When radio talk show host Big John began making plans for a new house in Holly Hill, Florida, he knew he needed a place that would be strong enough to stand up to a hurricane and large enough to live up to his name. With the help of insulated metal panels from Kingspan Insulated Panels, Inc., John created the contemporary loft known as the “Big House on the Hill.”

“Even though I don’t work in the building industry, I’m familiar with [Kingspan] and know its products have a lot of value,” John said of the nearby DeLand-based company. “The insulated panels were easy to work with and have an R-value of 32, which is great for energy efficiency. Plus, I think the house is ready for a hurricane; I just hope I won’t find out.”

The former Volusia County Councilman, who legally changed his name to Big John in 1979, used Kingspan factory third metal panels to build his house. His former stepson served as the general contractor and helped construct the loft from the ground up.

Unlike a traditional architect, John didn’t specify a particular Kingspan product for this project. He created his loft out of four-inch insulated panels in an assortment of panel profiles and finishes including stainless, galvanized steel and galvalume, which he then painted roasted pepper, purple, orange, blue, and chartreuse.

“You really have to see the house to understand how everything comes together,” elaborates Big John. “But I can tell you this much – it’s no little shack.”

His Big House on the Hill totals 3,200 square feet with a 1,000 square-foot deck and 1,600 square-foot garage, making it easy to see how the loft got its name. It features 19-foot ceilings and a 10-foot ceiling fan, and an elevator will soon be installed.

“After I heard about Big John’s house, I couldn’t wait to visit,” recalls Lisa Fischer, marketing coordinator for Kingspan Insulated Panels, Inc. “In a word: Wow! It’s like a grown-up tree house! I don’t think pictures can do justice to such an amazing place.”

Pleased with the results of his loft, Big John already has plans for future projects, including a work house, which will also feature a colorful mix of Kingspan metal panels.