- CONTRACTOR/BUILDER OF THE WEEK
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CONTRACTOR/BUILDER OF THE WEEK - Custom Home Elements
Custom Home Elements is an East Coast company that specializes in extensive remodels. From full additions to patio covers and decks, Custom Home Elements will take your current house and turn it into your dream home. Shown in the following pictures, Vic at Custom Home Elements took a standard entry-way for a plain brick house, and turned it into a grand portico using Endura-Stone® Columns.
Because the portico needed to be an exact height, Pacific Columns designed custom fluted Endura-Stone® Columns with Corinthian Capitals to fit the specific architectural needs. These 18” x 16’ Fluted, Tapered Columns were used as load-bearing supports, and placed atop custom brick pedestals built by Vic and his crew. “Thank You” to Vic and everyone at Custom Home Element for their great work on this project and for the great pictures.
If you are interested in contacting this company, please feel free to contact me at d.milkie@pacificcolumns.com or (800) 294-1098 Ext 7103
-Daniel Milkie
- Posted in Contractors |
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- Local Patio/Gazebo Company - Gazebo One
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For this week’s ‘Contractor of the Week’I would like to feature one of our most consistent and reliable local patio and gazebo companies, Gazebo One. Gazebo One has been ordering Endura-Stone Columns from Pacific Columns for over 7 years and has consistently had great customer reviews.
This Southern California company is known as one of the local high-end designer and builder of Newport, Malibu, and Roman Gazebos Pavilions, and Porticos. With well over 20 years of column and gazebo experience, Gazebo One has a consistent and reputable history of helping families make their homes more beautiful as the #1 source for custom gazebos in Southern California.
If you are in the market for a backyard addition, gazebo, or porch cover, Gazebo One is a great first choice. Feel free to contact them at the following information:
(951) 674-0307
If you have any comments or questions about this post or this company, please contact me at d.milkie@pacificcolumns.com
-Daniel Milkie
- Posted in Contractors | No Comments »
- Endura-Stone Columns for the Boy Scouts
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Last week I had the privilege of helping a boy scout achieve his goal of improving his local community through refurbishing an outdoor sanctuary at his local church. Dustin Rodgers, on his way to becoming an Eagle Scout this year, decided to personally take on the project of expanding the outdoor structure that the St. George Greek Orthodox Church uses for feeding the homeless and outdoor speaking engagements.
Dustin is adding three Endura-Stone® Tapered Columns that will be supporting the expansion of the existing shade covering. He hopes that the fluted Tuscan design will enhance the appearance of the area and cause more people to want to spend time at the church.
Thank you Dustin of Boy Scout Troop 188, for your hard work and dedication to improving yourself and all those around you.
-Daniel Milkie
- Posted in Customer's | No Comments »
- Customer Testimonials
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Below are a few of the comments we have received over the past year from our satisfied customers.
Feel free to add your own comments below!
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The home we are to build will feature Endura-Stone columns, which we used earlier this year for the first time and loved them. They are fantastic products. I plan on placing my new order this Saturday. Thank you again.
-Randy Crow, President of New Castle Homes
Sales Rep: Anthony TerronesI love my columns. I’ve given your address to countless folks. Thank you for a great transaction.
-Joann Wagoner
Sales Rep: Ryan Shumaker
Hi Daniel: My order was shipped early this month. It has been a pleasure doing business with your company.
-Karen Clark
Sales Rep: Anthony Terrones
Just a note - we ordered columns from you and a railing system with the top rail. I installed everything myself and the results are fantastic.
-Kevin Simonson
Sales Rep: Christopher Caputo
Good morning,
We love the column we purchased this summer. It has dramatically improved the entrance to our home. Do you guys sell entrance lamp posts with bracket for house number sign?
Thank you-Warren Wishart
Sales Rep: Jake Greenberg
I am the actual homeowner in this case. I want to thank you for the fabulous customer service and product you provide. The columns we ordered were beautiful!! You did everything exactly in the manner you promised which is so uncommon in today’s world. I am passing on your e-mail to Barker Builders and I’m sure they will order from you again. They were also very pleased with the products. Thank you again for your follow-up.
-Connie Gammon
Sales Rep: Joel Ropchan
Thanks for the heads up. I wanted to let you know that I was absolutely thrilled with the quality/cost of the columns. Several people in my neighborhood stopped to look at them while they were being installed and were all uniformly impressed with the appearance and quality - and in most cases, asked for follow-up contact information.
- Jim Hager
Sales Rep: Ryan Shumaker
They are gorgeous and give my renovation absolutely stunning!
Thanks for the great deal ($86 for shipping these huge columns).
Thanks to all of your workers.
-Otto B. Isaac, A satisfied customer.
Sales Rep: Anthony Ragsdale
Hello,
I’m happy to say I had already ordered my columns from you, they were recently installed – and they look great! So – thanks! I’m a satisfied customer. I will gladly refer other to you who are looking for columns.-Julie Kenfield
Sales Rep: Anthony Terrones
…been installed, and are beautiful. Thank you again.
-Judith Gil
Sales Rep: Steven Hurley
…I have had many compliments on the ones that I ordered and several people have placed orders with you after seeing my columns. They are great. Thanks again.
-Pat Lafoon
Sales Rep: Joe Carrillo
Robin, Thank you very much for your help and your wonderful customer service. I have to tell, my experience with your company has been awesome, from beginning to end. I will gladly recommend your company to my friends and neighbors.
-Tammy Hutchison
Customer Service Manager: Robin McNairHi Steve, Just wanted to thank you for the superior care & service you gave us when ordering & picking up our columns for our new patio. The whole process was painless and you and your staff were very efficient. The columns are up..the patio is completed and it looks beautiful. People will drive-by or walk-by and want to come in to see our new patio. Their comments are the columns make the patio so gorgeous. We are so pleased. Thank you again. It was a pleasure doing business with you. God bless. Have a wonderful day.
-Sam & Cindy Flaim (Mission Viejo)
Sales Rep: Steve Hurley
- Posted in Testimonials | No Comments »
- Pacific Columns Customer Morris Millwork…
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Eric & Tobi Breisach are the proud owners of a recently constructed home in Kalamazoo, Michigan. “We are empty nesters who wanted to build a home for our four children and their significant others and eventually children to return to visit and for holiday gatherings” says Breisach. “We love old houses but grew tired of their upkeep. We undertook the challenge of building a new old house.” Pacific Columns provided over 20 non-tapered columns, which were used for the interior, porch and portico on this building project. “All columns were purchased from Pacific Columns.”Eric & Tobi had professional help with his project - architect Mark Harsha of Fleis & Vandenbrink Engineering (Kalamazoo, MI) and DeLoof and Sons Builders (Schoolcraft, MI). The house was completed in June 2007, and even drew over 7,000 paid visitors during a local builder’s parade of homes.
- Posted in Customer's | No Comments »
- Project Contest 2007
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Project Contest 2007 Thank you to all who participated in 2007’s project photo contest. You made it the biggest contest to date sending in hundreds of great project pictures from all arenas of the architectural applications around the nation. Our decision was difficult, so along with the grand prize winner and runner-up, we made several honorable mentions so you can see their wonderful photos as well. We expect our 2008 project contest to be a huge success as well, so watch your email for more information about the date and time of this year’s contest.
- Posted in Customer's | No Comments »
- Deep Sea Calamari Excursion
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Deep Sea Calamari Excursion On Friday evening at 7:15pm June 15th, 2007, the crew of Pacific Columns, Inc cast off the coast of Newport Beach, CA on the hunt for adventure, fresh air, relaxation, and of course, the biggest deep sea fish a 50 lb. line could bring in. After over an hour of motoring out of landsite, the games began. Each employee from all departments were given a gunny sack, a reel, a fishing license, crude instructions, and a cash incentive for the biggest catch.
Around 9:00, the first bait was taken by a 30+ lb. squid. Once aboard, the catch flashed between brilliant red, orange, and white, spewing ink and a jet of seawater on anyone within ten feet. Attracted by bright light cast off from the 55 foot ship, squid surfaces by the dozens swarming in hopes of handouts receiving only barren hooks which they seemed to confuse every time.Within an hour, between wolfing down burgers, snapping lines, and battling powerful squid’s jet propulsion, the Pacific Columns gang had bagged nearly 100 fish weighing the back of the boat down by a good ton. The catch was outrageous bringing smiles to every face aboard. Perhaps the biggest smile belonged to Jamaal Warren, our winner of the evening dominating with a 55 lb. squid.Other highlights included a gorgeous sunset sending us out, learning more than one would ever need about calamari, a creative eating contest won by Lito Urbano who paletted some unusual sushi, and a unique bonding experience for both the new and veteran employees. Everyone had an unforgettable time and was sent home with enough calamari to last until next year. - Posted in Pacific Columns | No Comments »
- Colonial Homes
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Colonial Homes The term ‘colonial homes’ describes a number of well-known architectural styles. Begun in the colonies and later adapted and combined with popular European trends, both the Colonial and Colonial Revival homes are a uniquely American architectural experience that are at once stately and modest.
Characteristics of Colonial Homes Life in the colonies was based on necessity and so it naturally follows that colonial architecture provides a minimalist shelter to its occupants both solid and steadfast in style. Low on decoration and trim, the rectangular Colonial style is often found in the northeastern United States. Big on symmetry, a defining characteristic is the windows which are most often double hung with a number of small square panes. Another is the set of stately columns that do double duty providing structural supports and an air of stately grace.
Some popular colonial home styles include:
• Cape Cod Colonial
• Garrison Colonial
• New England
• Southern Colonial
• Saltbox Colonial
• Georgian Colonial
• French Colonial
• Spanish Colonial
• Dutch Colonial
• FederalCharacteristics of Colonial Revival Homes
After its inception, colonial homes gave way to Colonial Revival homes in a resurgence in popularity where symmetry and minimalism were appreciated. Popular across the Midwestern United States, Colonial Revival homes enjoy the same boxy style and stately columns but enjoy a dash of color in the shutters and a few more decorative details:• Central hallways
• White clapboard siding
• Black or green shutters
• Detailed cornicesColonial Columns
One thing that all versions of the original Colonial style and the newer Colonial Revival or Neo-Colonial homes have in common are their stately columns. Providing both structural support and a modest grandeur to the home, columns also allow homeowners to express their personality and the personality of the landscape and the estate. Details such as shape of the column and the choice of column base or bottom and column capital or top all provide outlets for creativity and style.Colonial Column Styles
Like colonial life, colonial architecture was simple and efficient. Time and materials were never wasted on luxury but space was a commodity to be had in plenty. Therefore it is not uncommon to see large front porches and wraparound porches with a number of columns on colonial homes. Simple round columns with square bases and matching capitals are the common among colonials with the occasional scroll or leaf and acanthus decoration on the Neo-Colonial Revival homes.Colonial Column Materials
Originally, colonists made use of natural, local materials for their homes and created columns out of wood, stone or marble. Today, colonial style home owners can have the look and feel of wood without the maintenance through materials like fiberglass, vinyl and composite materials. These materials allow for the same feel of the more expensive natural choices without concern for damage due to weather, insects and other hazards of time and the outdoors.Colonial Column Colors
As noted earlier, the original colonists spared no time or effort on garish colors but as our country has grown so too has its interest in color and sparkle. Today, even on homes that mimic the early colonials, bright shutters or clapboard siding can be seen on a number of houses. Some even choose to paint their columns in eye-catching contrast to the rest of the house or to match the shutters or fence posts. But of course, simple beiges and off-whites can serve to balance out the gracious symmetry of a colonial home and add to the estate-like feel of the architectural design as a whole. - Posted in Articles, Historical, Informational, Products | No Comments »
- Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola
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Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola more famously known as Vignola was one of the many great architects of the 16th century Italian Renaissance. Born in Vignola, Italy on October 1, 1507, Vignola began most of his architectural training in Bologna as a painter and perpspectivist. Learning from some of the greats at the time such as Baldassare Peruzzi and Sebastiano Serlio, Vignola perfected his architectural style. Vignola is known for many accomplishments including his work in Rome in the mid-16th century on the Vatican, well known designs for Pope Julius III, King Francis I of France and the Farnese family.
Some of these works include the Villa Giullia, with its rectangular front and immense semi-circle shaped garden and the Villa Farnese at Caprarola, and Villa Lante. These summer villas dominantly influenced by Vignola had a lasting impression on garden and architectures designed. In addition, Vignola designed many churches including the Church of the Angels and the oval churches Saint Andrea in Via Flaminia and the Saint Anna dei Palafrenieri inside the Vatican. These churches were among the first oval or dome shaped churches which set the pace and influenced many architects.One of the more significant aspects of Vignola’s designs is demonstrated in the facade of The Gesù. This church which was built for Cardinal Farnese was designed with the pure intent of preaching. The face of the church consists of a two-story composition, ordained with simple columns and pilasters on each story, as well as a triangular pediment over the nave, and volutes which mask the chapel roofs. In addition to these, Vignola also contributed to St. Peter’s. In conjunction with Michelangelo’s design Vignola created the two small domes within the church.Vignola’s architectural styling is typically recognized in facades and main entrances to buildings, which influenced many 17th century architects of the Baroque style. In addition to his designs, he also wrote two books, the first of which is most commonly known as “The Rules of The Five Orders of Architecture”. The second treatise which deals more on perspective, called “Two Rules of Practical Perspective” was unfinished at his death on July 7, 1573. Having worked with other well known artists of the time including Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci and Raphael, Vignola was buried in the Parthenon and respected as one the great architects of 16th century Mannerism period. His designs beautifully incorporated decorative arts with architectural style that was visible throughout the Italian Renaissance. - Posted in Historical | No Comments »
- California Bungalow
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California Bungalow Since the late 1800s and early 1900s, the California Bungalow has been a popular style for new homes. The architectural style hit its peak in the 1920s when major companies like Sears and Roebuck and Montgomery Ward offered pre-cut versions of the home and sold them in their catalogues for fabrication on site.Starting on the East coast, California quickly got a hold of the style and Midwestern versions soon followed. One of the few truly American architectural styles, the California Bungalow capitalizes on economy, convenience and efficiency. Today, a renewed interest in the style is bringing the California Bungalow a resurgence in popularity.
California Bungalow Characteristics
The California style emphasized minimalism and simplicity as well as the idea that everyone could own their own home. Simple and sparing in cost but functional for the family, the California Bungalow provides a large open space for multiple functions and built in furniture to make the most of materials. Characteristics include:
• Open floor plan • Offset entryway • Built-in furniture (i.e. bookshelves) • Interior ceiling – exposed beams and rafters • Interior wooden details • Interior focus – hearth • Exterior balance • Exterior roof – low and gabled • Exterior focus – garden • Small front porch with columns Informality and efficiency are the key traits of the California Bungalow, and columns are a great example of both. Strong, simple columns provide both a decorative element and a structural support, as well as a feel of permanence to the informal style of the bungalow.
California Bungalow Columns
The one-story floor plan of the California Bungalow resonates with the horizontal nature of the acres it sits upon, and therefore the columns provide a much needed balance to the architectural landscape of the home as a whole. Not known for symmetry, the California Bungalow is a style of architecture that utilizes contrast in measure and the column provides an eye-catching vertical to an otherwise overpowering horizontal design.California Bungalow Column Styles
Columns come in a variety of styles; however, the California Bungalow is only compatible with a few of them. The California Bungalow features either thick square non-tapered columns or thick square tapered columns. True to the functionality of the architecture, the columns are left smooth with no flutes (vertical grooves), further adding to its utilitarian appeal.California Bungalow Column Materials
Natural materials found locally that echo the colors and textures of the surrounding landscape are another identifying characteristic of the California Bungalow. Wooden columns are a resounding popular choice for California Bungalow porches.California Bungalow Column Colors
Color choice for California Bungalow columns can really take the decorative aspect of the home to the next level. Columns in a soft brown, off white, or even deep dusky auburn can highlight the earthy tones of the landscape. Brighter colors are an eye-catching way to allow for a bit of playfulness in the California Bungalow homey appeal and lighten up the landscape. - Posted in Tips | No Comments »
