up to the previously vacant site and seeing that Elevation; and finally, working hard with many other quality tradespeople over an extended period of time and then presenting the Completion of our Efforts to our Clients, is extremely satisfying, indeed! We Design and Build Custom Homes, but I think what we really do, and what I am proudest of, is that we work with our Clients in completing a dream that is a blend of High Emotional and Financial Investment. The hopes, expectations, and pressures that are part of this “New Home Dream” are placed under our care at Allan Homes, and it is our job to succeed for our Clients............. that is what we do! As you enjoy the pages of this book, I hope that you gain an understanding that we truly are committed to Designing and Building Superb-Quality Homes and to pleasing our Clients. You will also discover that we have been Blessed at Allan Homes with very special families to build for, who have become dear friends. I am continually grateful for those families who have selected Allan Homes as their Builder, and I am grateful for your interest in Allan Homes. I hope to hear from you soon!

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Bill and Linda Adair4

Jeff and Francene Andresen10

Nathan and Liz Hancock14

Ken and Concetta Clark18

Greg and Carla Wittstock20

Jim and Ruth Gallop 24

Kurt and Gintare Thaus27

Tom and Karla Hogan30

Neil and Lori Fried31

Dawn Kluchenek and Kathy Gilbert 32

Pat and Laura Pilcher33

Jim and Betsy Horlock 34

Hermann and Ingrid Hamburger 35

Brian and Peggy Merkle 36

Keith and Ruby Coiley37

Mark and Nannette Gudenkauf 38

Lon and Linda Oury40

John and Paula Keating44

Bill Anderson 45

Joel Anderson 46

Derrick and Lori Boddy 47

Bob and Diane Najewski 48

Dave and Bev Gulo 50

Chek and Mee Woo52

Thaus Cottage53

James and Nancy Walker54

dejongphotoinc.com

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B i l l a n d L i n d a A d a i r

Bill and Linda had their eye on a Home which they called the “Brinker Road

Home.” They contacted the Original Architect and indicated that they would like a 4,000 Square Foot ver-

sion of this home. Bill and Linda were told that this was not possible, so they began to look elsewhere.Linda sent me ideas from every Home Design Magazine available

in 2004 and finally explained their desire to Recreate the Style of the “Brinker Road Home” for them-selves, and thus began the Design and Construction of their New Home.

Bill and Linda Adair “Berren Lane Home”

One of the Key Elements to the Exterior is the All-Stone Garage which contrasts sharply with the All-James Hardie Siding and Cedar Trim on the Home. We were trying to match the Stone at the Brinker Road Home, which led to a trip to Eden’s Stone Company in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Eden’s Stone not only had the same Stone Pattern, but had actually provided the Stone for this

particular Home.

Bill and Linda provided us with “lots of firsts”

with this Fantastic Project, including our

First Barn Construction.

Garages and Basements are great, but noth-

ing compares to having your own Barn. Even if you don’t need one, this would be fun to have!

The Front Elevation is quite simple and perhaps a little “misleading” as it does not really prepare you for the Warmth and Charm inside. However if you know Bill and Linda, you are not at all surprised.

The Laundry Room Mudroom is designed for easy access “to and from” their Horse

Barn. The adjacent 3/4 Bath for easy cleanup includes a 12” High Threshhold at the Shower along with a Hand-held Sprayer

for grooming their dogs who regularly patrol “Sky Blue Farm.” “Hank the

Cowdog” would be green with envy.

For Virtually Every Feature in this Home, Linda Provided me with a Color Copy from her “Home Design Library,” which expanded on a

daily basis.

Floor to Ceiling Windows throughout the Home.Carlisle, Wide-plank Flooring throughout the Main Level.Unique Cabinetry at the Kitchen and Butler ’s Pan-trySoapstone CountertopsDutch Door Entry to the Rear Hallway allowing their dogs to hear the sounds of Family insideBeadboard Wainscot at the Master Bathroom and Full Beadboard Surround at Bedroom No. 2Curved Stairway and Rail-ing at the Front Entry.Stone Fireplaces at the Gathering Room and Mas-ter Bedroom.

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Thank you Bill and Linda, for the absolute “pleasure” it has always been, while working “with” and “for” you, in

creating the “Berren Lane Home!”

Master Bedroom

Family Room

Master Bath Vanity

Front Entry

W o w ! E v e r y t i m e I v i s i t J e f f a n d F r a n c e n e , I a m r e m i n d e d o f t h e p r i v i l e g e

i t h a s b e e n t o b e a p a r t o f t h i s N e w H o m e C o n s t r u c t i o n a n d D e s i g n . T h i s w a s t r u l y a j o i n t “ L a b o r o f L o v e ” b e t w e e n J e f f a n d F r a n c e n e , a n d A l l a n H o m e s .

v i n t h e D i n i n g R o o m w o u l d h a v e b e e n o u r m o s t s p e c t a c u l a r c o m b i n a t i o n e v e r , h a d i t n o t b e e n f o r J e f f a n d F r a n c e n e s c o n c e p t i o n o f t h e Wi n d o w Wa l l i n t h e G r e a t R o o m

Je f f a n d F r a n c e n e A n d r e s e n

P e o p l e t h i n k t h e y a r e b u y i n g t h e B e a u t i f u l h o m e t h a t i s r e f l e c t e d i n p h o t o g r a p h s a n d m a g a z i n e s a n d w e b s i t e s , b u t w h a t t h e y a r e r e a l l y b u y i n g i s t h e H u m a n E f f o r t r e q u i r e d t o c r e a t e t h o s e B e a u t i f u l H o m e s .

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S t u n n i n g , Tw o - S t o r y, S t o n e F i r e p l a c e a n c h o r s t h e S p e c t a c u l a r S p a c e s o n e i t h e r s i d e

The Cabinetry, Interior Doors and Trim, and Beamwork were all

provided by our Amish cabinet maker.

There are so many qualities in this New Home, but it was the continual dialogue, enthusiasm, heart-felt expectations, and friendship that Jeff and Francene brought with them to the job-site, every single day, that made this project a pure delight. These pictures are fantastic, but they really do not tell the full story.

Main Level Floor Plan

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N a t h a n a n d L i z H a n c o c k

I n Spite of the Traditional Exterior, there is nothing standard about this Home.

Massive Wood Columns, Floating

Crown Moulding, Dining Room Ceiling Detail ing that Mirrors the Profile of the Dining Room Table, Recessed Wall Framing

for Art Work, an Upper Level Floor Plan that requires a Step-down into every Bedroom, a Huge Kitchen Island with Corner

Columns, Beautiful Stone Fireplaces at the Family Room and Upper Level Study, the Double-Hinged Entry Door to the Master Dressing Area, the Entire Master Suite Concept, and the “Government Room” in the Garage are discovered when you enter the Hancock Home. (The Government Room is so-named by Nathan, in order to meet the Maximum Garage Square Foot Requirements in the Village of Wayne).

This Home reflects the Thoughtfulness and the Originality of the Owners, but when I reflect back on the project, all I think about is the Fun and Enjoyment of working so closely with Nathan and Liz during the many months of effort in bringing their ideas to life.Some day, I will make a book from the Faxes that were sent between us during and after this Project.

Nathan is a World Traveller as he purposefully, regularly visitsMissionary Friends each year. On one trip, he purchased some “hand-carved” Woodworking from a Pakistani Craftsman living and

working in a “lean-to” on the side of the road. Nathan brought these home and asked me to help him incorporate this wood-work into a Unique Library Configuration in his Upper Level Study. This

is certainly the most Detailed, Complicated, and Beautiful Woodworking effort that we have had the pleasure to undertake.

Lyptus Cabinetry and Trim match the Native Pakistani Wood-Carvings Perfectly!

Ken and Concetta C lark

The Site Development was the most difficult aspect of this project. Our first Assignment

was to “nestle” the New Home and Driveway amidst the Beautiful, Mature Oak Trees on the Property. Then, after Building Permits were applied for, and approved, Ken and Concetta were notified by DuPage County that there was a Stormwater Detention Requirement on the Property. The

Previously Approved Stormwater Plan (1997), buried in the basement of DuPage County Archives, defined a Massive Detention Facility that required Ken and Concetta to “clear cut” all of the trees on the Property, to make room for this Approved Facility. We argued that it cannot possibly be the intent of DuPage County to destroy Beautiful, Healthy, Majestic, Oak and Pine Trees, to provide Drainage

Detention for a Single Family Home. Thus began the 6-Month Variance Process which taught me the meaning of Perseverance and Patience

(which I thought I had already learned) and we finally gained approval to proceed, while safeguarding the Trees, Property, and the New Home Design. Once through the Permit Process, the Actual Construction went per plan and the Finished Result is Spectacular!

The Floor Plan is very similar to the Nathan and Liz Hancock Home, the difference being, Ken and Concetta added a Main Level Study to the West-end. (I have been encouraging Nathan to add this space to his Home).18

Two Acres that would fit very nicely into Morton’s Arboretum, IL. It is hard to believe that a Single-

Family Home site like this is still available in DuPage County.

Ken and Concetta, Thank you for your long-suffering patience and never-ending good-cheer, as we worked through the Stormwater Detention Problem at this Site. Few People would have handled it as graciously as you did. The “Saving Grace” in all of that frustration, is the Unique Seclusion and Beauty that you now

Enjoy.

G r e g a n d C a r l a W i t t s t o c k

W ithout a Doubt , the Most Spectacular Project we have

ever been involved with! Greg and Carla are the Owners of Aquascape Designs and Greg is the Premier Pond-Builder in the World. I t quickly became apparent what would be the “dominant feature” of this Home si te when Greg was bui lding the Ponds in the Backyard, while we were construct ing Greg and Carla’s New Home.

Spiral Maple Stairway from Sitting Room to ObservatoryMain Level Master SuiteBasement Level Spa including Sauna and Steam ShowerIn-Home Theatre at “Sunken Basement”In-Floor Hydronic Heat throughout Entire Home with (17) Heating/Cooling ZonesSmart-House Wiring throughoutWalk-out Basement to “Stone-walled” Garden Level PatioUpper Level “Sky-Deck” Connecting Second Floor Play Room to Observatory

Originally the Home was Designed with a 4-Car Attached Garage, but we decided to create two, 2-Car Garages separated by a Porte-Chochere so that we could create an Inviting Entry to the Fun and Activities engendered by the Spectacular “Pond-Scaping” that defines Greg and Carla’s Home-site.

This Home Features

Grand Manor Roof ShinglesMaple Cabinetry, Trim, Column and Beam work throughoutGranite Counter tops throughoutMaple Stairways with Maple and Wrought-Iron Railing Work

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T hank You, Greg and Carla, for the Extraordinary Opportunity to work with you in creating your New Home, for allowing

me to be involved with Aqualand in providing Custom Cabinetry for your Office, and for providing the Access and Space for the Boys’ Baseball Hitting Facility. However, in all Honesty,

the thing that pleases me the most about Greg and Carla Wittstock, is the genuine interest in, and the conversations they have with my

kids, when those opportunities arise. Nothing Beats That!

J im and Ruth Ga l l op

B r i c k a n d C e d a r 3 , 1 0 0 S q . F t . R a n c h H o m e s i t u a t e d t o r e t a i n t h e

e x i s t i n g p a v e d d r i v e w a y a n d

s a f e g u a r d t h e e x i s t i n g m a t u r e t r e e s o n t h i s b e a u t i f u l , s e c l u d e d p r o p e r t y . A f t e r r e m o v i n g t h e E x i s t i n g 1 , 2 0 0

S q . F t . H o m e , w e r e - o r i e n t e d t h e N e w C o n s t r u c t i o n t o M a x i m i z e t h e V i e w t o t h e F r o n t a n d R e a r Ya r d s . T h e R e a r P o r t i o n o f t h e H o m e i s s a t u r a t e d w i t h Va u l t e d C e i l i n g s , G l a s s , a n d P a t i o A r e a s t h a t a r e a s s p e c t a c u l a r

a s a n y w e h a v e e v e r b u i l t , o v e r - l o o k i n g a R e a r Ya r d t h a t i s b e s t d e s c r i b e d a s a n A r b o r e t u m . T h e B e a m e d C e i l i n g i n t h e F a m i l y r o o m a n d t h e B e a m e d a n d C e d a r C e i l i n g i n t h e B o n u s R o o m a r e t w o o f t h e m o s t b e a u t i f u l I n t e r i o r S p a c e s w e h a v e e v e r c r e a t e d . V i e w i n g t h e F a m i l y R o o m F i r e p l a c e f r o m t h e B o n u s R o o m ( d i s t a n c e o f 5 5 ’ ) w a s o n e o f t h o s e c h a l l e n g e s t h a t J i m a s k e d m e t o m e e t , w h i c h l e d t o t h e s p e c t a c u l a r Va u l t e d C e i l i n g a c r o s s t h e R e a r o f t h e H o m e .

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Jim Gallop is the Genuine Article. I remember that he was a little “miffed” with me for installing a Gas Log Lighter at the Fireplace as he commented, “I can certainly start a fire without a Log Lighter.” Needless to say, we promptly removed the item which allowed the Masonry Fireplace to retain its “Genuine” status as well.

T ha nk you J im, for introducing me to Bratwursts , and thank you Ruth

for the k indness you have a lways shown to me and my family. T hank

you B oth, for entr ust ing Al lan Homes with this B eautiful and

Gracious Home, which mir rors i ts owners .

K u r t a n d G i n t a r e T h a u s

I firs t met Kur t Thaus whi le we were Bui ld ing the John and Paula Keat ing Home in

Lemont . Kur t ment ioned tha t he l ived down the s t ree t and in tended to Bui ld a New Home and tha t he would contac t me. Two Years la te r, Kur t ca l led and I have been pr iv i leged to share in severa l Pro jec ts wi th Kur t and Gin tare s ince tha t t ime.

We have Bui l t (2) New Homes toge ther and Both Des igns have our Jo in t Copyr ight , a l though Kur t has def in i te ly been the Crea t ive Insp i ra t ion . Typica l ly he ske tches out what he i s looking for and asks me to deve lop h is thoughts e i ther more prec ise ly or more fu l ly. Af te r severa l such exchanges , we ar r ive a t the F ina l Des ign .

Both Kur t and I agree tha t once the Archi tec tura l Drawings a re Comple te , the Hard Par t i s over. Now i t ’s t ime to connec t the dots .

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The only difficult part in any project with Kurt and Gintare, is trying to read Kurt’s “hand-printed” instructions or

recommendations because you need a magnifying glass to read his Font-Size.

Features:F u l l D r y v i t e x t e r i o r F i n i s hC o p p e r R o o f a t F r o n t P o r c h a n d C h i m n e yI n t e r e s t i n g M u l t i p l e F l o o r H e i g h t s a t M a i n L e v e l

The Truly Unique Aspect of any Project with Kurt and Gintare is Kurt and

Gintare. I remember during Lunch Breaks, Kurt would visit the Job-site and

he would make a point of introducing himself to every single Worker on the Job-site and express genuine interest in their efforts. He would climb the

Scaffolding in his Shirt and Tie so he could “chat” with the Dryvit Contractor

or with the Roofing Contractor. Kurt and Gintare have a unique ability in

treating people with grace.

“We have built our dream home, and managed to have fun doing

it. We owe our experience in large part, to Allan Homes. We also

found some special friends in the process. Thank You!”

-Kurt and Gintare Thaus

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K arla or ig ina l ly brought me a copy of the Bet te r Homes and Gardens “Home of

the Year” and sa id she wanted to expand the F loor P lan and crea te a Home tha t looked l ike i t has a lways been there . Over the course of many months , we worked through severa l d i ffe ren t op t ions and

rev iewed many magazine a r t ic les and p ic tures and incorpora ted var ia t ions on many d i ffe ren t themes in to th i s Uniquely Beaut i fu l Home. Fol lowing Kar la ’s Ar t i s t ic Di rec t ion , the end resu l t has genera ted more “oohs and aahs” than any o ther Pro jec t we have

been pr iv i leged to be a par t o f , and qui te hones t ly, has surpassed the or ig ina l insp i ra t ion for th i s Unique and Timeless Des ign . Thank you, Tom and Kar la , for the Fun and Sa t i s fac t ion i t has a lways been whi le

working wi th and for you . Thank you a l so for a l lowing Al lan Homes to be a par t o f your New Home, tha t I could not be more proud of or p leased wi th .

Tom and Karla Hogan

French Country Design Featuring:

C u s t o m , A m i s h - m a d e F r o n t a n d S i d e E n t r y D o o r sS l a t e T i l e F l o o r s a n d H a r d w o o d o n M a i n L e v e lT r u l y U n i q u e a n d D i v e r s e , A m i s h - m a d e C u s t o m C a b i n e t r y t h r o u g h o u tS t o n e M a n t e l S u r r o u n d s a l v a g e d f r o m C h i c a g o H o t e lM a i n L e v e l M a s t e r S u i t eC u s t o m C u r v e d C u r t a i n R o d c r e a t e d b y M a r k G u d e n k a u f ( s e e p a g e 3 8 )G r a c e f u l C o l u m n a n d B e a m w o r k t h r o u g h o u t M a i n L e v e l

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A Beaut i fu l Blend of Br ick , S tone , and Dryvi t wi th the Grand Manor “Gatehouse

S la te” Shingle , c rea tes a S tunning Curb Appeal . In ac tua l i ty, th i s Home i s “s t r ik ingly handsome” f rom any vantage poin t . The F loor P lan and Overa l l Des ign i s Elegant , Funct iona l , and Cos t Eff ic ien t . Anyt ime you can p lace more Square Footage on the Upper Level than the Main Level , you are minimiz ing your Square Foot Cos t of Cons t ruc t ion .The Hancock and Clark Homes are var ia t ions on th i s F loor P lan , wi th dramat ica l ly d i ffe ren t Eleva t ions .I Tru ly Love th i s Home!

Neil and Lori Fried

I will always recall Neil driving the “Cat” and assisting with the Excavation on Day No. 1, exhibiting the Delight and Fun that he brought to the Project each day, culminating with his “Victory

Cigar” upon Completion!

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Dejong Pic

Dawn Kluchenek and Cathy Gilbert

Y ou wil l be “hard-pressed” to f ind a more Beaut i fu l o r

more Spac ious Ranch Home. The P lan and cor responding Eleva t ions a re Spec tacular and wel l - su i ted to th i s Unique Proper ty.I f you know Dawn and Cathy, then you wi l l no t be surpr i sed to see one of the most unusua l , ye t func t iona l F loor P lans imaginable . From the S tone F i rep lace tha t g ree ts you as you walk in the Front Door, to the Amish-made Columns def in ing the Formal Din ing Room, to one of the more spec tacular k i tchens you wi l l see , to the Dramat ic Gather ing Room, to the Grac ious and Sec luded Master Sui te , th i s New Home i s Superb in every de ta i l .

I thoroughly enjoyed the “shared” excitement and satisfaction as the Design unfolded and the actual Construction took shape.

P a t a n d L a u r a P i l c h e r

T his was such a Fun Pro jec t , working wi th Pa t and Laura . This Home, At t rac t ive f rom

Al l Angles , b lended wi th an Eff ic ien t and Unique Floor P lan , which makes th i s t ru ly one of my Favor i te Des igns .

When asked, Former Professional Athletes will tell you that what they “miss most is the Comeraderie and Fun that goes on in the Club House”. That is indeed one of the things I miss most, since the completion of this Project!

FeaturesStep-down to Dramat ic , Two-Story Grea t Room wi th over looking Cat -walk aboveFantas t ic Master Sui te wi th Pr iva te S i t t ing Room and Huge Walk- in Close tBeaut i fu l In te r ior Col -umns and Arched Open-ings , mir ror ing the Front Ent ry ColumnworkSpectacular 8’ -0” Arch-top Window a t Ki tchen Sink3-Car Garage wi th S ta i r-way to Basement , in -c luding Hor izonta l F loor Dra ins and Hot Water Supply for “do i t your-se l f” Car Wash

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Jim and Betsy Horlock

I firs t met J im and Betsy a t the “Old House New House” Home Show a t Pheasant

Run in February of 1997. The Photograph of the S i lverwood 2400 (John and Paula Keat ing Home) caught the i r eye . We t raded cor respondences over the next couple of years and beginning in June of 2000 we began Fina l Archi tec tura l Drawings , ob ta ined Bui ld ing

Permi ts on Augus t 25 , 2000 and comple ted the Hor lock Home in January of 2001. J im and Betsy’s Home i s a 2200 Sq .Ft . Vers ion of the S i lverwood 2400. Betsy and I became avid fans of Sarah Susanka (The Not So Big House) dur ing the Des ign Phase and t r ied to incorpora te many of her ideas in to the i r New Home. The End Resul t i s a Spac ious and Funct iona l F loor P lan wrapped

ins ide a “Handsomely Shaped and Propor t ioned St ruc ture” . I do remember J im’s recommendat ion to me tha t “ i f we ever had another cus tomer in the fu ture who wanted to comple te the i r own Pain t ing (as J im and Betsy d id) tha t he would be more than happy to “ ta lk them out of tha t” . I love the “ look and fee l” of th i s Home!

Features:A r c h i t e c t u r a l S h i n g l e sF u l l C e d a r E x t e r i o r w i t h S t o n e P e d e s t a l s a t F r o n t E n t r y C o l u m n sF u l l M a s o n r y F i r e p l a c e w i t h S t o n e F a c eC u s t o m , A m i s h - m a d e C a b i n e t r y t h r o u g h o u t i n c l u d i n g C u s t o m S h e l v i n g a n d Wi n d o w S e a t s C u s t o m L o c k e r C a b i n e t s i n L a u n d r y R o o mL o o k - o u t B a s e m e n t ( f o r F u t u r e E x p a n s i o n )O p e n , M i l l - m a d e O a k S t a i r w a y a n d R a i l i n g t o B a s e m e n t L e v e lA n d e r s e n C a s e m e n t Wi n d o w s a n d H i n g e d P a t i o D o o r s .

T ha nk you J im a nd B e t s y for the pleasure of working with you both and for shar pening my Design S ki l ls

as we worked to gether in complet ing this Design and Constr uct ion.

P.S . J im, I love ta lk ing B asebal l with you!

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Hermann and Ingrid Hamburger

O ctober of 1998 was when Hermann, Ingr id and I f i r s t met . They purchased

a Proper ty very near the i r good f r iends ( Jeff and Francene Andresen) and over the course of the next (2) Years , we worked

through a l l o f the Des ign , Spec i f ica t ion , and Cos t Deta i l s , and comple ted the i r New Home in the Fa l l o f 2000. Hermann has t rave l led the wor ld wi th h is career and I love hear ing h is s tor ies . One of my favor i te memor iesi s a lunch

tha t Nan and I shared wi th Hermann and Ingr id , ask ing them about the i r favor i te p laces and recommendat ions for where we should se t our “ t rave l s igh ts” . We haven’t been there ye t , bu t

Nan and I have purposed to see New Zealand and conf i rm tha t recommendat ion . Another var ia t ion on the S i lverwood Des ign which you wi l l a l so recognize in the Keat ing , Andresen , and Hor lock Homes , fea tured e l sewhere in th i s book.

2 , 5 5 1 . 0 s q . f t . A l l - B r i c k , R a n c h H o m e w i t h F u l l B a s e m e n tG A F S l a t e l i n e R o o f S h i n g l e sA n d e r s e n C a s e m e n t Wi n d o w s a n d H i n g e d P a t i o D o o r s P e l l a , O a k F r o n t E n t r y D o o rF u l l M a s o n r y F i r e p l a c e w i t h S t o n e F a c e2 - 3 / 4 C a r G a r a g eH a r d w o o d F l o o r s t h r o u g h o u t P u b l i c A r e a sC u s t o m , A m i s h - m a d e C a b i n e t r y t h r o u g h o u tO v e r - s i z e d M a s t e r S h o w e r

Mea s ure d a nd G ra c iou s i s how I would def ine this Home, and the couple res iding there.

T hank you Her mann and Ingr id!

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Brian and Peggy Merk le

B rian and Peggy were looking for a Proper ty, and saw Kei th and Ruby Coi ley

moving in to the i r nearby Home and s topped to ask them about the i r Bui lder. In typ ica l “Br ian Fashion” he spent t ime he lp ing

Kei th ins ta l l h i s Ref r igera tor Door, as he learned about Al lan Homes .Br ian and Peggy knew what they wanted in the i r Home and provided me wi th very de ta i led

Drawings and Communica t ions re f lec t ing the i r wishes . Br ian’s occupat ion as an Engineer le f t no th ing to “chance” wi th regards to my fu l l unders tanding of what he was looking for.

I n o rd e r t o b r i n g t h e P ro j e c t i n - l i n e w i t h t h e i r D e s i r e d B u d g e t , B r i a n a n d P e g g y U n d e r t o o k c e r t a i n c o m p o n e n t s o f t h e p r o j e c t s u c h a s F i n i s h i n g o f f t h e H a l l B a t h r o o m , C a r p e t i n g , I n t e r i o r P a i n t i n g a n d S t a i n i n g , L a n d s c a p i n g , e t c . W h e n y o u v i s i t t h i s H o m e i t i s r e a d i l y a p p a r e n t t h a t B r i a n a n d

P e g g y d i d a n E x c e l l e n t J o b .

T he L a nd s ca pin g and Stone Pat io was a Herculean Task , and L abor of L ove on the par t of Br ian and Peg g y. I t is a tr ue re f lect ion of what Br ian and Peg g y br ing to

any pro ject they under take!

Keith and Ruby Coiley

S t a r t i n g w i t h t h e “ R u t l a n d H o m e ” ( a n o r i g i n a l D e s i g n b y

A l l a n H o m e s ) w e m o d i f i e d t h e M a s t e r S u i t e t o m e e t K e i t h a n d R u b y ’ s w i s h e s ( m o r e a c c u r a t e l y k n o w n a s R u b y ’ s w i s h e s ) .

S i m p l e D e s i g n w i t h C a r e f u l C r a f t s m a n s h i p a l w a y s l e a d s t o S u p e r b Q u a l i t y . T h a t s u r e l y d e f i n e s t h i s H o m e f o r t w o o f t h e m o s t w o n d e r f u l p e o p l e I h a v e e v e r k n o w n . M y o n l y d i s a p p o i n t m e n t w a s m i s s i n g - o u t o n t h e N o o n -h o u r B a r b e c u e t h a t K e i t h p r e p a r e d f o r t h e C r e w .

This Home Features:F u l l C e d a r E x t e r i o r w i t h F u l l M a s o n r y F i r e p l a c e a n d C h i m n e y3 2 0 l b . A r c h i t e c t u r a l S h i n g l e sA n d e r s e n , L o w - E , H i g h -P e r f o r m a n c e D o u b l e - H u n g Wi n d o w s Ve l u x R o o f Wi n d o w s2 X 6 E x t e r i o r Wa l l F r a m i n gS i x - P a n e l O a k I n t e r i o r D o o r s a n d T r i m

P r i v a t e S t a i r f r o m R e a r E n t r y t o B o n u s R o o m a b o v eWo o d B u r n i n g S t o v e a t M a s o n r y F i r e p l a c eF r e n c h D o o r s s e p a r a t i n g F a m i l y a n d L i v i n g R o o m sM i l l - m a d e O a k S t a i r w a y a n d R a i l i n g

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M a r k a n d N a n e t t e G u d e n k a u f

T h e G r a c e f u l a n d E l e g a n t C u r v e d S t a i r w a y t h a t g r e e t s

y o u a s y o u s t e p i n s i d e , s e t s t h e t o n e f o r M a r k a n d N a n e t t e ’ s H o m e . Yo u g e t a g l i m p s e o f t h e E x q u i s i t e , A m i s h - m a d e M a n t e l S u r r o u n d a t t h e T w o - S t o r y F i r e p l a c e a n d t h e D r a m a t i c W i n d o w Wa l l i n t h e G r e a t R o o m

w h i c h c o n t i n u e s t h e “ Wo w F a c t o r ” a s y o u a r e “ d r a w n f u r t h e r i n . ” C o n t i n u i n g o n t o t h e K i t c h e n , t h e C h e r r y C a b i n e t r y ( a g a i n , A m i s h -m a d e ) i s s i m p l y a d e l i g h t t o v i e w a n d a p p r e c i a t e . T h i s F l o o r P l a n i s F a n t a s t i c a n d r e p r e s e n t s t h e c u l m i n a t i o n o f m a n y , m a n y h o u r s o f w o r k i n g a l o n g s i d e

M a r k a n d N a n e t t e u n t i l t h e i r P l a n r e f l e c t e d t h e i r H o p e s a n d D r e a m s . T h e M a i n L e v e l S t u d y , t h e S e c o n d S t a i r w a y t o t h e U p p e r L e v e l , t h e U p p e r L e v e l L a u n d r y R o o m , t h e B r i d g e l e a d i n g t o B e d r o o m N o . 2 , a n d t h e E x c e p t i o n a l M a s t e r S u i t e , d e m o n s t r a t e f u r t h e r e v i d e n c e o f t h e “ C r a f t e d T h o u g h t ” t h a t p e r m e a t e s t h e i r H o m e . A n o p p o r t u n i t y u n f o l d e d d u r i n g C o n s t r u c t i o n t o s i g n i f i c a n t l y e x p a n d t h e M a s t e r Wa l k - i n C l o s e t . W h e n I p r e s e n t e d t h i s t o M a r k a n d N a n e t t e , t h e q u e s t i o n w a s “ h o w m u c h w i l l i t c o s t ? ” I r e s p o n d e d t h a t t h e o n l y r e q u i r e m e n t w a s f o r M a r k t o i n c l u d e m y k i d s o n h i s n e x t G o - C a r t R i d i n g T r i p t o G a l e n a . M a r k f o l l o w e d - t h r o u g h o n t h a t c o m m i t m e n t a n d w e h a d a w e e k e n d o f f u n t h a t m y k i d s w i l l n e v e r f o r g e t . I w i l l n e v e r f o r g e t i t e i t h e r !

T hank you, Mark and Nanette. And

yes , pictures of your Home “ hang on my

off ice wal l .”

L o n a n d L i n d a O u r y

W ow! What e lse can you say about this Home? Lon is the Heart and Soul of this

Project and the “Vision, Design, and

Features” of this Home, t ruly ref lect that . The Oak Timber-Framing and Massive Stone Fireplace recal l images of Rivendel l and i f you are

seeking rest , comfort , or encouragement , then Lon and Linda’s Home is for you. This was an al l -encompassing “Home Remodel ing” that touched every Exis t ing Room in addi t ion to the New Family Room, Breakfast room, Upper Level Loft , Porch, Third Floor Bedrooms, and Connect ing Bridge between the House and Barn.

Custom Touches:Pella, True-Divided Light, Insulated-Glass Windows and Patio Doors.Hardwood Flooring throughout.Exposed Ceiling Joists, painted white.Post and Beam Timber FramingAmish-made, Shaker-Style CabinetryRustic, Cedar Trim throughout

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I wi l l a lways recal l the tears of joy in Lon’s

eyes when the Timber-Framing was taking place and the f i rs t real s ign of del ight f rom Linda, when I presented her with the

Beaut i ful Bench provided by River Bend when the

project was complete . Thanks Lon and Linda,

for including Allan Homes in your “Labor of

Love.”

J o h n a n d P a u l a K e a t i n g

T h e “ S t r i k i n g C u r b A p p e a l ” o f t h i s 2 , 4 0 0 S q . F t . R a n c h H o m e

h a s l e d t o s e v e r a l o t h e r v e r s i o n s o f t h i s D e s i g n , i n c l u d i n g t h e A n d r e s e n , H a m b u r g e r , H o r l o c k , a n d K l u c h e n e k / G i l b e r t H o m e s .

T h e O p e n F l o o r P l a n w i t h t h e S p e c t a c u l a r G r e a t R o o m W i n d o w Wa l l , S p a c i o u s R o o m S i z e s , a n d O a k F l o o r s , C a b i n e t r y , a n d T r i m a l l a d d - u p t o a n u n u s u a l l y a p p e a l i n g a n d c o m f o r t a b l e H o m e .

The White Brick wi th the Dark Grey, Slatel ine Shingle is a “s tunning combinat ion”. I love this Design and i t has become apparent over the years that others do as wel l . Thank you John and Paula for the opportuni ty to Bui ld this Beaut i ful Home, and to gain your f r iendship in the process . Your Project confirms once again, why I love Designing

and Building New Homes!

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B i l l A n d e r s o n

A s t r i k i n g l y B e a u t i f u l , 1 8 0 0 S q . F t . C o n t e m p o r a r y H o m e f o r

B i l l A n d e r s o n w a s o u r i n i t i a l p r o j e c t a t A l l a n H o m e s .

I t w a s n o t u n c o m m o n t o h a v e s e v e r a l P o l i c e C a r s O n - s i t e a t v a r i o u s t i m e s d u r i n g t h e C o n s t r u c t i o n a s B i l l a n d h i s f e l l o w O f f i c e r s w o u l d m a k e u n a n n o u n c e d t o u r s t h r o u g h t h e p r o j e c t . T h e y u s u a l l y b r o u g h t P i z z a w i t h t h e m , s o t h e y w e r e a l w a y s w e l c o m e .

Bil l , thank you for entrust ing your dream with

Allan Homes. You got us s tar ted and I wil l a lways be

grateful to you for that!

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J o e l A n d e r s o n

D e s i g n e d f o r a N a r r o w L o t , t h i s 2 , 5 6 0 S q . F t . T w o S t o r y

C o n t e m p o r a r y H o m e i s S i m p l e a n d E x t r a o r d i n a r y a t t h e s a m e t i m e . O p e n

F l o o r P l a n w i t h S l o p e d C e i l i n g s t h r o u g h o u t c r e a t e s a s p a c i o u s a n d g r a c e f u l l i v i n g e n v i r o n m e n t . T h e C o r n e r F i r e p l a c e i n t h e F a m i l y r o o m

( J o e l ’ s I d e a ) w o r k s e x t r e m e l y w e l l a n d a l l o w s e n j o y m e n t f r o m t h e D i n i n g R o o m a n d K i t c h e n A r e a a s w e l l .

This was truly a “ joint effor t” as I worked very closely with Joel

throughout the Design and Construct ion and have never met a more pleasant or constant ly gracious person in my l i fe .

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D e r r i c k a n d L o r i B o d d y

T h i s 3 , 1 0 0 S q . F t . “ E n g l i s h C o u n t r y ” H o m e t r u l y r e f l e c t s

t h e g r a c e f u l n e s s o f D e r r i c k

a n d L o r i . D e r r i c k m o v e d f r o m E n g l a n d , m a r r i e d L o r i , a n d c o m p l e t e d t h e D e s i g n a n d C o n s t r u c t i o n o f t h i s

B e a u t i f u l H o m e , a l l i n h i s f i r s t y e a r i n t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s . A B u i l d e r a n d D e s i g n e r i n h i s o w n r i g h t , D e r r i c k h a s a “ f i n e e y e ” f o r P r o p o r t i o n a n d S c a l e a n d h i s a t t e n t i o n t o D e t a i l i s s e c o n d t o n o n e . Wo r k i n g C l o s e l y w i t h D e r r i c k d u r i n g t h e c o u r s e o f t h i s P r o j e c t w a s a “ h i g h l i g h t ” f o r m e p e r s o n a l l y a n d h e a r i n g h i s A c c e n t a n d t r a n s l a t i n g h i s E x p r e s s i o n s w a s t h o r o u g h l y e n j o y a b l e .

“ A t t h e e n d o f t h e d a y ” ( t r a n s l a t i o n : B o t t o m -

L i n e ) o u r J o i n t E f f o r t s r e s u l t e d i n o n e o f t h e

m o s t C h a r m i n g a n d T r u l y “ L o v e l y ” H o m e s

w e h a v e e v e r b e e n a p a r t o f . I t f i t s D e r r i c k

a n d L o r i p e r f e c t l y .47

B o b a n d D i a n e N a j e w s k i

T h e F r o n t E l e v a t i o n o f t h i s 4 , 1 0 0 . 0 S q . F t . T w o - S t o r y “ C o u n t r y

F a r m H o u s e ” m i g h t l e a d y o u t o b e l i e v e t h a t y o u “ k n o w

w h a t ’ s c o m i n g ” w h e n y o u w a l k i n t h e F r o n t D o o r . Yo u w i l l b e d e l i g h t f u l l y “ s u r p r i s e d ” w h e n y o u d i s c o v e r p e r h a p s t h e m o s t

U n i q u e a n d I n t e r e s t i n g F l o o r P l a n o f a n y H o m e t h a t w e h a v e b u i l t . T h e C r e a t i v e V i s i o n b e g i n n i n g w i t h D i a n e , c o m b i n e d w i t h B o b ’ s H e a r t a n d P u r p o s e t o a c c o m p l i s h t h a t V i s i o n , m a k e s f o r a n u n u s u a l l y g o o d t e a m . I n e v e r m e t a c o u p l e w h o t r e a t s e a c h o t h e r a s w e l l a s y o u d o . M a y i t a l w a y s b e s o !

This Home has Everything:Fantas t ic Master Sui te a t the Upper LevelPr iva te In-Law Sui te a t the Main LevelMul t ip le F loor Heights tha t add in te res t and def ine spaces

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Dual-Direc t iona l S ta i rway f rom Main Level to Upper LevelUpper Level Lof t over looking Fami ly Room belowUnique Garage Ent ry to Laundry Room wi th easy access to the Front Ent ryElegant and Funct iona l S ide Ent ry Porch to Ki tchenBay Window a t Ki tchen SinkFabulous “His and Hers” Walk- in Close tsSpac ious and Dramat ic Master BathSpi ra l S ta i rway to BasementBeaut i fu l Arch Window Wal l a t Formal Din ing Room

I met Bob and Diane at the Pheasant Run Home Show. Then followed many months of Architectural Design with several “very late night drop-offs” at their home, along with hours and hours of phone conversations, culminating with this

Exceptional Home Design.

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D a v e a n d B e v G u l o

T he Trad i t iona l Ex te r io r be l i e s t he Dramat i c ,

Con tempora ry In t e r io r o f t h i s 2 ,800 Sq .F t . Home . The Two-S to ry F i r ep lace and Window Wal l w i th

the Over look ing Lof t above , makes th i s Fami ly Room one o f t he mos t Beau t i fu l Spaces we have c rea t ed , t hanks to Dave and Bev’s in sp i r a t ion .

I have s o m a ny fond memor ies , from Dave s i tt ing in his “Directors C hair ” on a d ai ly basis in the midst of our Framing E ffor t , to B ev ’s making sandwiches for us when the d ays e ffor ts went long. T hank you Dave and B ev for the pleasure of

working with you both!

C h e k a n d M e e W o o

A ll Brick, 2,436 Sq.Ft. Two-Story Georgian Home

is Simple, Spacious, and Beautiful . Almost all of my contact with Chek and Mee occurred at their Family-owned Restaurant just (2) Blocks from their New Home. Their Menu, along with their Kindness is second to none. Building your Home was an absolute pleasure!

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What a Fantastic Project to be a part of! Once again, Thank you Kurt and Gintare!

P.S. When you are ready to “jump-in” again, I’m ready, anytime, and anywhere!

If there was ever a Home that reflects the “Kurt Thaus Touch”, this is definitely it. With 24/12 Roof

Pitches, Curved Rafter Framing, Bold Texture and Color Variations, with Detailed Appointments throughout, this Home defines Curb Appeal! Building this Summer Home for Kurt and Gintare in New Buffalo provided many “firsts” for Allan

Homes, including Hotel Accomodations during the week, with Long Hours of Hard Work during the day and refreshing swims in Lake Michigan at night. Two Years Later, we returned to complete the Detached Garage with Woodworking Shoppe above.

K u r t a n d G i n t a r e T h a u s

Affectionately called the “Allan 1600,” this is the first home designed

and built by Allan Homes. This

contemporary, passive-solar design began as a 1600 square foot, story and a half design with a one car garage.

It has been expanded over the years to meet the needs of the growing family inside.

J a m e s a n d N a n c y W a l k e r

Maple, Oak, and Cedar blend beautifully, throughout the home.

Sloped Cedar Ceilings as well as Maple, Cedar, and Oak Walls throughout this Unique, Contemporary Home.

A Beautiful Room dedicated for Beautiful Music.

This Very Beautiful Home is an interesting home from every angle. It is

So fun to create a unique home where the floor

plan is unpredictable and the structural detail and

interior treatments are uncommon and pleasing to the eye. The many, Unique

and Interesting Features, truly qualify this Home as

“One-of-a-Kind.”

Sta te o f the Ar t , Cus tom - Des igned Ki tchen wi th Amish made Maple , Shaker s ty le cabine t ry, Oak Columns and Beamwork , Cedar Cei l ing , Sub-Zero and Vik ing Appl iances , (3) d i shwashers , and Cor ian Counter tops . My Favor i te Ki tchen!

residential building and design portfolio

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