Case Study: The Art of Collaboration - Crafting a Custom Design Build Japandi Dream Home

Recognized as the Highest Scoring Home in the
2025 Volusia County Parade of Homes – scoring 399 out of 400

The homeowners came to Newberry Homes, a leading custom home builder in New Smyrna Beach, with a crystal-clear vision: a forever home that embraced the clean lines of Scandinavian design while blending the warmth and elegance of Japanese architecture—a true Japandi-style dream home.

They weren’t searching for a cookie-cutter build. Instead, they wanted to be co-creators in a collaborative design-build experience that reflected their lifestyle and values.

After interviewing multiple builders, they chose Newberry Homes for its integrated architectural team and client-first approach. Their dream home? A thoughtfully designed, one-story residence with seamless indoor-outdoor living, perfect for entertaining, peaceful reflection, and soaking in the tranquil water views of Liberty Village..

From the very first brainstorming session, Newberry Homes worked closely with the homeowners to bring their vision to life. With each consultation, their ideas became sharper, evolving through multiple design iterations guided by Newberry’s in-house architecture team. This collaborative and inclusive design-build process ensured the final home was not only aesthetically stunning but also uniquely tailored to the clients’ personality and lifestyle.

One standout feature was the reinterpretation of the iconic Japanese torii gate in the home’s entryway. The fan-sloping concrete block walls—inspired by historic Japanese castles such as Himeji and Nagoya—required complex collaboration between the construction crew and design team. These bespoke architectural elements were unprecedented in residential construction, creating a truly unique architectural signature for this custom home.

Design opportunities continued to unfold during the build. One major pivot involved the ceilings: during construction, the client fell in love with the look of cypress tongue-and-groove, prompting a change to this design in the main living areas. The frameless Scandinavian cabinetry originally intended for the kitchen was expanded to the bathrooms, study, and living room, creating a cohesive aesthetic.

The exterior of the home is beautifully enveloped in rich cypress siding, complemented by natural stone elements that wrap around the entire structure. This thoughtful combination not only creates a warm and inviting atmosphere but also provides durability and longevity—essential qualities for a home in the coastal climate of New Smyrna Beach. The cypress siding, with its warm hues, beautifully contrasts with the stone, creating a cohesive exterior that reflects both strength and elegance.

Inside, the home showcases stunning Scandinavian frameless cabinets throughout, offering a seamless and modern aesthetic that enhances the overall design. The main living area and back lanai feature cypress tongue-and-groove ceilings that create a cohesive flow between the interior and exterior spaces. This design element adds warmth and texture, reinforcing the connection to nature that is central to the Japandi style. The outdoor living area, designed in partnership with Aquascapes, includes a stunning pool that serves as a tranquil retreat, further enhancing the home’s harmonious ambiance.

The client also made numerous customizations, adding personal touches that elevate the design to new heights. One notable feature is a beautifully paneled wall that conceals a hidden door, leading to an exclusive part of the home. This clever design not only adds an element of surprise but also reflects the thoughtful integration of functionality and aesthetics that characterizes the Japandi philosophy.

Challenges were met with solutions. When the engineered hardwood flooring buckled after install, Newberry and their vendor replaced it at no cost. The client chose to upgrade to tile throughout the home—a delay that ultimately delivered long-term satisfaction and durability.

The homeowners were active participants throughout the build. With a dedicated superintendent always on-site, they were able to ask questions and make timely field decisions. They appreciated the transparent collaboration and flexibility Newberry Homes offered, especially when changes arose during construction.

Their 5-star Google review praised Newberry’s professionalism, creativity, and ability to make their dream home a reality.

The home was entered into the 2025 Volusia County Parade of Homes, earning an unprecedented 399 out of 400 points—the highest score in Parade of Homes history. The judges, many of whom were builders from outside the area, praised the home’s innovative design and flawless execution.

Alison Root, Executive Officer of the Volusia County Homebuilders Association, remarked on the impressive performance of Newberry Homes, stating:

“We were thrilled to receive the scores for all our builders. Many outstanding homes garnered impressive scores and feedback. However, Newberry Homes stood out, taking home the top score award with an exceptional nearly perfect score of 399 out of 400 for the Japandi in Liberty Village.”

This recognition underscores the culmination of hard work, dedication, and a shared vision, highlighting how collaboration can lead to extraordinary results in custom homebuilding. More importantly, the clients gained their forever home—a one-of-a-kind sanctuary that reflects their heritage, lifestyle, and values.

Key Takeaways

The creation of this Japandi dream home in Liberty Village (New Smyrna Beach, FL) showcases the art of collaboration in the realm of custom home construction. By working closely with their client, Newberry Homes was able to translate a unique vision into reality through an iterative design process that evolved with each meeting.

This project not only reflects the beauty of thoughtful and luxurious design but also emphasizes the importance of partnership in crafting spaces that resonate deeply with those who inhabit them. As the sun sets over New Smyrna Beach, this home stands as a beacon of creativity, culture, and community—inviting all who enter to experience the serenity and harmony that comes from a thoughtfully designed living space.

With its award-winning design and exceptional craftsmanship, the Japandi home in Liberty Village is a testament to the extraordinary possibilities that arise from collaboration and shared vision in the world of custom homebuilding.

Thinking of building your dream home?

Experience the Newberry difference. Our in-house architectural team and collaborative Design + Build process ensure your ideas come first, every step of the way.

For a free custom home estimate in the central Florida area, call Newberry Homes at

800.945.4278 or fill out our form.