Photo above: Chris Clement used Oyster Pearl Brick, stained hardwoods and unique masonry techniques to create an energy efficient beauty.
Chris Clement Home Builder’s most recently completed project in The Farm at Summerfield has quickly become the envy of the neighborhood.
The home was featured in the spring Parade of Homes even though it was built specifically for its new owner who had admired a Clement-built home across the street.
It’s all Oyster Pearl Oversize. Builder Chris Clement simply had his masons flip the brick to show the back on the archways and randomly throughout the veneer.
The dark windows offer a modern appearance while the natural hardwoods and flipped brick give a classic feel to this Chris Clement build.
Chris Clement focuses on upscale, spacious homes. The Farm at Summerfield is an ideal location because it offers expansive lots with a sprinkling of mature hardwoods. This home, on 1.6 acres, is already a classic. Clement achieved a unique look that stands out in the growing neighborhood. Featuring detailed masonry work and prominent timber posts, the home is a blend of old and new, rustic and contemporary.
“Most of the homes in The Farm use brick and stone, but I wanted to try something different,” says Clement. “By flipping the brick in key places and using a running bond (one brick protrudes from the wall in specific intervals) we got the feel of stone with Oyster Pearl brick.”
“My client had visited our home across the street and liked it so much he asked me to build one for him that was similar,” says Clement. “We made some design changes to give its own unique look and the client loved it!”
The Oyster Pearl body really stands out with the use of white mortar made with pre-washed white sand. Mortar color is a critical part of designing and building a brick home, learn more about mortar colors here.
The dark windows, Oyster Pearl brick and white mortar with white sand make a striking appearance
The new owner is also a woodworker, so the appearance appeals to his style and sensibilities. There’s also a spacious two-story Oyster Pearl outbuilding that will soon house a woodshop, about 100 yards behind the home.
The entrance facade is carried over to the back of the home with a beautiful swimming pool patio.
Make no mistake. It’s a grand home, but it’s also energy efficient. Brick plays a big role in insulating and protecting homes.
The Brick Industry of America says:
Brick is a natural insulator. It’s slow to lose or absorb heat — which means your HVAC systems don’t have to work as hard to keep the inside of your home warmer in winter and cooler in summer. In fact, according to the National Home Energy Rating System (HERS) — an industry measure used to qualify homes for ENERGY STAR® ratings — brick homes are among the most energy efficient. Typical savings on your energy bill with brick are 2 to 8%. That is savings you can take that to the bank.
Two Oyster Pearl fireplaces seem to mirror each other. The vaulted ceiling of the great room lets in lots of sun with sliding doors to a well-appointed back porch experience.
With larger floor plans like this, energy efficiency really pays off. Clement uses Energy Star practices in all of his homes.
The enclosed back porch is ready to become a well-appointed year-round entertainment space. Bringing brick to an interior space is a great way to bring the outside indoors and make a seamless transition between spaces.
Beautiful color combinations as Oyster Pearl steps meet stone landing.
Trim meets Oyster Pearl!
Details matter and a great example is how Clement brought the stained wood trim from the exterior columns to this porch ceiling.
This well appointed home will be a landmark in the new Summerfield community for generations, thanks to quality construction, thoughtful design and durable materials.