The Custom Residential Architect Network (CRAN) Committee brought people together on Thursday, September 4^th for an afternoon house tour, followed by a learning seminar and dinner. 

Registrants for the event had the opportunity to come tour a new house by Alair Homes on Ohio St. in Arlington, VA. The home is currently under construction, but the owners graciously allowed visitors to see an early look at the layout and advanced electrical systems being installed. As the drywall has yet to be put in place, those in attendance had the opportunity to analyze the structure of the house and see how the electrical systems ran from the two utility rooms in the basement to points throughout the house.  Structural details were highlighted, such as beam connections and depressed slab areas for flush flooring in the basement. Project managers from Alair Homes and the project architect, Tripp DeFalco, were on site to discuss all aspects of the project and answer questions from the attendees. Full sets of permit drawings were also available, including renderings, for attendees to review and compare with the actual construction.

Representatives from Weather Shield Windows and Doors and Quality Window and Door were also on site to answer questions about the newly installed windows and doors throughout the house. The house has a contemporary design, with large casement windows and multi-panel sliding doors, bringing plenty of natural light to the interior of the home. Special order “CliC” windows had yet to arrive, but attendees were impressed with the specs detailed by the providers, showing that windows could provide privacy at the click of a button. 

After the tour concluded, participants followed the representatives to the nearby Falls Restaurant in Falls Church for a continuing education seminar on Glazing in Contemporary Homes. This was followed by a delicious meal and quality time spent networking and discussing the tour. 

Attendees received 1 LU for the house tour and 1 LU/HSW for the seminar. The CRAN Committee extends its gratitude to Alair Homes and Weather Shield for producing the event and being such great hosts. For those interested, a follow-up tour is in the works for early next year to showcase the house as it nears completion. Based on the enthusiasm generated from this tour, returning attendees will be equally excited to see the finished house with all its outstanding features in place, especially the custom-made windows.