Building a Coastal Contemporary Home on a Monolithic Slab in Orange Beach & Ono Island

Building a Coastal Contemporary Home on a Monolithic Slab in Orange Beach & Ono Island

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon.

One of the most exciting parts of my job is walking alongside clients as they plan and build their dream home here on the Gulf Coast. Right now, I’m working with a client who wants to build in the Orange Beach, Alabama area, and we’re exploring several design options. One of the plans we’re discussing is a coastal contemporary home built on a monolithic slab foundation—a style and structure that makes a lot of sense for our region.

Why a Monolithic Slab Works for the Coast

A monolithic slab foundation is a continuous,…

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From Breaking Ground to Final Inspection: An Inside Look at Building a New Home on Ono Island

From Breaking Ground to Final Inspection: A Real Look at Building a New Home on Ono Island

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."

There’s something special about watching a home come to life from the first shovel in the dirt to the final walkthrough. Recently, I followed a new construction build on Ono Island from the footing inspection all the way to the certificate of occupancy. It was a fascinating process that gave me—and the future homeowners—a front-row seat to what it really takes to build here on the Gulf Coast.

Breaking Ground: Footing Inspection

Day 1 – The journey began with the footing inspection, led by Ashley Anderson. This step…

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Ultimate Guide to Building with Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF) on the Gulf Coast and Orange Beach

Your Ultimate Guide to Insulated Concrete Form Construction on the Gulf Coast and Orange Beach

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."

If you’re thinking about building a new home on the Gulf Coast—whether in Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Ono Island, Perdido Key, or anywhere along our beautiful stretch of coastline—there’s one construction method I consistently recommend for both luxury homes and high-performance builds: Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF).

As a real estate advisor who works closely with some of the most experienced ICF builders in the region, I’ve seen firsthand how ICF transforms the way we build along the coast. From storm…

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New Construction and Orange Beach Home Building with Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF): Your Ultimate Gulf Coast Guide

New Construction and Orange Beach Home Building with Insulated Concrete Forms (ICF): Your Ultimate Gulf Coast Guide

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon.

Why I Recommend ICF Construction on the Gulf Coast

Living on the Gulf Coast, especially on Ono Island, Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, or Perdido Key, means building with resilience and longevity in mind. ICF, or Insulated Concrete Form construction, offers exactly that—and more. After helping buyers and builders evaluate options for coastal durability and modern design, ICF consistently rises to the top for new home construction.

I work closely with builders and engineers who specialize in ICF and…

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Understanding Building Requirements on Ono North: What to Know Before You Break Ground

Understanding Building Requirements on Ono North: What to Know Before You Break Ground

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon

Ono North—specifically Phase One and Phase Two—offers one of the most private and spacious settings for new construction within Ono Island. Located just south of Ono Boulevard and built around quiet interior streets like Ono North Loop West, Osprey Court, Club Court, Canal Court, Island Court, Pine Drive, Admiral Court, Bayou Court, and Oak Drive, this part of the island is ideal for homeowners seeking space, serenity, and a high-quality build.

If you're considering new construction in this neighborhood, understanding the…

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New Construction in Orange Beach: Understanding Pilings and Foundation Choices on the Coast

New Construction in Orange Beach: Understanding Pile-ons and Foundation Choices on the Coast

By Meredith Amon, Licensed In Alabama and Florida
"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."

When building a new construction home in Orange Beach, Alabama, understanding the foundation system is one of the most important steps in creating a structurally sound, long-lasting home that will endure coastal conditions. As a Gulf Coast real estate advisor and longtime homeowner, I’ve walked many lots and collaborated with skilled builders who know exactly what it takes to start from the ground up—literally.

What Are Pilings?

Pilings or foundation piles, are long vertical structural members driven deep into…

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What I'm Seeing in New Construction: Insulation Trends on Ono Island

Insulation in New Construction Homes on Ono Island: What I’m Seeing on Site Tours

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida
"Guided by Integrity. Backed by Experience. Search the Gulf with Meredith Amon."
www.searchthegulf.com

Lately, I’ve been touring a number of new construction homes with clients on Ono Island and in Orange Beach, Alabama, and one consistent topic that comes up is how these homes are insulated. As interest in energy efficiency and storm resilience grows, insulation is no longer an afterthought—it’s a key part of how high-end coastal homes are built.

Here are the insulation trends and techniques I’ve observed on recent job site visits.

Spray Foam in the Roof Deck

Many of the homes under construction…

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10 Things to Know About ICF Construction on the Gulf Coast

10 Things to Know About ICF Construction on the Gulf Coast

By Meredith Amon, Licensed in Alabama and Florida

Explore coastal homes and new construction listings at www.searchthegulf.com

As a real estate advisor and homeowner on the Gulf Coast, I’m often asked about the best building practices for durability, energy efficiency, and storm resilience. One construction method that continues to gain momentum in our coastal communities is ICF – Insulated Concrete Form construction.

Whether you're building a home in Orange Beach, Ono Island, or anywhere along the Alabama Gulf Coast, understanding ICF can help you make informed decisions about your investment and long-term comfort.

Here are 10 things to know about ICF construction, especially…

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