Approx. 362 Minutes (4-DVD Set), 2005

About the DVD collection: In this 4-DVD Collection we build a high-end home while examining what exactly it is that gives a home character and how to incorporate those elements into new construction. Throughout the construction of this 6,060-square-foot home emphasis is placed on design, products, and rich architectural details.

Highlights include a look at older American homes and neighborhoods to examine why we think these houses have character and working with the project architect, Dan Nepp of TEA2, to incorporate elements of character into the house plan. Construction details include pouring foundation walls using polystyrene insulated forms; combining ground-source heat pumps, gas boilers, and radiant floor heating for a unique HVAC system; touring custom window and door factories; installing copper flashing and concrete roof tiles; blending natural stone and colored, stamped concrete to create traditional-looking exterior finishes; solid-cherry and cherry-veneer trim and paneling; installing floating, prefinished ash wood flooring; finishing walls with veneer plaster; combining kitchen windows and cabinets for a unique "see through" cabinet treatment; faux-painting the staircase skirtboard to match the jatoba treads and risers; and planting wildflowers and native grasses.

In addition to detailed construction footage, this 4-DVD set also covers the construction and installation of the home theater, the home office, the home workshop, and the lower level.