HBA of Greater Austin honors Foursquare Builders at 2010 MAX Awards.

Wes Wigginton was interviewed today by John Caulfield, Sr. Editor of Builder Magazine. John was interested in learning about Foursquare’s plan to enter the production home building arena in Austin, Texas.  Wes will be building on the brand identity of Foursquare Builders with the launch of their new company, Foursquare Homes.  Foursquare Homes will focus exclusively on opportunities within the Austin market place.  Please read more about this article at:  Builder Online

A series of exploratory models were developed for a new house in the Texas hill country to study design conditions, aesthetics, and solar orientation.   The results have provided some images that have been extremely useful as the design progresses.

The new home design west of Dripping Springs was driven by the beautiful panoramas as seen from the build site perched above a small canyon. Nestled between two large live oak trees, the house opens up the majority of the living space to a spectacular west facing view, yet provides comfort year round due to adjusting orientation and providing a generous covered porch.  Strong horizontal roof planes emphasize the expansiveness of the site and a series of stone masses (seen as red in the renderings) root the building back to the ground.  The entry sequence provides a double height space and glimpses of the horizon beyond, while also acting as a lantern space which is illuminated at night.

Well, we’re into month 4 of this build and progress is moving along nicely.  Exterior finishes are wrapping up, while the interior is being prep’d for painting.  The construction recycling is working quite well. I wonder why more builders don’t take advantage of this opportunity to save our landfills from this waste stream? As you can see from these pictures, our lumber waste pile is so safe that kids can play on it. Also, we ground up all of the drywall waste, which will be used in mulching.

The ultimate symbol of the building professional, Wes Wigginton has earned the designation of Graduate Master Builder (GMB). This designation is for experienced veteran only.  Before earning the GMB designation a builder Wes had to demonstrate and possess over ten years of building experience and have completed a comprehensive set of courses provided by the National Association of Home Builders. GMB courses are more advanced with in-depth instruction geared for experienced building professionals.

The Graduate Master Builder designation focuses on effective management in the office and on the job site, covering a range of subjects including codes and standards, skills in material selection and application techniques, and analysis of all stages of new home construction. Instruction also includes scheduling and estimating skills, job cost procedures, accounting principles and basic contract law. The designations require that graduates meet prescribed standards of practice and experience, complete a comprehensive education curriculum and pledge to uphold the program’s code of ethics.

According to the latest industry information, there are only 42 Graduate Master Builders in the Austin, Texas area, out of the hundreds of Builders doing business. This is further evidence of Wes’s commitment to this industry and his desire to continue to be a leader in his field.

Framing and mechanical top-out is complete. Demilec Open Cell Spray Foam is being applied. Have you ever seen a job site without a Dumpster?

Building Central Texas magazine has recently published an article by Wes Wigginton, of Foursquare Builders, entitled It’s Time To Build.  Click on the link, below, to read this informative article.

It’s Time To Build (PDF)

Ananas, a Foursquare Builders project has been featured on HGTV’s Top 10 Master Suite Retreats and has earned the #1 top spot.  Our hats off to Diane Lindquist for her incredible design sense and execution of a spectacular suite.  Foursquare’s Construction Management expertise was instrumental in pulling this entire project together.  With exacting detail and attention to every inch, Foursquare’s precision and eye for nothing less than perfection has resulted in being recognized as delivering one of the top master suites in the country.

We are pleased to announce that Foursquare Builders has begun construction on a new custom home. The project is a home of 3,900 square feet designed to meet a family’s current and future needs. The home also meets Austin Energy’s Green Building Program requirements for a 5-star rating (final rating to be determined at completion of construction). Notable green features include rainwater collection for all domestic water needs, advance framing methods, continuous thermal envelope, high performance air conditioning and water-conserving fixtures and appliances. Other amenities include large covered porches, an outdoor fireplace and xeriscaped grounds that include native grasses and trees.