The Kakars, along with rescue dog Briggs, greet the new season on the front lawn of their home in Louisville, Kentucky. The family of four smiles in front of The Lincoln, one of thousands of various models built by Clayton Home Building Group across its off-site and on-site home building operations throughout the nation.
The lazy days of summer are upon us after what felt like a long winter. To me, summer signifies a time of relaxation, allowing us a moment to unwind and enjoy a slower pace of life. Whether grilling on the back porch of your home or watching your children play with a water hose in the backyard, summer has a languid way of bringing us back home.
Throughout the pages of the second edition of Opening Doors, you’ll find our company’s purpose of opening doors to a better life come to life through the care and craftsmanship that go into our homes, while also learning about our steadfast commitment to making the world a better place through our environmental, sustainability and philanthropic efforts.
The team members who build our homes make this purpose a reality. I am grateful to each of the over 15,000 team members who help us live out our purpose of opening doors to a better life.
This past year, we’ve spent a lot of time and effort focusing on how we can leave the world a better place than we found it. We are proud to announce our partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation® to plant over 2.3 million trees* on public lands in 2022 to help restore and revitalize forest ecosystems. This is just one example of the ways we are opening doors to a better future that will have a positive impact on generations to come.
We hope you use this second edition of Opening Doors to unwind, enjoy summertime, embark on a new adventure, or even plant a tree.
As always, thank you for allowing our team to be a part of your journey home.
Keith Holdbrooks
*Based on two trees planted by the Arbor Day Foundation for every estimated tree used in our home building process in the previous year; assuming estimated board feet used at 754 board feet per tree and average square footage of our homes built by type. Arbor Day Foundation is a registered service mark of Arbor Day Foundation Corporation.
A Clayton Home Building Group
Lifestyle Brand
EDITOR IN CHIEF
Caroline Collins McKenzie
CREATIVE CONSULTING & DESIGN
Erynn Hassinger
COPY EDITOR
Michele Filon
CLAYTON HOME BUILDING GROUP
PRESIDENT OF CLAYTON HOME BUILDING GROUP
Keith Holdbrooks
CHIEF CUSTOMER OFFICER
Donie Wood
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS & BRAND STRATEGY
Lexi Blackburn
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALISTS
Samantha Monnig
Camille Orr
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Marina Gibson
PHOTOGRAPHY TEAM
Deb Brienen
Meghan Francis
Heather White
PRODUCTION & PUBLISHING High Resolutions CONTRIBUTORS
Laura Kostelny
Charlyne Mattox
Page Mullins
Buff Strickland
What to see, do and enjoy right now.
Make this the year you tick that family road trip off your bucket list with one of these easy drives along some of the country’s most beautiful stretches.
New York City to Pocono Mountains, Pennsylvania
TOTAL DRIVE TIME: 2 hours
START STRONG: After taking in the sights of the Big Apple, fuel up at Think Coffee (thinkcoffee.com) before you head out. The berry yogurt muffin is the perfect on-the-road breakfast.
PIT STOP: Once you’ve sung your heart out to your carefully curated playlist for 1.5 hours, make a stop at the Delaware Water Gap, where you can enjoy trails of
Asheville, North Carolina to Lexington, Virginia
TOTAL DRIVE TIME: 8 hours via the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway (left) or 4.5 hours via I-81
START STRONG: Check out French Broad Chocolate Lounge (frenchbroadchocolates.com), located on Pack Square in Asheville, where you can stock up on freshly made car-snack sweets like cookies, brownies and bonbons.
PIT STOP: Bottom Creek Gorge Preserve (gohikevirginia.com) in Roanoke, Virginia, is surrounded by stunning waterfalls and a massive hardwood forest.
GRAB A BITE: Reward your trek through the great outdoors with a fancy flank steak or bite of trout at Roanoke’s Local Roots (localrootsrestaurant.com)
REST YOUR HEAD: Roll into Lexington and make your way to The Georges (thegeorges.com), a 200-year-old inn that’s been lovingly restored to feature rooms with fine furnishings, carefully curated books on the nightstands and paintings by a variety of Virginia artists.
various lengths and difficulties.
GRAB A BITE: Head over for a late lunch at Sweet Creams Cafe (570421-7929) in nearby Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. Choose from lots of healthy, filling fare, like chicken salad on a croissant or an avocado melt on a baguette.
REST YOUR HEAD: Nestled in quaint Pocono Pines, the Mountaintop Lodge (mountaintoplodge.com) overlooks Pennsylvania’s pretty Lake Naomi. Make a splash in the postcard-worthy pool or sit a spell on the breezy porch before retiring to your cozy room.
Savannah, Georgia to Charleston, South Carolina
TOTAL DRIVE TIME: 2 hours
START STRONG: Pop by The Alida Hotel (thealidahotel.com) and grab a table at Rhett, which overlooks the Savannah River. There, you can power up with a Southern-inspired breakfast like the Croque “Scarlet,” which features pulled pork, white cheddar, Mornay sauce, breakfast potatoes and a sunny-side up egg.
PIT STOP: Forty-five minutes up the
No. 4
Tucson, Arizona, to Grand Canyon National Park
TOTAL DRIVE TIME: 5 hours
START STRONG: Get in line early at Tucson’s Barrio Charro (barriocharro.com), where locals line up daily for owner Don Guerra’s fresh breads and all-day brunch. You can also get a torta and café de la olla (coffee, panela—cane sugar—and cinnamon) to go.
PIT STOP: Two hours into the drive, you’ll hit Scottsdale, where you can see a minor league baseball
game, schedule a round of golf (the city is noted for over 200 courses!), or grab a drink at The Beverly on Main (beverlyonmain .com). Better still, stretch your legs and take in the unique terrain on one of the 39 trails on Camelback Mountain. History buffs should schedule a tour of Taliesin West (franklloydwright .org), the winter home of famed architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
GRAB A BITE: Drive two more hours to Sedona and get ready for an early dinner and a show
at Creekside American Bistro (creeksidesedona.com), where you’ll also enjoy views of the area’s stunning red rocks.
REST YOUR HEAD: Pop up your tent at Grand Canyon National Park. (You can make reservations up to six months in advance at recreation.gov). Camping not your scene? Try Bright Angel Lodge instead ( grandcanyon lodges.com). The comfy inn is outfitted with antiques and located along the south rim of the famed formation.
Los Angeles to Santa Barbara, California
TOTAL DRIVE TIME: 2 hours
START STRONG: Try to squeeze in a celebrity sighting and gather up sundries at Lemonade Larchmont (lemonadela.com). Choose from 12 different kinds of lemonade (including sugar-free options) and filling-enough-to-be-a-meal sides like mac and cheese or harissa-roasted cauliflower.
PIT STOP: Just a bit down the highway, you’ll come to Pacific Pal-
isades, home of the Getty Villa (getty.edu). Built in the 1950s by J. Paul Getty to house a fraction of his prolific art collection, it’s now a museum where you can admire the architecture, gardens and thousands of pieces of artwork, some of which date all the way back to 400 A.D.
GRAB A BITE: Next up, Malibu. Plan to enjoy a grab-and-go heirloom tomato sandwich or kale Caesar salad from The Malibu Cafe (themalibucafe.com). Then spend your “lunch hour” exploring this
scenic town. If you have time, consider the 4-mile round-trip hike to Escondido Falls, which culminates in a stunning 150foot-tall waterfall.
REST YOUR HEAD: Breathe a sigh of relief when you reach Santa Barbara, because you’re surrounded by fragrant lavender gardens at the aptly named Lavender Inn by the Sea (lavender-inn-bythesea.hotelsone.com). Located just blocks from beaches, you’ll rest easy in your pillow-top bed outfitted with a down duvet.
The Hills share a sweet moment with their new son, Elijah.
Supply was such a huge part of the business,” she says.
Hill proved a fast learner. Today, she spearheads a massive operation at the 68,000-square-foot location, which receives and inventories container loads of product each day and then ships them to 10 different home building facilities as needed. Hill says, “The turnaround from request to delivery is usually 24 hours. That takes a lot of planning and organization to execute. Our tasks are huge and I wear a lot of hats.”
A young mother who balances motherhood and managing an Alabama supply facility.
When Amanda Hill accepted a position with Clayton Supply back in 2020, she never imagined that a job would help her achieve a better work-life balance. Prior to coming on board, she and her husband were living and working in Birmingham, Alabama, but the hustle and bustle of the big city made them yearn for a quieter way of life.
So when Amanda was approached about managing Clayton Supply Addison (population: 728), the couple jumped at the chance. She was eager to join Clayton Supply, Clayton Home Building Group’s building material manufacturing and distribution company. “I didn’t know that Clayton
Even as her career flourished, Hill was anxious to become a mother. “I tried to get pregnant for three years, and I couldn’t. So we decided to expand our expectations and take on some kids who needed us,” she explains. The couple signed up for foster parenting classes in January—only to find out they were pregnant in February. “By then, we had already heard all these stories about how much of a need there was for fostering, so there was no way we couldn’t do it,” she says.
The Hills credit Clayton’s familyfirst philosophy for making home life easier, despite their year of big changes. “We were only given a day’s notice that we were getting our [two] foster children. My boss let me work from home to get everything settled,” Hill says. “I was a little worried about hindering my career growth when I became pregnant, but that didn’t happen. My son Elijah is now 5 months old, and my boss continues to give me increased responsibility and the freedom to figure things out. I always feel very empowered.”
A few of Hill’s favorite things.
» CAN’T-MISS TV SHOW: The Office always makes me laugh. It truly never gets old!
» GO-TO-COCKTAIL: Jack and Coke
» COMFORT FOOD GUILTY PLEASURE: I love anything that involves nachos or tacos. Nacho Cheese Doritos are a perfect example.
» MORNING COFFEE ORDER: Black. I’m not a connoisseur. I just drink it for energy.
» OUTDOOR ACTIVITY: I love to go hiking and kayaking. We’re blessed with beautiful scenery here.
» DAILY COMMUTE SOUNDTRACK: Alternative metal from the 2000s. (I call it my high school music!) Or true crime podcasts.
» DATE NIGHT: My husband and I had our first date at a brewery. When we get a night out we like to visit local ones. My favorite is the raspberry beer from Alabama-based TrimTab Brewing.
» MOTHER KNOWS BEST: I’m one of five kids; I learned how to keep the peace from my mom.
A new crop of sales centers has personality befitting their quirky Austin, Texas, locale.
BROHN HOMES, a part of Clayton Properties Group ®, is doing its part to keep Austin weird—or at least add its own share of retro charm. Since 2020, the Austinbased builder has used vintage Airstream trailers as sales centers in its under-construction communities. In need of an onlocation office for sales teams to use while model homes are
built, Brohn Homes enlisted the use of a 1960s Airstream as its groovy sales headquarters.
“We wanted to elevate the customer experience,” explains Christian Diez, the company’s director of marketing. “The typical buyer visits several communities during their home search. We thought stepping inside a revamped Airstream would stick out!” And stick out it does. Potential Brohn homeowners are greeted by the signature gleaming aluminum of the made-in-America travel trailer; that vintage outer style is countered with sleek, modern interiors. “It beats looking at
plans on the hood of a sales consultant’s vehicle!” adds Diez. The growing fleet of Airstreams (there are now five in total) includes a 1970 Globetrotter and a 1980 Excella. Each of the out-of-commission Airstreams is sourced by Brohn Homes, then gutted and rebuilt with a fresh new look. And the eco-friendly aspect of the upcycled spaces doesn’t stop there. Once a permanent model home goes up in the current location, the Airstream is relocated to a new Brohn community, where it will serve as the sales center until it’s on the road again.
Do double duty with pretty flowers that also provide a spot for nature’s super-pollinators—bees—to thrive.
for plants labeled
Bee populations are on the decline—and in turn, so are fruits and flowers. Help them thrive with pollen-rich plantings in your yard.
Line the bottom of a wooden crate with a sheet of newspaper. Top with a 2- to 3-inch thick layer of gravel for proper drainage. Remove plants (we used bee-friendly hardy fuchsia, tall verbena, lavender and sedum ‘Ruby Glow’) from pots and arrange them in the crate. Fill in gaps between plants with compost. Water thoroughly for seven days; plan to water two to three times per week after that.
Clayton partners with the Tennessee-based nonprofit Isaiah 117 to help foster children feel at home.
Ronda Paulson got more than a wake-up call the day she brought home her first foster child. She also got a calling. “I’d assumed that the transition for children going into foster care would be welcoming,” says Paulson. But she discovered that for most children, it’s a frustratingly long day spent alone in an office cubicle while adults complete the paperwork. Most wait hours with only a few belongings stuffed in a black garbage bag. None of that sat well with her.
Enter Isaiah 117, the nonprofit Paulson founded with her husband, Corey, in 2017. The organization’s name is a tribute to both her first foster child, Isaiah, and the Bible verse: “Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” Since its inception, the organization has established a network of “transition homes” where children entering the foster care system can relax while adults handle the logistics. “These houses are clean and cheerful, stocked with snacks and filled with smiling faces,” explains Paulson, who also makes sure there’s also an abundance of clothing
LEFT: A fully stocked kitchen helps provide children entering the foster care system with the comfort of home-cooked meals.
BELOW:
Isaiah 117’s signature red door adds a cheery welcome to the Claytonprovided home.
and school supplies children can take with them.
From the beginning, the Paulsons have had a zero-debt policy, relying on donations from local individuals and groups to fund each new home. “Communities’ generosity has taken us far,” she says. “But in Cocke County, Tennessee, we found there simply weren’t enough resources to see it through.”
That changed when Charlie Hemphill, a retired general manager at the nearby Clayton Bean Station, heard about the Paulsons’ fundraising stall-out. He immediately began work with Clayton Bean Station, Clayton Homes of Strawberry Plains and the Clayton Homes Foundation, and partnered with Isaiah 117 and the local community to donate a fully furnished home. “The ribbon-cutting was only in late 2021,” says Paulson. “But Clayton’s gift has already given dozens of children a soft place to land.”
Make it an old-fashioned summer! The young—and young at heart—will enjoy laid-back days with runs through the sprinkler, stops at roadside lemonade stands and idyllic times on a front porch like this breezy one on a CrossMod home in the John Sevier community in eastern Tennessee.
Lemonade Stand
Quench kids’ thirst (and give them afternoon employment!) with this pop-up shop. $40; target.com
Umbrella
Made of UV-resistant fabric, this striped umbrella is more than just a pretty face. $25; target.com
Fan
Chill out in your personal space with this portable mini fan. $6; shein.com
BEAT THE HEAT WITH FRESH FINDS THAT WILL HAVE YOU MADE IN THE SHADE THIS SEASON.
Pitcher
Put your mark on summer sippers with a personalized pitcher. $29; markandgraham.com
Pool Float Ring in the season with a dash of confetti! $28; sunnylife.com
Glasses
Popsicle Molds
Use fresh fruits and juices to concoct your own cool treats.$10; walmart.com
Sprinkler
This in atable sprinkler will cool off little ones but also has an eye-pleasing “cool factor” parents can appreciate too. $30; walmart.com
These colorful tumblers are made from shatterproof acrylic. $20 for four; lilyshome.com
ecobee offers automated home monitoring you can rely on.
Want to create a cohesive look that’s not matchy-matchy? Think beyond colors and patterns and consider silhouettes instead. In The Winchester, from Summit Homes, the repeated arch on the artwork, the table legs and the leaning ladder links up the elements in a subtle way.
As this work area in The Warwick, from Mungo Homes® in Columbia, South Carolina, proves, curtain placement can make or break a space. Hanging your draperies at ceiling height (or just below the crown molding) will max out the natural light. It also helps ceilings feel taller and, in turn, rooms appear larger. Also, extend curtain rods 4 to 6 inches beyond the window frame for the illusion of extra space.
Geometrics? Murals? Saturated colors? The choice is yours! When it comes to introducing an accent wall, the only limit is your creativity. These power-shots of style are especially well suited for a bedroom where the “bed wall” is a natural focal point. In this teen space in The Winchester, from Summit Homes, adhesive gold hearts draw the eye to the rattan daybed and spirited parrot painting.
As the largest item in most sleeping quarters, a bed is the de facto visual anchor. Ensure your bedroom is just as chic and cozy as this one in The Lincoln, from Elite Homes ®, with a trio of layers. Start with a coverlet in a bold color like this turquoise one. Next, add a textured duvet cover, like the linen one here, that brings depth to the space without detracting from the coverlet’s hue. Finish the look with a mix of throw pillows that pick up on the colors of the coverlet and duvet.
Find this House
Fear not: Introducing black into a scheme needn’t make a room dreary. One or two gleaming black elements can ground a space with depth. What’s more, the hue can unify otherwise unrelated elements. In this bedroom in The Cooper, from Arbor Homes ® in Indianapolis, the black wall complements the charcoal motif on the curtains and pillows.
This Pecan finish dishes out the perfect warm tone, sans even the slightest hint of orange, for an inviting cook space. Paired with soft blues and pinks, it evokes a vibe that’s equal parts fresh and folksy. “Try rounding out a subtle palette like this one with one or two select pops of emerald green,” suggests Foster. “Whether it’s tile or just a houseplant it can have a grounding effect.”
It goes without saying the kitchen is the heart of the home. With that in mind, it’s also the ideal area to establish your home’s decor. Here, Clayton interior design manager, Megan Foster, shares four distinct kitchen schemes, all featuring DuraCraft ® cabinetry. No matter the look you crave, they’re sure to help you cook up smart style in the kitchen and beyond.
by CAROLINE M c KENZIE
“You can make a kitchen feel sleek and hip with the introduction of classic black cabinetry,” says Foster of the DuraCraft Onyx. Polished brass hardware and metallic wallpaper will add to the chic style. (They’ll also keep the black from reading as too heavy or stark.) Cast the cabinetry in sharp relief with simple subway tile featuring a mod, elongated silhouette.
Give your kitchen a seasonal upgrade with fresh flowers or branches.
The Kelly Walnut brings a not-too-warm, not-too-cool wood surface to a kitchen.
“The handsome hue will feel right at home in a farmhouse-style setting, whether your take on it leans more industrial or rustic,” says Foster. Surfaces such as the ceramic tiles and the weathered platter add rough-hewn texture, while elements like leather add a laid-back feel.
Turn a blank wall into a focal point with a striking gallery display.
Clayton interior designer Dara Roberts shares her best tricks for nailing the look.
by
1. Make a Plan
“Gallery walls aren’t exactly the place for haphazard creativity,” says Roberts, who first selects and then measures the designated wall to inform the number and types of pieces she will need. If furniture will go below the display, be sure to take those dimensions into account as well. From there, you’ll want to gather your framed items. “The art in your home is a reflection of your unique style,” she says. “There’s no right or wrong for what should go on a gallery wall.” Roberts also stresses that items don’t have to be “fine art” to make the cut. Having multiple pieces takes pressure off any one item.
2. Map It Out
Set yourself up for gallery wall success
Mix frame styles and sizes for an artful look. The more variety, the better!
with a trial run (or two!). You may first want to lay out your items on the floor to play with shape and balance. From there, you can trace each frame onto kraft paper and cut out, creating a template for each. Then, use
painter’s tape to affix the templates to the wall to better determine your layout. When planning your display, Roberts recommends keeping all frames 1 to 2 inches apart, both vertically and horizontally. This
will give the eyes a rest even if there are a number of pieces and shapes in the design.
3. Get Hung Up
Time to take it to the wall! A hammer and nail are the tried-and-true tools. But if you have reservations about putting holes in the wall, there are alternatives such as adhesive hook-and-loop strips, which are easily removed if you decide to change the look down the road.
4. Check Your Self Roberts suggests stepping back from the design—both in the planning mode and during hanging— from time to time to make sure the display looks just as good up close as it does from afar—the way guests will see it. (Review it with a fresh perspective via a photo snapped on your phone.) “Remember to think of it as a single canvas, not single pieces,” adds Roberts.
Ashley Beseda’s Clayton home is also her ultimate creative outlet, where she’s devoted the past five years to completely customizing rooms again and again.
Ashley warmed up the living room— literally—by building a fireplace and a one-of-a-kind rustic mantel.
The family dog, Talulah, takes five in the cozy living room that offers plenty of seating for the family of five, plus a Samsung ® television that doubles as artwork when it’s between showings. Laminate flooring by Select Surfaces is both handsome and hardworking.
To modernize the kitchen, Ashley topped the counters with a marble-like laminate and swapped in brass hardware on the cabinets. She also added open shelving for fun, functional display.
left It’s perhaps no surprise that the most-used room in the home has also seen the most makeovers. “By the time you’re on your sixth tiling installation, you pretty much have it down!” says Ashley. The current iteration features a tonal scheme of whites and woods, plus modern, overhead lighting.
complicated projects. “We’ve redone the floors, built the fireplace, installed the wall treatments, switched out the trim, hung a new front door,” she says. “We’ve pretty much customized everything to give it our own style spin.”
That’s somewhat of an understatement. The Besedas have had three different sets of kitchen cabinets, retiled seven times, changed out the open shelving twice, and tried a host of paint colors. While Weston was not initially completely on board with Ashley’s constant desire for home improvements, he’s now always armed with his tool belt at the ready. “In the beginning, he said, ‘We don’t need to do that; we’re not staying here forever,’ Ashley explains. “But he saw that it gave me a purpose, so now he’s like, ‘OK, if you want to do it, we’ll do it together.” She has also managed to recruit her little ones on some big projects. “They like to help! When we redid the floors, they pulled out all the staples as we removed the carpet,” says Ashley.
Even with the constant flurry of activity, there was one room that remained unfinished for a long time: the primary bath. That changed about six months ago, when Ashley could take it no more. “It was a disaster. We had started taking it apart, and it was just a mess, and it stayed that way,” she says. “We took the shower out two years before and we were left with a bathtub, which neither one of us used, so we were showering in the kids’ bathroom.”
In order to make the space more attractive and functional, the couple did away
with the bathtub and installed a large open shower with brass accents, as well as a custom Weston-made vanity.
So now that every room is up to snuff, does that mean the Besedas can take a break from the tools? “I would like to say yes,” says Ashley with a sigh. “But I embrace change. If can figure out how to customize a space, I would prefer to make it exactly the way I want it.”
The home’s cozy, collected feel is due in part to a smart mix of furnishings. In the dining room, for example, the two-tone farmhouse table is paired with both crossback chairs and a sizable bench, which can accommodate plenty of friends and family.
With the help of an inexpensive light kit (available at Ikea), almost any basket can be converted into a chic chandelier.
above In the primary bedroom, Ashley created an easy but on-trend accent wall with only one-by-fours and black paint. She also added a barn door in the same style.
right The black-and-white tile is repeated in the kids’ bathroom, while the shower features floor-to-ceiling subway tile. The custom vanity has open storage that keeps items in easy reach for the children.
When Ashley found the vintage sink in her parents’ garage, she thought it deserved a good cleanup act. One YouTube tutorial later, she put it to good use within the wooden vanity.
Our Clayton home has allowed us to live in exactly the right spot for our family. Out here, we can focus on what matters.
Clayton is on a mission to become a leader in sustainability and planet stewardship with changes big and small— 2.33 million, to be exact.
BY LAURA KOSTELNY
PHOTOGRAPHY
William Jenkins, Clayton Home Building Group's director of environment and sustainability, visits Oregon. This year, Clayton will plant 2.33 million trees across the country to help rehabilitate forest ecosystems.
Lumber is quite literally the backbone of a Clayton home, providing necessary structural support. So, too, forest ecosystems help support the communities that Clayton serves. The company recently launched a partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation to plant over 2.3 million trees in 2022. This large-scale initiative will help restore and revitalize forest ecosystems in Georgia, Michigan, Florida and the Pacific Northwest. “Forest replenishment is crucial to a healthier world,” explains Dan Lambe, CEO of the Arbor Day Foundation and author of Now Is the Time for Trees. “Clayton has pledged to plant two trees for every tree they use.* It’s a bold commitment from a corporate citizen that will ultimately benefit the lives of their customers, their team members, and beyond.”
Planting nearly 200,000 trees along seven rivers in Oregon and Washington will help restore crucial watersheds and their associated ecosystems.
The program is especially significant this year: It’s the 50th anniversary of the Arbor Day Foundation and the 150th anniversary of Arbor Day, the annual tree-planting celebration that has resulted in the planting of millions of new trees over the years. “When it started in 1872 in Nebraska, it began because the people there needed more trees,” says Lambe. “Even back then, it was a sustainability story. Folks were tired of living in houses made of sod, so they needed lumber, as well as the fruit and nuts trees provide. Today, planting helps with urban heat, bio-density, economic opportunities and climate change.”
The over 2 million native species will be planted predominantly on public lands in the Pacific Northwest, Michigan State Lands and Tyndall Air Force Base in Florida, and in longleaf habitat and wildlife management areas across
Georgia. In the latter, the longleaf pine once dominated, but over time have lost their forest cover to human and natural causes. Replanting these trees will help protect endangered wildlife like the red-cockaded woodpecker, indigo snake and gopher tortoise. The 615,700 trees planted in Oregon and Washington will assist in wildfire recovery. “When companies like Clayton step up and do something this significant, it creates ripples and waves that influence others,” says Lambe. And the benefits are invaluable: He points to research that shows that trees also aid personal health and wellness. “They are a calming influence—trees and green spaces have an impact on heart health. In neighborhoods with high tree density, there are 25% fewer children who suffer from asthma.”
And then of course, there are the boons to the environment. “If you look
ENKI NS’ WORK EXTEND S beyond Clayton’s operations and philanthropy and seeks to ingrain sustainability in its team. In an effort to help educate its leadership team about the effects of climate change, Clayton Home Building Group hosted Paul Nicklen, a world-acclaimed National Geographic photographer and a co-founder of the nonprofit SeaLegacy, as a keynote speaker at its leadership summit this past spring. Nicklen, who is also a filmmaker and marine biologist, has documented the beauty and plight of the planet for more than 20 years. He is also a passionate public speaker and wildlife activist. Here, he shares insights on his career, the planet— and how a company like Clayton can make a difference.
Q. When did your passion for nature and wildlife begin?
A. I grew up in the Arctic and eventually moved to southern British Columbia, where I studied biology at the University of Victoria. There I did a lot of diving, because it was on the coast. I eventually went back to the Arctic and landed a job as a biologist. I studied the local wolf populations, collared grizzly bears, and recorded the movement and behavior of lynxes, snowshoe hares and musk oxen. But I found myself becoming frustrated and disillusioned. I was taking in the majesty and beauty of these animals—the light and mood and setting of nature— and reducing it all to data points on a sheet of paper. In the end, it seemed as if most of the effort we put into protecting these wildlife
populations was falling on deaf ears.
Q. What drew you to the world of nature photography and filmmaking?
A. I would always take a camera during my underwater dives or in the field. But eventually I had to make a decision: Was I a scientist or a
photographer? To help decide, I resigned from my job and had a Cessna 206 drop me off in the barren lands above the Arctic Circle during the spring, when it was still cold and wintry. It was a 30-day solo expedition, and I was 30 years old. I traveled around the Arctic, working and filming—or not filming—bowhead whales,
In April, photographer and conservationist
walruses and polar bears, all the while documenting my expeditions. It was then I realized I wanted to give a voice and face to species in the polar regions that are most at threat on this ever-changing planet. As a photographer, I felt if I could just get a job with National Geographic, a magazine that reaches
specializing in conservation. They taught me the value of storytelling through images, and the need to tell timely stories capable of driving genuine change. That foundation gave me tools that helped me eventually get noticed by National Geographic—my first real assignment was in 2001, a feature on Atlantic salmon.
Q. You’ve traveled across the globe. What site have you found the most moving?
A. It would probably be Antarctica. You walk up over a ridge surrounded by dormant volcanoes and see 300,000 king penguins. You then realize their entire life cycle is tied to sea ice and see that ice is disappearing. It can’t help but have a profound effect.
Q. Why is it important for you to connect with a company like Clayton?
100 million people with each article, I’d have a chance to make a difference.
Q. How did you land your job at National Geographic ?
A. I had the good fortune to be mentored by Joel Sartore and Flip Nicklin, National Geographic photographers who built entire careers
A. What I love most about speaking engagements is that I simply tell people my story, and let them formulate conclusions from there. Clayton is unique in that they are the biggest, most influential group in their field. If a group like Clayton takes on a leadership role with sustainable green homes, then it can change the entire way an industry does business. This is what we need. If we are truly going to reverse the effects of climate change, we need to think bigger and greater.
—CAROLINE McKENZIE
Smoked Trout Dip
Herb Bread Rolls
Sweet Potatoes with Chickpeas and Herbs
Grilled Trout with Lemon and Herbs
Creamy Fennel Gratin
Grilled Broccoli with Grated Cheddar
Grilled Asparagus and Scallions
Ricotta Pancakes with Nectarines
SMOKED TROUT DIP & HERB BREAD ROLLS
Creme fraiche will add a delicious, slightly tangy flavor to the dip, but mayonnaise will also do the trick. Although the dip can be made up to two days in advance, don’t stir in the lemon juice until just before serving.
WORKING TIME: 5 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 5 minutes
MAKES: 6 to 8 servings
INGREDIENTS
8 ounces smoked trout, crumbled 1/2 cup creme fraiche or mayonnaise
2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
2 tablespoons capers, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
+ Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
+ Herb Bread Rolls, for serving
INSTRUCTIONS
In a large bowl, gently combine trout, creme fraiche, dill, capers, lemon zest, lemon juice, oil and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Serve with Herb Bread Rolls.
Having the pizza dough at room temperature will help prevent it from springing back when rolling. If it still does so, cover dough with a clean dish towel and let it rest for 4 or 5 minutes.
WORKING TIME: 10 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 30 minutes
MAKES: 6 to 8 servings
INGREDIENTS
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
+ All-purpose flour, for dusting work surface
1 pound store-bought pizza dough, at room temperature
12 thyme sprigs
6 bay leaves
3 sprigs rosemary sprigs, halved
+ Flaky sea salt
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Heat oven to 450 F. Grease the bottom of a large rimmed baking sheet with 1 tablespoon oil. On a lightly floured work surface roll dough into a 9-by-12-inch rectangle. Use a pizza wheel or chef’s knife to cut dough into six 11/2 -by-12-inch lengths.
2. Place thyme, bay leaves and rosemary sprigs crosswise along the bottom of each dough length, dividing evenly. Roll dough around the herbs and transfer to prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with remaining tablespoon oil, dividing evenly. Sprinkle with salt.
3. Bake until dough is golden brown and cooked through, 14 to 16 minutes.
Select sweet potatoes that are close to the same diameter to insure that they all roast in the same amount of time.
WORKING TIME: 10 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 50 minutes
MAKES: 6 to 8 servings
INGREDIENTS
6 small to medium sweet potatoes
6 tablespoons olive oil, divided
+ Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, rinsed and well dried
1 medium red onion, cut into 8 wedges
¹∕ ³ cup tahini
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
¹∕ ³ cup fresh mint leaves
+ Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Heat oven to 425 F with the oven racks in the middle and lowest positions. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil. Using a fork, prick each sweet potato 5 to 6 times and place on prepared baking sheet. Rub with 2 tablespoons oil and season with salt and pepper. Place
HERB BREAD ROLLS
SWEET POTATOES WITH CHICKPEAS AND HERBS
on the middle rack and bake until a knife inserted in the center meets no resistance, 35 to 45 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, place chickpeas and onions on a separate large rimmed baking sheet. Toss with 3 tablespoons oil and season with salt and pepper.
Place on the bottom rack and roast, stirring once, until onions are charred and tender and chickpeas are crispy, 18 to 20 minutes.
3. In a bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, remaining tablespoon oil and 3 to 4 tablespoons water in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Make a slit down the center of each potato and push the ends in gently to open. Place potatoes on a serving platter and top with roasted onions and chickpeas. Drizzle with tahini dressing and sprinkle with feta, pomegranate seeds, mint and sesame seeds.
To prevent the twine from burning on the grill, soak it in water for a few minutes before tying it around the fish. Whole fish make for a dramatic presentation, but will take a few more minutes to cook. You can butterfly the fish to save time.
WORKING TIME: 5 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 20 minutes
MAKES: 6 to 8 servings
INGREDIENTS
+ Canola oil, for grill grates
4 whole or butterflied trout (about 3/4 pound each)
+ Kosher salt and freshly grated black pepper
1 lemon, thinly sliced
6 thyme sprigs
4 dill sprigs
4 bay leaves
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Heat grill to medium-high. Once hot, clean grates and generously oil. Season fish, inside and out, with salt and pepper. Fill cavity with lemon, thyme, dill and bay leaves, dividing evenly. Tie with kitchen twine to hold the aromatics in place.
2. Grill, turning once, until cooked through, 10 to 15. Remove twine and serve immediately.
Fennel can be roasted up to 24 hours in advance. To finish, bring to room temperature, then top with cream mixture and cheese and bake as instructed.
WORKING TIME: 10 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 2 hours
MAKES: 6 to 8 servings
INGREDIENTS
6 medium fennel bulbs, tops and bottoms trimmed, cut into quarters through the core, plus fennel fronds for garnish
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, unpeeled
+ Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
11/2 cups heavy cream
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
3 ounces Gruyere, grated (about 3/4 cup)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Heat oven to 350 F. In a 9-by-13inch baking dish, combine fennel, oil, garlic and 1 tablespoon water. Season with salt and pepper. Tightly cover with foil and bake until fennel is easily pierced with a paring knife, 50 to 55 minutes. Remove garlic to a cutting board and pour off any liquid in the bottom of the pan.
2. Peel garlic and chop. In a bowl, whisk together cream and flour, adding flour a little at a time to prevent clumping, until combined. Add chopped garlic and 1/2 cup Gruyere. Season with salt and pepper. Pour over baked fennel and top with remaining Gruyere. Bake, until golden brown and bubbling, 45 to 50 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fennel fronds.
Finely grated cheese melts more easily on the grilled broccoli, so be sure to grate it on the small holes on the box grater or with a microplane.
WORKING TIME: 5 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 20 minutes
MAKES: 6 to 8 servings
INGREDIENTS
2 (12-ounce) packages broccoli florets or 2 heads broccoli, cut into florets
GRILLED BROCCOLI WITH GRATED CHEDDAR
GRILLED ASPARAGUS AND SCALLIONS
6 tablespoons olive oil
+ Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
3 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, finely grated (about 3/4 cup)
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Heat grill to medium-high. In a bowl, toss together broccoli and oil. Season with salt and pepper. Place in a grill basket and grill, tossing occasionally, until charred and just tender, 12 to 14 minutes.
2. Transfer to a serving platter and top with cheese.
For easy skewering, look for asparagus that are on the thicker side. Using two skewers per set prevents the veggies from spinning when you flip them on the grill. You can also skip the skewers and cook the veggies in a grill basket instead.
WORKING TIME: 10 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 15 minutes
MAKES: 6 to 8 servings
INGREDIENTS
2 bunches asparagus, woody ends removed
2 bunches scallions
2 tablespoons olive oil
+ Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
+ Fresh mint, fresh dill, and lemon wedges for serving
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Heat grill to medium-high. Soak fourteen 12-inch wooden skewers in water for at least 15 minutes.
2. Skewer asparagus, using two skewers per set. Skewer scallions, using two skewers per set. Drizzle with oil, dividing evenly. Season with salt and pepper. Grill, turning once, until charred and just tender, 3 to 5 minutes for the asparagus and 2 to 4 minutes for the scallions.
3. Discard skewers and top with mint and dill. Serve with lemon wedges alongside.
Peaches, plums, or even figs will be delicious in place of nectarines in this dessert. Figs won’t brown like the other fruits so just cook them until they are warmed through.
WORKING TIME: 40 minutes
TOTAL TIME: 40 minutes
MAKES: 6 to 8 servings
INGREDIENTS
11/4 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon baking powder
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 cup whole-milk ricotta
1 cup buttermilk
4 large eggs
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for cooking
6 firm but ripe small nectarines, halved and pitted
2 tablespoons honey, plus more for serving
1 teaspoon lemon zest
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Heat oven to 200 F. Place a baking sheet in the oven. In a large bowl, whisk
together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, sugar and salt. In another large bowl, whisk together ricotta, buttermilk, eggs and lemon juice. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and whisk just until combined.
2. In a large cast-iron or nonstick skillet over medium heat, melt a small amount of butter, then pour about 2 heaping tablespoons batter for each pancake into skillet (you should be able to cook 3 to 4 pancakes per batch). Cook until tops are covered with bubbles and edges look dry, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip and cook until
plump and cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes. Place pancakes in a single layer on the baking sheet in the oven. Repeat with more butter and remaining batter.
3. Using a paper towel, wipe skillet clean. Add 2 tablespoons butter and nectarines, cut sides down. Cook until golden brown, 3 to 5 minutes. Add honey and lemon zest. Cook, turning fruit, until coated and warmed through, 1 to 2 minutes. Serve pancakes topped with nectarines, drizzled with the honey butter from the skillet, and more honey alongside.
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 3,750
BEDROOMS: 4
BATHROOMS: 3.5
BUILDER: CraftMaster Homes®
FEATURES: The Bancroft II is both an entertainer’s and organizer’s dream, offering plenty of living space (don’t miss the kitchen island!) and ample storage. Impeccable details begin as soon as you walk through the front door, with wainscoting on the walls and stained shiplap on the foyer’s coffered ceiling.
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,165
BEDROOMS: 3
BATHROOMS: 2
BUILDER: Clayton Maynardville
FEATURES: With stylish upgrades at every turn, the Shower House 2.0 wows with thoughtful details like a sliding farmhouse barn door and a built-in living room entertainment center with a transom window above. Also not to be missed: a 72-inch ceramic tile–lined shower.
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 3,316
BEDROOMS: 5
BATHROOMS: 3–4
BUILDER: Chafin Communities®
FEATURES: This two-story home is a true crowd-pleaser. The Preswick’s primary suite, on the second floor, has a generously sized sitting room. Downstairs, there’s a large kitchen and breakfast room, formal dining room, study and window-lined great room that can be upgraded to include a coffered ceiling.
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,256
BEDROOMS: 4
BATHROOMS: 3
BUILDER: Clayton Addison
FEATURES: Nary an inch goes to waste in the Huxton II, which deftly packs in four bedrooms and three baths. The primary bedroom has a large walk-in closet—complete with a closet island—with access to the laundry room. Details like beams in the living room smartly finish the design.
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,642
BEDROOMS: 3
BATHROOMS: 2.5
BUILDER: Elite Built Homes
FEATURES: The open-concept Lincoln has seamless flow from the front entry and formal dining room to the oversize great room, kitchen and casual breakfast room. But you can still escape it all with spa-like surroundings in the primary bathroom, complete with a walk-in shower and soaking tub.
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,500
BEDROOMS: 3
BATHROOMS: 2.5
BUILDER: clover & hive®
FEATURES: Walls of windows bring a bright and airy feel to The Sienna. Adding to the sleek appeal are clean, modern lines on elements ranging from the kitchen cabinets to the fivepaneled doors found throughout the home. With one bedroom downstairs and two upstairs, families can spread out.
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,362–3,223
BEDROOMS: 3–4
BATHROOMS: 2–3
BUILDER: Arbor Homes
FEATURES: A covered porch welcomes guests to The Asheville; just inside the front door is an equally inviting foyer. The floor plan is designed to decrease clutter and max out living space with niceties like an oversize primary walk-in closet and centrally located flex room waiting for personalization.
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,160
BEDROOMS: 2
BATHROOMS: 2
BUILDER: Clayton Redwood Falls
FEATURES: Those seeking designer details in manageable proportions should look no further than The Anthony. From the double barn doors that lead to a sunny flex space, to wood-paneled built-in storage in nearly every room, the home mixes beauty and livability. A homey porch adds to the style.
SQUARE FOOTAGE : 1,715
BEDROOMS: 4
BATHROOMS: 2
BUILDER: Highland Homes®
FEATURES: A homeowner favorite, Parker boasts a Craftsman-style exterior and a fully open living area comprising a large gathering room, a roomy kitchen with counter-height island, a walk-in pantry and a sunny dining area, all under a voluminous vaulted ceiling.
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 3,368
BEDROOMS: 5
BATHROOMS: 4.5
BUILDER: Harris Doyle Homes®
FEATURES: With plenty of space for everyday living and entertaining, too, this stunning house features 9-foot ceilings and Shaw® hardwood floors in the main living areas, plus a great room, butler’s pantry, mudroom and a 36-inch ventless gas fireplace.
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 2,017–2,030
BEDROOMS: 3–4
BATHROOMS: 2.5
BUILDER: Oakwood Homes®
FEATURES: This two-story home easily mixes form and function. Amory’s organic-inspired finishes lap up the sunshine with an abundance of large windows. Practical elements like an attached garage and both a flex room and a bonus room help it live as good as it looks.
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 1,620
BEDROOMS: 3
BATHROOMS: 2
BUILDER: Clayton Middlebury
FEATURES: This home lives large with the help of a combined living room-kitchen-dining room space in an ideal open layout. Nine-foot ceilings add to the sense of space. Also of note: a fireplace, drywall, built-in entertainment center and option for a garage.
SQUARE FOOTAGE: 3,032
BEDROOMS: 5
BATHROOMS: 4
BUILDER: Summit Homes
FEATURES: Whether you enter via the covered porch or the side entry, the Winchester will put you at ease. In the latter, a spacious drop zone with a built-in storage bench adjoins a flex room you can use as a home office or homework station. There’s also an upstairs laundry room.
Clayton values and celebrates our team members’ different life experiences, perspectives and backgrounds, which strengthen our efforts to develop housing innovations, deliver an extraordinary homeownership experience and drive our industry forward.
Boundless is an internal program that helps us be a home for team members and live our values by fostering a sense of belonging and inclusion at Clayton.
