Nor-Son Custom Builders earned a national Excellence in Construction Eagle Award for work on the Eclectic Modern Renovation on Gull Lake. The EIC awards program is the industry’s leading competition that honors general contractors for innovative and high-quality merit shop construction projects.

The client was very big into new products and materials that were new and cutting edge. Nichiha cement board shake siding was used for the gable accents purchased directly from a distributor in Florida. COR-TEN steel, which will patina over time, was used on the exterior chimney chase to bring texture to the design. 

The most significant transformation in the home is the main gathering space on the lower level walk-out. By removing a main level living room floor system, Nor-Son expanded the lower level space into a lofty, two-story room. The fireplace is the focal point accented in limestone, steel and timber.

The EIC award honors all construction team members, including the contractor, owner, architect and engineer. The winning projects, selected from entries across the nation, were judged on complexity, attractiveness, unique challenges overcome, completion time, workmanship, innovation, safety and cost. This year’s panel included representatives from Building Owners and Managers Association International, Smithsonian Facilities Construction Division, Construction Management Association of America, Engineering News-Record, Design-Build Institute of America and various construction-related firms nationwide.