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Neighbors & Friends continued

designed in a manner that took into consideration the The next challenge was to design and install a foundation
existing foliage. More importantly, that foliage became a that cantilevered the specimen trees. Since the house was
highlighted component of the overall home design. literally designed around the trees, it was mandated by
Metric Engineering that VCM Builders maintain a six-foot
Randall Stofft Architects brought in huge expansive
windows, floating exterior steps and an array of radius from the base of each tree.
spectacular interior amenities. Witkin Hults Design planned “The purpose of this was to ensure minimal stress on the
the resort-style grounds, which include a main pool, spa, base of the trees and limit the amount of shock during the
koi and reflection ponds. These exquisite gardens and excavation and construction process,” Verzura said. “The
foliage were further developed to enhance the Balinese- trees were properly fenced off at all times throughout the
style masterpiece while keeping Colee Hammock’s construction process to ensure there were no debris or
beautiful trees intact. unnecessary movement around the base of these trees. Our
team as well as city staff inspected this process.”
“When building around
these trees, you have to be An elegant and stunning residence is now taking shape in
patient and diligent, a wonderful park setting. As a result of the team’s
knowing full well that the preservation, the original serenity and privacy that the
specimen trees cannot be foliage provided was preserved.
replaced,” said Andrew “In the end, we are really proud of all of the hard work
Verzura, Principal at VCM and creativity the entire team put into this project, and we
Builders. “It is the tree roots appreciate the owner’s vision and commitment,” said
that truly govern the design Macken. “Colee Hammock has remained such a special
of the house, so we jogged gem of a neighborhood because of the care and diligence
the house and its amenities of the City, County and its homeowners. The team has
around them.”
designed and built a stunning home, one that has not only
Verzura added, “One of earned the respect and satisfaction from its owner, but
the major challenges we from the surrounding neighbors as well.”
Andrew Verzura faced was having to
physically lay out the
foundation with stakes and string lines to see how the
house would impact the trees. That was an arduous but
necessary process.”

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