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Riverbend Timber Framing and Insulspan Panels Win 2003 Model Home Contest
Blissfield, MI : December 27, 2002 - Riverbend Timber Framing along with Insulspan Panels have once again received the Excellence in Model Home Design Award from the NAHB's Building System Council and Building Systems Magazine. The Lakotah of Waterloo, Indiana , was chosen the Grand Prize winner in design.

The category was model homes larger than 2,200 square feet The submissions included model homes built using building-systems technology including panel, modular, and log homes. The panel of judges was impressed with the model's creative use of large timbers and utilization of Insulspan structural insulated panels in the building system to bring together beauty and strength in one energy-efficient package.

The award was also based on buyer appeal, model merchandising, exterior treatments, landscaping, and other amenities that encourage sales. According to the judges, "The floor plan flow promotes friendly movement for visiting guests, yet easy and logical access for the owners. It's great use of space, the timbers open up the room." Timber frame and panel strength eliminates the need for interior structural walls, allowing for greater design flexibility and open floor plans. Flexibility and openness are highlighted in the model's 30 foot x 25 foot Great Room with ceilings that soar to 30 feet.

The Great Room flows easily to the kitchen and dining areas as well as to an extended entertaining room with wet bar. The model is also recognized for its buyer appeal with a 622 square foot master suite that extends from the second to third story lofts, and a fully finished walkout basement with fitness room, theater room, and guest suite. A 760 square foot game room and workshop above the attached garage is a Hoosier fan's dream with 12 x 12 basketball court and regulation backboard. Also containing the latest in connected technology, the home is equipped for the 21st Century with a centralized panel for phone, electronic, computer, whole-house sound, and security systems.

For model merchandizing, the owners, Jim & Vicki Thompson, who represent Riverbend Timber Framing and Insulspan in the Northern Indiana area, debuted the model in the Fort Wayne HBA's Town and Country Tour in Spring 2002. Client appointments and Home Planning Seminars also take place within the model. This award marks the third for Insulspan and Riverbend Timber Framing. Models in top honors from the NAHB.

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