From top left: Architect Mark Permar, architect Christopher Rose, project manager Ben Daley, architect Myles Trudell, developer Candace Dyal, construction manager Craig Gentilin, HGTV Dream Home house planner Jack Thomasson.

I’m sitting at my desk, still a bit awed by my recent overnight trip to Kiawah Island. HGTV Dream Home 2013 house planner Jack Thomasson invited a core group of folks who work on this particular home giveaway to fly in for a quick, one-day introduction to the island, the neighborhood and the key players involved in the home’s design and construction.

I arrived in Charleston on a Monday night, too hungry to think but too tired to venture far from my hotel. Muse, an adorable wine bar close to the Renaissance, served up a mean plate of scallops and a big scoop of Southern hospitality. Chat inevitably led to talk of HGTV Dream Home, how one might win the home (sorry, there is no secret recipe) and talk of past — and all-time favorite — locations.

It was an early rise and shine on Tuesday morning as we gathered for the journey to Kiawah, a 10,000-acre barrier island located one hour’s drive from the city. As we traveled away from Charleston, classic double and single houses gave way to smaller weathered cottages that stand as intriguing reminders of Low Country history.

A canopy of live oaks and pines closed in and then gave way to open marshland as we neared the bridge connecting the mainland to Kiawah. Before we traveled the final leg, we stopped for coffee and a chat with architect Mark Permar, one of Kiawah Island’s original master developers. He recalled the early days, when the island comprised a handful of cement-block homes and muddy logging roads navigable only by jeep. After exploring the island, he was compelled to join his wife as an early employee of the Kiawah Island Company, the investment firm that purchased the island in 1974 to develop a world-class resort and residential community. “We’ve taken a different approach where the natural system is the framework within which development occurs,” says Mark. “It’s not segregated, it’s woven tightly. And everyone contributes to that, whether you are doing an individual home or a hotel.”

Mark joined us for a tour of the luxurious Sanctuary Hotel lobby and The Kiawah Beach Club, where we strolled a portion of the 10-mile-long beachfront. Then it was off to lunch with Indigo Park developer Candace Dyal, HGTV Dream Home construction manager Craig Gentilin and project manager Ben Daley. Candace is one of those singular leaders who, once committed to a vision, never waivers. She shared the story of Indigo Park, a 9-acre parcel of coveted Kiawah Island property she saved from overdevelopment. Only 16 eco-friendly homes — HGTV Dream Home included — will nestle on marshland once earmarked for 50 or more condominiums. A three-acre peninsula (the neighborhood’s finest lot) is being preserved as a community park for residents.

Candace and crew, along with architects Christopher Rose and Myles Trudell, joined us on the last leg of our journey: a walking tour of the neighborhood and home site. Chris and Myles shared their inspiration for the home’s Low Country style and design details that will lend a modern twist to both interior and exterior spaces.

We parted in late afternoon, cheeks rouged from a warm South Carolina sun and enthusiasm bubbling over as we bonded over this very special project.

I hope to share more details about this unique coastal community and HGTV Dream Home 2013 in the weeks and months to come. HGTVRemodels.com will host a full package of content focused on the home’s construction, and we will be sure to share time-lapse construction photos and updates from the home site as they become available. Stay tuned!

Today, interior designer Brian Patrick Flynn takes a closer look at one of HGTV Green Home’s most amazing outdoor spaces. The barbecue courtyard, which replaces a traditional backyard, connects to the kitchen, dining area and Georgia Room and has been designed to accomodate parties, large and small. Take a look:

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I know many fans have already examined floor plans on the Paramount Bay web site, but for our own record keeping, we decided to post an HGTV.com version of the Urban Oasis floor plan for your reference.

What do you think? Do you like the layout? Do you have questions? Share your thoughts.

Illustration by Dale Watson

Here’s a sweet Friday treat for you: the HGTV Dream Home 2013 renderings and floor plan. I’m headed to the home site next week for an up close and personal look at the property and neighborhood. Stay tuned for important takeaways from that trip.

Today, interior designer Brian Patrick Flynn explores the mudroom, the first and last room the HGTV Green Home 2012 winner will see each day. This space is chockablock with goodies. I love the custom peg rail and console table. Watch the video and discover even more behind-the-scenes details by reading captions in our Mud Room slideshow.

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Several weeks ago, we put a call out for your faucet and bathroom fixture questions. Moen expert Laura Kelbley has kindly responded to your most compelling queries. Take a peek:

Q. What are the advantages of multiple showerheads?
A. Multiple showerheads provide an all-encompassing showering experience. Fixed rainfall sizes offer overall coverage while multifunction fixtures, like hand-held showerheads, assist with rinsing and cleaning.

Q. Do multiple showerheads result in increased water flow, water waste and higher utility costs?
A. Not necessarily. You may find that you only use one showerhead at a time. Also, a Moen Eco-Performance showerhead uses up to 30 percent less water without sacrificing performance. You’ll find products throughout our showering portfolio — wall-mount, hand shower and rainshower showerheads — that are certified to meet EPA WaterSense criteria. These fixtures also contribute points toward LEED certification.

Q. I am weighing the pros and cons of undermount versus drop-in sinks. How do installation and replacement costs differ?
A. Replacing a typical drop-in sink is generally a standard replacement. However, an undermount sink is a custom application. Therefore, the sink, cabinets and countertop will need to be taken into account when planning the installation.

Q. When will Moen come up with bathroom fixtures that not only offer digital controls but respond to voice commands as well?
A. ioDigital provides digital and remote control options for tub and shower fixtures, but Moen has not expanded into voice activation yet.

For more information, visit Moen.com.

Clockwise from left: Relaxation Lounge, ELLE Spa at Eden Roc Renaissance; sales center wall, Paramount Bay; living room, HGTV Urban Oasis 2012; ground level lobby, Paramount Bay; terrace view, HGTV Urban Oasis 2012; interior designers Lindsay Pumpa and Linda Woodrum.

Last week, I had the opportunity to travel to Miami for a tour of the HGTV Urban Oasis 2012 unit and property. The tour began at the legendary beachfront Eden Roc Renaissance Miami Beach. Located along Millionaire’s Row, this iconic property will offer several amenities — including beach club and spa access — to the winner of HGTV Urban Oasis 2012. More details will follow on that partnership as we near the launch of the online virtual tour. As I was led through ballrooms, pool areas and casual-chic restaurants, I could only imagine the scene 50 years ago, when Hollywood’s elite, including Elizabeth Taylor, Nat King Cole and Humphrey Bogart, called Eden Roc their vacation home away from Hollywood.

After an exploration of Eden Roc’s amazing spa suites, I settled in the lobby for a conversation with lead designer (and South Florida resident) Lindsay Pumpa and interior designer and consultant on this project Linda Woodrum. During the show and tell, Lindsey shared her inspiration for the apartment’s interiors (luxurious Ocean Drive hotels as well as the Paramount Bay lobby), plus stunning paint, tile, cabinet and rug swatches. Lindsey plans to distill the energy of Miami and South Beach into a controlled, “livable contemporary” look that includes weathered gray oak floors, modern yet comfortable furnishings and a color palette inspired by the apartment’s exquisite bay views. Lindsey leaked a standout feature — the master suite’s luxurious white leather and chrome bed — and added that quintessential Miami colors will come in small doses and in the form of accessories like vases, paintings, plants and more.

From Eden Roc, the tour proceeded to Paramount Bay, the 47-story waterfront condominium that houses HGTV Urban Oasis 2012. Concierge and butler Licio Alves greeted us in the lobby and then led us on an extensive tour of the building, from the grand club room to the spa and fitness center and sunrise waterfront pool. Our journey ended on the 20th floor, where the elevator opened to the unit’s own private 10-foot foyer. Developers Bruce Hardwood II and Sam Azar were on hand to answer questions and join the apartment walk-through. At that time, hardwood flooring was being installed and walls were bare, which made views of Biscayne Bay all the more jaw-dropping. From the terrace on a fair day, one can clearly see the Port of Miami and MacArthur Causeway bridges, South Beach, the design district and the Port of Miami. “Everything you could discuss about Miami is going to be seen out these windows,” says Lindsay.

HGTV Dream Home 2013 will be located on Kiawah, a barrier island located 21 miles south of historic Charleston, S.C. The three-bedroom, 3,000-square-foot “low-country Zen-style” home will include a double-height great room, a large gourmet kitchen, a central dining area and a multi-purpose loft space that overlooks the great room. Unique architectural elements will include solid beam trusses, heavy timber exterior supports with exposed custom steel connections, a spacious rear deck with a plunge pool and carefully placed windows that provide generous views of the serene tidal marshes and waterways that lead to the Atlantic Ocean.

Watch our announcement video for more information:

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Today I’d like to share a video starring designer Brian Patrick Flynn. He heads upstairs to demonstrate operation of the cupola windows, which open to expel hot air and ultimately cool the home.

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Ladies and gentleman, I am pleased to present the first time-lapse photos of HGTV Urban Oasis 2012. Keep checking this slideshow for updates as we move along in the interior design process.

I also thought I’d share answers to my sneaky location clues. Here it goes:

Clue One: Not really a clue and not really helpful to you at all
Clue Two: A fresnel lens, referencing the Cape Florida lighthouse
Clue Three: A racetrack, referencing Miami’s Calder Race Course
Clue Four: A treasure chest, referencing Miami’s history as a hot spot for piracy
Clue Five: A cruise ship, referencing Miami’s reputation as the largest cruise ship port in the world
Clue Six: A scrabble board, referencing just about anything you want it to
Clue Seven: A bottle of suntan lotion, referencing the product’s invention in Miami in 1944
Clue Eight: The French Riveria, referencing Miami’s reputation as the American Riviera