Architect Design

Filoli Library

2010-11-22T06:38:00.000-08:00

The walnut paneled library at Filoli was the favorite of everyone on the tour, including our guide! The room is a copy of the library at Denham Place, England and was purchased before the house was even built by Mr Bourn. The intricate carvings depict roses, tulips, and daisies intertwined with leaves.I think the reason it remains so popular is it feels the most like a home; it's personal. The room is littered with family portraits including this sketch by Sargent on the wall, above. Also, there is just something about a room filled with books, don't you think? I believe the saying "never trust anyone who doesn't have books in their house". The Isfahan patterned carpet in the room has a vivid history. It formerly lived at Osborne House, on the Isle of Wight, after having been woven in Agra, India especially for Queen Victoria. It is one of the items original to the house, having been purchased by the Bourns.

I imagine many happy hours were spent on this sofa in front of the fireplace, curled up with a teatray and a stack of books. Thats where I'd be!

Filoli Summer House - 523cc4028bea443eae3554c98f476da3

2010-11-22T06:37:00.000-08:00

The most magical spot at Filoli is probably the Summe House, also known as the tea house or more commonly known as a garden pavilion. Little accessory structures like this area always the jewel of any estate; Just think of the follies of English Country Homes.

Sitting between the walled garden and the formal garden adjoining the house which I showed the other day HERE, the small structure has views from its one room of all areas of the estate: the house, the formal gardens, the pool area, the walled garden and last but not least the gorgeous mountain view.The room is floored with 3 types of marble in a graphic grid pattern and paneled with ornate boiseries. Designed by Arthur Brown Jr., this is the same formality seen at his well known SF City Hall (which I'll post about next week) but on a MUCH smaller scale. He made elegant grandeur cozy; Just who wouldn't want to have tea here?These lovely sconces were originally intended for the stair well in the house, but fit in nicely here too adding to the formality of the space.This column above is a copy of the Satyr plant stand found in Pompeii and was originally in the Bourn's SF house, as was the marble table in the center of the room.

The comfortable wicker chairs and profusion of plants bring life to the space. I can imagine it being a lovely cool spot on a hot day because of all the marble. Had it been seen empty, it might appear to be a very sunny mausoleum!
Some closeups of the very elegant woodwork. Someone worked very hard getting everything to meet JUST SO.
You can't miss the summer house in the gardens and before our guide took us in, I think every person in the group managed to ask if we would see inside! Tomorrow -more of the gardens.

Beaches

2010-11-21T06:11:00.000-08:00

I'm off on a jet plane to somewhere cool and wet for a much needed break. I'll leave you with some of my pictures of the beaches in California I saw last month - aren't they breathtaking? The above photos are from route 1 through the Big Sur, a trip I would recommend to anyone. Remember to rent a convertible, it's worth it! Just DRIVE SLOWLY!

Above and below are Carmel Bay -with Pebble beach seen above across the water. The Pacific might be too cold to really swim, but it's certainly beautiful.

I've gone through one of the toughest months imaginable but I suppose thats all part of growing up. I'll hopefully be back in a week renewed, restored and ready to get back to blogging regularly! Have a great week!

A timeworn beauty

2010-11-21T06:10:00.000-08:00

One of the best ways to explore any city is to wander around. While in San Francisco and heading to Grant Gibson's apartment (where he was kind enough to throw me a little birthday brunch for a group of bloggy friends that you can read about over at katiedid; thanks again!!) I decided to waste a morning and walk. Along the way I came across this beautiful old house with a lovely worn patina. I love this freize along the cornice.

Not to mention an amazing view. One of THE views in a city of views; Notice Alcatraz in the background. All I could concentrate on though was this house and the similarities to the Petit Trianon.

Built of sandstone (or some other soft facing) the facade is slowly wearing away. At some point an attempt at stopping this had been made by painting the stone but even the paint is now peeling. The house might not be around for another 100 years but it will be lovely in the meantime.

The property is huge, with an enormous backyard facing the bay built over a garage with entry from the rear, seen here. A much later addition, this was faced with marble and is wearing much better.

And who lives here? Well according to my sources, none other than Danielle Steele! The house certainly is fittingly romantic.

new work ::: Urban Waste Management Station

2010-11-21T06:09:00.000-08:00

Vaillo + Irigaray architects have recently completed an urban waste management station in Pamplona, Spain. The 830 m^s facility provides central recycling and waste management for the town and seeks to create an architecture for an otherwise mundane typology and dually responds to the context.

Historical Archives Geodesica

2010-10-29T09:06:00.000-07:00

The design of the Historical Archives in Geodesica, Argentina was challenged by the dimension of the programme, the narrow lot and the domestic context of the neighbourhood. The architect Ignacio Montaldo sought to resolve this by placing the archives underground with the public interface floating above and wrapped with an open veiled brick work.

Biosphere Sustainability Centre

2010-10-28T22:01:00.000-07:00

Designed by Paul Raff Studio the Biosphere Sustainability Centre is 14,000 m² multi-use and cultural facility proposed for a site in Ontario, Canada that aims to be a catalyst for environmental, social and economic sustainable development with a programme that demonstrates to the public how renewable energy technologies can provide heating, cooling, electricity and waste management.

More treasures

2010-10-26T00:03:00.000-07:00

While I further indulge myself in a much needed little blogger break (please excuse me!) let me share with you some more treasures from the musee des arts decoratifs at the Louvre in Paris.

I loved these items best for the contrast they provided to the stark black background. Very modern, don't you think? The sumptuous bed, the ornate clock and the beautiful painting all in a dark, dramatically lit room on the 18th century floor.

Like so many places, it's all about the lighting.

The kids are all right

2010-10-23T06:22:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I blogged about a movie, but after seeing 'The kids are all right' last night I knew it was time! Starring Annette Bening and Julianne Moore as a couple raising their kids they had through a donor -the film tackles a lot of issues facing modern families today without being preachy. The movie seriously made me laugh and cry and I would recommend you all to see it! However, keep the rating in mind, it's not child friendly (nor would you want to see it with your parents or children no matter their ages if you get my drift; awkward!!)

Without giving any of the plot away, the part of the film I identified with most was just a small sub-plot. The daughter is going off to college and it reminded me so much of the day my parents dropped me off at my dorm room; I saw so many of my own feelings on the face of that bright young actress bringing back a flood of emotions!

It's going to be another hot and sticky weekend, why not go to the movies?

Escuela de Ciencias de la Salud

2010-10-22T07:38:00.000-07:00

The Escuela de Ciencias de la Salud is located in Badajoz, Spain. The 21,000m² school is a combination of three large but different volumes joined together tangentially, generating a strong spatial tension; the architects modostudio married the structures with complementary façades of pre-cast concrete.

new work ::: Kripalu Housing

2010-10-20T09:22:00.000-07:00

The recently completed Kripalu housing by architects Peter Rose is part of the master plan to reshape the Kripalu Centre for Yoga & Health. The ecologically innovative design sits on 300 acres of dense forest in the Berkshire Mountains. The design in plan, is arranged along a tapering axis that reveals views through the slatted cypress cladding of the landscape and funnels breeze to the spartan concrete structure within.

shopping

2010-10-19T03:00:00.000-07:00

While in Provincetown, I picked up this ceramic bird at one of my favorite shops, Yates & Kennedy, that reminded me so much of the cute birds at Deyrolle that I wanted to bring back so badly (but couldn't make it through customs). A few people made fun of me calling it 'granny' but I just think it's adorable. What do you think?

At the same store I also picked up this beautifull scented candle by Patch in NY (their website has the BEST music in the background). Named 'owl' it is scented of sandalwood, tobacco and vetiver and I can't wait for fall to light it!

I also stopped by John Derian's shop where I picked up a few things but this year I didn't take any pictures unfortunately. His shop is a MUST either in Provincetown or NYC! Have you done any summer shopping?

Paris Opera House

2010-10-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

"It was a singularly mixed world composed of all the talents and tarnished by all the vices; a world where the same fatigue and the same fever appeared in every face" Emile Zola in NanaWhile reading these lines on the beach last week, I immediately thought of the Palais Garnier in Paris, otherwise known as the Paris Opera House. Indeed, the whole book has me thinking of the age of opulence.

One can still hear the rustle of silk from the courtesans that once wandered its' halls.

Rather than talk about the ornate-ness of the building, I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.The famous grand staircase, rather dimly lit and hard to capture with my little camera.One of many hallways meant to contain crowds gathered here to socialize; love the oak chevron patterned floors. The grand foyer, possibly the most over-the-top room I've ever set foot in; it took my breath away.

So much intricate detail that the eye simply cannot focus; so much gold and shine that light is not needed.

If you get the chance, make sure to visit the Paris Opera House!

Queen's theater

2010-10-15T13:16:00.000-07:00

I came across this delightful sketch by Elizabeth 'Beegle' Duquette of the Queen's theater at the Petit Trianon recently while reading More is More. Both talented artists, I'm amazed at the fascinating life they led. Click on the photos to enlarge and see the details. Have you read the 2 books on Duquette? Enjoy them?

Photograph of the Queen's theater by myself while the drawing is from the book More is More

New Work ::: 580 Carroll

2010-10-13T07:16:00.000-07:00

Designed by architect Enrique Norten, 580 Carroll is a recently completed a five story 17 unit multi-family dwelling in the historic district of Park Slope in Brooklyn, New York. The façade of the building is finished in angular glass and has a private 3,500 square foot landscaped garden flanked by a cedar boardwalk adding a natural warmth in contrast to the raw concrete of the residence.

on the boards: Peace and Security Building of the African Union

2010-10-12T13:23:00.000-07:00

The Peace and Security Building of the African Union proposed for a site in Addis Abada, Ethiopia by Henn Studio B was designed around a place for dialogue and transparency. A central spine provides a space for informal dialogue between people as well as the unifying element between the office spaces, conference and meeting rooms.

house of the week 81: Woodstock Farm

2010-10-11T07:44:00.000-07:00

Designed by Rick Joy architects the Woodstock Farm is a departure from his typical oeuvre of desert modernism. Located on a 210 acre farm in Woodstock, Vermont the barn-like residence responds to the local typology in form and the use of a natural palette of locally sourced materials.

Photos © Jean-Luc Laloux more via

New Work ::: "Loop" Loft

2010-10-09T22:05:00.000-07:00

The Loop loft by Ten to One Architecture, is a renovation to a 2,500 ft² live/work in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The Loop is defined by a timber feature, made from sustainably harvested worm-infested butternut hardwood, that interacts with the space becoming a multiplicity of things - at times a floor, a ceiling, a library, etc meanwhile concealing loft's services such as radiant floor heating, air conditioning and lighting.

Ten to One Architecture is a small Brooklyn based design / build studio founded in 2004 by Garrick Jones, developed in parallel with his work as Studio Director at the award winning and internationally recognized architecture firm Della Valle Bernheimer

Museum of Contemporary Art, Cleveland

2010-09-30T15:59:00.000-07:00

As part of the Cleveland Uptown development urban-revitalization project, London based architects FOA (Foreign Office Architects) has proposed a new 34,000 ft² home for the Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA). The striking geometry of the museum was inspired by the site whilst the mirrored black façade will seek to reflect the context & urban surroundings, altering with the changes to the light and weather. FOA has partnered with local architects studio Westlake Reed Leskosky

House of the Week 80: Sugarbowl

2010-09-29T14:10:00.000-07:00

Located in the old village at Sugarbowl, California sits a cedar-clad house with a simple bent planar roof. The residence designed by architect John Maniscalco (m-architecture) is perched on a concrete plinth to take in views to the mountain are captured through framed openings.

The Neptune Pool

2010-09-28T11:46:00.000-07:00

The most well known (and beautiful) spaces at San Simeon are the pools. While the Roman Pool was abandoned by guests, the Neptune Pool , seen here, was the epicenter of the estate and continues to be used by staff!

My favorite shot of the pool - the shaded loggia which surrounds the pool with views of the ocean, the mountains and up the Big Sur. Can't you just see yourself here with a stack of magazines and cool drinks? In the background, notice the lights on concrete 'terms' which I discussed in my post on lanterns. I love those ionic columns!This pool was known as the temporary pool, built originally for the visit of Hearst's semi-estranged sons in 1924 who were living with his wife in NY and eventually rebuilt 3 times by 1936 into what we see today.The focus of the pool is the temple, pieced together from Hearst's extensive collection of Roman antiquities. The entire estate feels like one big jig-saw puzzle at times! The parts which were missing were simply recreated to finish off the building.

Above you see the pool filler, a bit fancier than yours at home? Another beautiful marble pool ladder.

The white marble glows blue, as you can see, due to the blue tilework. We need more blue pools like this today, so refreshing!

The ceilings of the loggia were also marble with a light fixture in each coffer.This grouping of statues depicting the birth of Venus in the corner against the hillside was not antique but rather carved in the 1930s by Italian artisans.As you can tell from the shot below, the estate is located 5 miles on the top of a huge hill from the base at the ocean (and route 1). The 'camp' of houses exists further up the hill from the pool.

I hope you enjoyed the tour of the Neptune Pool, just what we need in this record heat!

Museum of Bond Vehicles and Espionage - Q4G562ZV4DCK

2010-09-27T17:02:00.000-07:00

The museum of Bond Vehicles and Espionage designed by Gensler architects will showcase the entire collection of James Bond vehicles and the culture that surrounds them & hopes to be catalyst for the revitalization of the historic and once-vibrant city of Momerce, Illnois. Scheduled to open in 2012 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the first Bond movie, Dr. No.

house of the week 84: Leavitt Residence

2010-09-20T07:52:00.000-07:00

This 3 story residence in Chicago, is a conversion of a 1920 mercantile building by architects Miller Hull and Studio Dwell, and took a little over 3 years to complete. Much of the original brick walls and timber beams were retained and sit comfortably amongst the finished industrial aesthetic of the house.

on the boards: London Business School

2010-09-20T07:51:00.000-07:00

Sheppard Robson has won an international design competition to develop world-class facilities for the main campus of the London Business School at Sussex Place. The winning submission valued at £69.0m proposes to develop the space between two listed buildings to create one 30,000 m² school.

wunderlust

2010-09-20T07:49:00.000-07:00

I prefer drawing to talking. Drawing is faster, and leaves less room for lies.

Le Corbusier