The finishing touches are now coming together on the 2009 Design Home, and the cumulative effect is nothing short of breathtaking.

The distinctive Shire Green siding has the look of handcrafted cedar, but is actually Hardishingle cement-board siding, supplied by Rivershores Building Products, Inc. of Grand Rapids.

“We’ve seen a dramatic shift over the last six years or so from cedar siding to cement board,” shares Jim Fongers, sales manager at Rivershores. “Cement board is more durable; with some paint finishes, it can have up to a 25-year warranty.” Since cement board doesn’t split or rot like wood can and resists damage from high winds, it’s perfect for this home’s lakeside location. Rivershores also supplied all the MiraTEC trim, which combines the beauty of cedar with the endurance of an engineered product.

As the only custom prestainer in West Michigan, Rivershores can treat siding with a first coat of paint before sending it off to the jobsite, allowing additional coats to go on easier and quicker. Even better, Rivershores can prestain their siding with any color a client can imagine, which is just one reason that BDR designer Mary Buikema loves working with this company.

Attached to the home by a breezeway and covered in the same siding, the garage features carriage-style doors supplied by Overhead Door Co. of Grand Rapids. “The doors are unique in that they have a virtually maintenance-free design,” explains Keith Keen, residential sales manager at Overhead Door. “They’re much lighter in weight than traditional carriage doors, and do not require painting or exterior maintenance.” The arched door openings match the top glass section of the doors for an appealing effect.

Overhead Door also provided a Beam Central Vacuum system, which cleans hard surface areas such as trim and furniture, and is clinically proven to alleviate airborne allergies and asthma. Although the vacuum system actually improves indoor air quality, this is one feature the homeowners won’t need in the balmy months ahead. This summer, residents and guests will enjoy sublime air quality in this magnificent home, as cool breezes waft off Lake Michigan and float through each wide-open window.