Residence lives up to its name
by Jonathan McGaha | May 31, 2010 12:00 am
When radio talk show host Big John planned to build a new house in Holly Hill, Fla., he knew he needed a place that would be strong enough to stand up to a hurricane and large enough to live up to his name. Using insulated metal panels from MeTecno USA, which has since been acquired by Kingspan Insulated Panels Inc., Deland, Fla., John created the contemporary loft known as the “Big House on the Hill.”
“Even though I don’t work in the building industry, I’m familiar with [Kingspan] and know its products have a lot of value,” John explained. “The insulated panels were easy to work with and have an R-value of 32, which is great for energy efficiency. Plus, I think the house is ready for a hurricane; I just hope I won’t find out.”
The former Volusia County Councilman, who legally changed his name to Big John in 1979, used Kingspan factory third metal panels to build his house. His former stepson served as the general contractor and helped construct the loft from the ground up.
Unlike a traditional architect, John didn’t specify a particular Kingspan product for the project. He created his loft out of 4-inch (102-mm) insulated panels in an assortment of panel profiles and finishes, including stainless, galvanized steel and Galvalume, which he then painted Roasted Pepper, Purple, Orange, Blue and Chartreuse.
“You really have to see the house to understand how everything comes together,” Big John elaborated. “But I can tell you this much—it’s no little shack.”
The 3,200-square-foot (297-m2) Big House on the Hill has a 1,000-square-foot (929-m2) deck and 1,600-square-foot (149-m2) garage, making it easy to see how the loft got its name. It also features 19- foot (6-m) ceilings and a 10-foot (3-m) ceiling fan, and an elevator will soon be installed.
Pleased with the results of his loft, Big John already has plans for future projects, including a work house, which will also feature a colorful mix of Kingspan metal panels.
Kingspan Insulated Panels, www.kingspanpanels.us
Source URL: https://www.metalarchitecture.com/projects/residence-lives-up-to-its-name/