Read the full article on Market Wire (Dec. 17, 2007).
[SOURCE: Michigan Manufactured Housing Association]
Michigan Manufactured Housing Association member Palm Harbor Homes has made strides to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the construction…
On August 28, 2005, Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast region of the United States. The storm devastated the entire area, killing 1,570 people and dramatically impacting the lives of thousands more throughout the region and across the country.
In the wake of the storm, adequate shelter continues to be most important need for area residents and those hoping to someday return. In an area with such a rich architectural and cultural history, simply building homes isn’t enough. Residents, builders and developers want new architecture to reflect the historical significance of the region. Fortunately, Palm Harbor was already involved in several projects designing homes for New Orleans when Katrina hit.
Palm Harbor VP of Product Design and Development, Tony Lucas, explains. “Before Katrina, we were asked to put together plans for New Orleans’ Garden District to emulate pre-existing homes. In studying the area, I found a predominance of Acadian (Cajun), Creole and French Creole architecture. I began developing floor plans and elevations that would blend well with existing architecture by featuring these styles.”
Perfectly Positioned to Help
The timing of the storm put Palm Harbor Homes in a unique position. The pre-Katrina New Orleans projects provided a head start toward delivering homes that excite residents and builders. And though the team didn’t know it at the time, it also provided an opportunity to study the landscape prior to Katrina.
Palm Harbor Sales Manager Charlie Hill recalls the months following the storm. “We spent a lot of time talking to builders and homebuyers in the region after the storm hit. These discussions provided a strong understanding of expectations regarding floor plan size, layout, architectural style, specs and price. We were able to mesh our own experience with the expectations of builders and homebuyers. The result is a unique product offering that addresses the specific wants and needs of the region.”
Mississippi Recovery Expo
Palm Harbor showcased two of the designs, “The Magnolia” and “The Azalea,” at Mississippi Governor Hailey Barbour’s Recovery Expo in Biloxi. This free, convention-style event welcomed the general public to enjoy a wide range of information, demonstrations and exhibits regarding every aspect of the rebuilding and renewal effort in Mississippi. Outside the convention center, Palm Harbor set the two new homes in a landscaped “neighborhood” featuring more than 20 manufactured, modular and steel-framed homes.
“The Magnolia” is a mid-size 3 bedroom, 2 bath home set on stilts. The traditional center isle home’s design allows gentle coastal breezes to flow through its living areas. It also includes full porches front and rear. “The Azalea” is a “shotgun-style” home well suited for bayou or city infill lots. It includes a full front porch. Both homes include high-end features such as name brand appliances and ceramic tile. As a result, they are well suited to serve temporarily during rebuild and long-term as a guest cottage. These homes also serve well as permanent housing, as they include quality features and designs typically seen only in custom site built homes. (more…)
Palm Harbor proudly showcased a strong commitment to energy efficiency, top-notch construction and innovative design at this year’s International Builders’ Show (IBS) in Orlando. For three days (January 11-14, 2006), the event welcomed over 105,000 builders, developers and other construction industry professionals to the Orange County Convention Center. The International Builders’ Show is the largest annual light construction show in the world, showcasing more than 1.5 million square feet of the latest and most advanced building products and services.
Palm Harbor displayed four homes at the show, including three homes featured in the Professional Builder® Show Village. The Show Village provides an opportunity for visitors to see, interact with and learn about top-of-the-line products installed in real homes. As a major part of this exhibition, Palm Harbor presented its advanced, money-saving building processes to a wide range of construction industry professionals. Reed Business Information and a number of leading high-end material suppliers sponsored the unique display and integrated their best building materials throughout the homes.
Palm Harbor included two ENERGY STAR® and Florida Green Certified homes from the Discovery Custom Homes line in the Show Village: “The Wilmington” and “The Bellaire.”
“The Wilmington” is a charming 1,682-square-foot home featuring a full front porch, three bedrooms, two baths, an island kitchen and many other custom amenities targeting first time homebuyers and empty nesters.
“The Bellaire” is a home particularly well suited for building on narrow lots without sacrificing luxury. This beautiful 3,180-square-foot two-story home has three bedrooms, two bathrooms and two half-baths. Luxurious custom appointments fill the home, including an open central kitchen, a lofty 18-foot living room ceiling and an amazing home theater room. (more…)
Build with Modular Construction 