Kicking off Labor Day weekend, the Northwest Natural Parade of Homes offers a peek at some of the area’s newest green-building and energy-efficient homes. The event runs Sept. 4-20. The homes are open Wednesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and will be open Labor Day. All homes are in Ridgefield, just off I-5 exit 9 at the Meadows, near 26th Avenue and 179th Street.
Often held in early summer, organizers this year planned the 38th Parade of Homes event for September. The featured homes range from 2,800 to nearly 5,000 square feet, with prices between $600,000 and $800,000. Four designer-contractors built the five homes for the event —Bella Villa Homes, Cascade West Development, Modern Home Design and Build, and Tuscany Homes. Northwest Natural Gas and Dewils Custom Cabinetry head the list of 18 sponsors. Last year, 14,500 people toured the featured homes in Felida.
The show’s custom builders used best materials and built the houses to the highest energy-efficiency standards and building codes. This year’s builders specialize in working closely with homebuyers to find the ideal floor plan that helps turn their wants into reality. All homes shown are fashionably furnished, stylishly decorated and tastefully landscaped. Each model shows an eye for small details.
High-end features
Cascade West is participating again this year. Last year, they showed a home at Erickson Farms on Lakeshore Avenue, and this year built two homes in Ridgefield, the Brahmin and the Debonair. Both feature two-story floor plans, big windows, multiple gables and three-car garages.
The entry of Whipple Crest by Bella Vista Homes leads you past timber columns into a foyer with tray ceiling lighting and chandeliers. The large den is just across from the dining room. The great room exposes ceiling beams, hardwood floors and custom built-ins floor to ceiling, as well as a gas fireplace faced in stone. Its gourmet kitchen features slab granite counters and a walk-in pantry. Upstairs there’s a large bonus room, a second guest suite and another bedroom and bath. Outside you’ll walk into fenced backyard with covered patio for entertaining.
Modern Homes’ Hyfield features a minimalistic and ecologically aware approach linking the outdoors and indoors. Its combination of open space, glass and light make the great room inviting to anyone entering the home. Its highly efficient kitchen design has a roomy pantry. A wall of glass that defines the wine cellar will appeal to the most sophisticated guests.
The Tuscany Homes’ Sylvan exhibits a modern rustic design that uses lots of Northwest timber and stresses outdoor living. The timber theme continues throughout the home. It boasts three bedrooms, a large and luxurious master bedroom with bath, ample dining space and a home office.
Prices for the different events vary. The Sept. 3 VIP event is $40. Tickets for the tour are $10 when bought on the event website or $12 at the event — and Wednesdays are half price. This year the color and design tours are on Sept. 10 and 17 and cost $10. Realtors and builders can register free for the Sept. 11 networking day. On Sept. 13, Umpqua Bank will host a family event from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., with free hotdogs for the first 300 visitors. Tickets for all Parade of Homes events are available on the website (clarkcountyparadeofhomes.com.)
If you go, look for the Clark Public Utilities table with information on energy-efficient upgrades, rebates and incentives available through the utility. The Parade of Homes is a great way to get inspired and see how energy-efficient living can work in your own home.
Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities. Send questions to ecod@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98668.
