...seek it lovingly

Day Long Retreat

2012-03-01T00:46:00.000-07:00

This is why we love our job.

In previous posts we've expressed our delight that in our line of work the field trip hasn't been lost to past days of elementary school. Our latest trip down south was no exception. Though fast and furious the excursion, there is nothing so liberating as when that last wireless signal bar falls to the distant highway rendering your mobile device a paperweight for taming the stubborn curl of a tattered set of building plans. Perhaps this is what Buddhism refers to as "emptiness", "the space between".

On site the Imbue Team and Marci, the owner, were able to discuss the Buddhist Retreat's progress with Butch, the general contractor. Calm as a summer's breeze and as on it as white to rice, he had the subcontractors humming along at a beehive like pace. We met with each sub consecutively, answered a few questions, and marveled at the work being done.

Then, with the arrival of a concrete truck, to our pleasure and amazement, Butch transformed from contractor to artist. With all the command of a naval captain, yet the care of a tender caress he orchestrated a symphony of concrete and laborers into a masterpiece of flatwork.

The framing of a masterpiece.

360 degree view of enlightenment.

Tibetan prayer blessing the work.

The key players:

The discerning, determined owner appreciating the beauty of her labored vision.

The stalwart, exacting contractor orchestrating the menagerie of parts.

The sleep deprived, caffeine injected designer fretting over details both accounted for and forgotten.

The muscle-toned, sun-bronzed subcontractor executing his art, signed by his personal craft.

The blessed and stalwart moral and financial support leveling unanticipated bumps.

House in Garden

2012-02-06T18:21:00.000-07:00

The house in garden has sprouted... What strikes us as interesting about this not so typical foundation is how much understanding one can perceive of the form to be. This curvilinear foundation will soon support a beautifully detailed, exposed concrete wall rising 14' above the surrounding garden. Exciting work to come... cheers

Who wants some dirt... free fill

Form follows foundation

South East Corner

Scale Figure

Near workmen's comp claim

Summit Park Proposals

2012-01-31T17:58:00.000-07:00

385 Matterhorn drive residence..... the latest imbue project. We are noticing a trend these days, all our clients love to build on hills, mountains or cliffs. The complexities of such a unique yet stunning site only contributes to more interesting design solutions. This particular location boasts a mountain side slope of 30 percent. (steep enough to be an avalanche hazard, this year anyways) Thanks to our clients enthusiasm to work with post tensioned concrete, we will be spanning unbelievable distances void of any over bearing walls or irritating columns...

Buddhist Retreat.....

2012-01-27T15:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was a very exciting day for Marci Milligan and the Imbue crew. We started the morning with a Rawbean Coffee and a four hour drive accompanied by the most beautiful sunrise this year. Once on site we were more than impressed with Robert Fordhams (Butch as the locals call him) tight construction practices. His work expressed a level of craftsmanship parallel to that of a Stienway and son's piano maker. Butch's framing was lazer straight, the concrete slab was immaculate, the job was clean and the owner happy. Kudos Mr. Fordham, we very much appreciate your enthusiasm and look forward to our next visit down south.

Formal reaction to views

Tight Fordham Framing

Secluded master suite

Imbue labor union

Web purchased plans...

Wayne county beam inspector

Architects dream; sheetrockers nightmare

Well endowed or anti-freeze plumbing valve?

Rossi Hill Project

2012-01-17T10:44:00.000-07:00

The Imbue team has been busy over the holiday break, two new proposals and a sundance instalation left little time for eggnog. The following post is a proposal for the largest infill project to boot in old town park city. A very interesting design opportunity existing with the rossi hill site.... stay true to our modern roots yet respect the historical relevance in the area. This vernacular based modern design houses incredible sustainable measures and is designed to Passive House standards. Some great features included: R70 super insulated walls, louvered windows, photovoltaic panels, south orientation, passive solar, natural materials, LED lighting, heat chimneys and more... Stay tuned for future development on Rossi Hill.

Form reacts to sloping site

Offset masses improve the visual impact from the street

Maximized south gain

Look closely you will recognize the Rossi Hill Development

Sundance Ice Sculpture: Take 2

2012-01-13T10:53:00.000-07:00

The imbue labor team courageously faced six hours of sub zero temperatures and hypothermic water breaches. Twenty five hundred gallons later we had our first round of seventy-two inch high columns. Hypothetically speaking if just 1 column were to rupture 80+ gallons of water would fill the freezer floor.... We will be keeping our fingers crossed as we patiently await their future fait as a solid.

Spiffy Ice

Ice Labor Union #38847

Dust to Dust

2012-01-06T10:45:00.002-07:00

The Thorn residence has officially begun the transition from metaphysical design to physical manifestation. The condemned structure that once stood proudly on the site now rests from its long and weary 110 year life. Sadly, the old home's last decades of disrepair were the demise of the neighborhood centenarian. Happily, on the other hand, it will be honored by an icon that will shine for another hundred years in its stead.

Construction observation at its finest.

A testament to either the power of hydraulics or the fragility of old homes.


Dust to dust.

The successor.

Sundance Ice Sculpture: Take 1

2011-12-30T12:53:00.001-07:00

Though the sky produced no snow over the Christmas weekend, we created plenty. We pulled our first test column from the deep freeze to see how it was going. We hoped to only have the outer six inches frozen, and sure enough we were dead on. And the final result is just what we were hoping for. We have two more tests on the way. More soon...

The mighty forklift... entirely for looks. It's round, it rolls.

At least somewhere in Utah there's snow.

If ice sculptures could have nightmares...

Trimming it up.

Peeling it open.

Beautifully textured.

Add a little light... genius!

The Awards Just Keep Rolling In

2011-12-20T23:04:00.002-07:00

We recently received an email notifying us that we have been selected for the 2011 Best of Salt Lake City Award in the Commercial & Graphic Artists category by the US Commerce Association. They even sent us a picture of what the award looks like with our name superimposed on it.

Looking beyond the fact that we aren't in the "commercial & graphic artists" industry we feel that it has been worth all long hours, the many sleepless nights, and every penny of the $179.99 + shipping and handling fees that it takes to receive such a prestigious award (in 10-12 business days).

It's truly an honor.

Cake Walk

2011-12-15T15:59:00.000-07:00

You will kindly remember Cake Boutique, the small clothing retail shop on Main Street, Park City that Imbue Design completed a few months back. Well, one of this year's prestigious Preservation Awards has been bestowed upon the boutique by the Park City Historical Society.

So many people to thank...

We're all standing a little taller today.

Eightline Real Estate Office

2011-12-13T14:30:00.001-07:00

Eightline is about to hit Salt Lake City's reals estate market at a dead sprint.

Keep your eye out for this sign in Sugarhouse.

Sign of the times!

Eightline Office at Urbana

2011-11-25T13:34:00.001-07:00

Work progresses at the new office location of Eightline Real Estate, located at the Urbana building in Sugarhouse! We're very excited about this tenant improvement project...as mentioned briefly in a previous post, a wood screen element forms a continuous loop through the space, bringing Eightline's concept of client/broker relationship from beginning to end, into subtle spatial delineation and an open work environment. More to come soon!

Screen inspection

Cherry

Discussing edge detail where the concrete is inlaid with wood

Glued, not screwed

600 Remodel: Another Peek

2011-11-22T12:46:00.001-07:00

The 600 remodel has been done for a while now and little by little we're finding time to put together more shots. Here are the latest.

A peak into the kitchen from the hallway

Living room

Master shower

The ribbon stair case

Anyone heard if James Franco will be at the Sundance Film Festival?

2011-11-18T16:21:00.002-07:00

Imbue Design has been invited to create an art installation as part of the Sundance Film Festival. The Yard, in Park City, will be occupied by Commonwealth Projects during the length of the festival; converting the space from a sushi restaurant to an art exhibition. Because the exhibit will be seen by celebrities and visitors from all over the globe, it has commissioned a hefty lineup of world-class artists.

We are incredibly excited to be able to contribute to this great festival. The only thing that can get us even more excited is the thought of Mr. Franco potentially seeing our work. Man-crush!

Make sure you vote for your favorite on our Imbue Design Facebook Page. So, James, without further ado, here are our proposals:

A playful reinterpretation of the classic winter snowball scaled to 3600% (precise calculation) and then glazed with ice to create an extra ordinary experience.

Take soft, natural winter snowdrifts harshly sliced with precision by the rigid, imposed path of the built environment to create a unique way-finding adventure.

The grid, a most basic ordering construct of man, softened by the organic curves of a water ripple creates an artificial landscape of arrayed ice columns.

A Blissful Proposal

2011-11-11T18:03:00.001-07:00

We are pleased to present the latest design proposals from the Imbue Design team. Our jovial client has asked us to come up with architectural responses that are site specific design solutions for his ten lots in Bliss, Idaho. As part of our typical method of work for a new client, we come up with three ideas that range in concept, form, and material. For this gorgeous property in Bliss, we decided to each choose a lot, and create a house that coincided with the specific topography of the land. The property and the houses are for sale if you are interested!

DesignBuildBluff Experience

2011-10-28T15:47:00.001-06:00

Check out this inspiring video! All three owners of Imbue Design were lucky to be a part of this program while in school.

Not only does DesignBuildBluff provide housing opportunities for those who might not otherwise have them, it teaches students the joy that is found in being active, contributing members of humanity. It's in this type of program that the service being rendered blurs the line between who is helping who.

http://vimeopro.com/handstandproductions/designbuildbluff/video/30859832

Progress @ 6055 Holiday

2011-10-24T16:49:00.003-06:00

Behold, the Johnson project takes shape. This week the private upper volume was added over the vast exterior patio. The framing of this beauty thus far has been incredibly efficient. The use of pre-manufactured wall panels allows a crew of only three burly men to erect the entire frame in weeks. Small crew = Cost Savings. P.s the view from the upper volume is superb.

backyard view

bedroom volume

living room window

grading conversation

project field trip day

2011-10-14T16:45:00.002-06:00

On this gorgeous Friday, Imbue Design enjoyed the morning visiting construction sites of our designs around the Salt Lake Vally. The newlywed clients from Olympus Cove Residence joined us at Pasture Project and The Johnson Residence to take a look at some design work in the making. First stop was the Pasture Project, where finish work is in the final stages. Benchmark has made it look great over here. It's awesome seeing the family moved in and occupying the spaces! This was an opportunity for the Olympus Cove clients to see the type of finishes and detail they could expect in their own house. The Johnson Residence has progressed in framing, with the second floor accessible. Stepping up to the bedroom level brings a whole new vantage point to the Johnson lot...Mount Olympus rises into view for a great sight in the morning. Imbue went on to visit 101 Urbana, where Eightline Real Estate will be making their new office. A wood screen forms a continuous loop from the ceiling, wrapping down the walls, and embedding in the concrete floor. Stay tuned for more on this exciting tenant improvement...

the heart of the pasture

a place for living

along the path to the front door

mt. olympus in sight from the bedrooms

eightline reality and imbue design...harmony

plans presented like art work

roughed in

Imbue Design + Facebook

2011-10-05T16:36:00.000-06:00

Sooner or later, we knew this would happen...

Imbue Design is on

Join us! http://www.facebook.com/ImbueDesign

Wood vs. Steel

2011-10-05T16:04:00.002-06:00

The Johnson project has a new phase. The geothermal heating system is in place and now the word is structure. Steel beams and wood framing are being placed giving shape to this innovated, sustainable, and outstanding project.

Steel Moment

Steels beams are in place

View from the future living room

Wood vs. Steel

Geothermal Trench!

2011-09-07T16:14:00.029-06:00

At the Johnson project, renewable energy is the key word. Geothermal heating will be the system used to heat and cool the house. There is a lot of trenching happening and the next step is laying the heat exchange loops. Imbue Design spent part of the labor day weekend sweating some structural details; as the week began, a meeting with the contractor solidified these details regarding the steel beams and columns, the trenching, and the next stages of this energy efficient project.

geothermal site preparations

subject : steel beams

slab phase complete

We Love Cedar

2011-09-06T18:42:00.001-06:00

as the pasture project nears the end of construction, the finishes are the embodiment of the design. tongue and groove cedar planks are the siding...the rich tone and texture of the wood grace the site with ease. mark haslam over at benchmark modern has the eye to make all the details come together.

a lot of work going on here

dark bronze and cedar

jim white...what's up?!

texture

ground

Cedar at the Pasture

2011-08-31T15:36:00.000-06:00

Imbue's Latest Inter-state Project!

2011-08-29T15:45:00.018-06:00

Bliss - Idaho lies 4 hours north west of salt lake city and is home to imbue design's latest interest. The area is abundant with beauty and design, from the intricate Snake River to the Archie Boyd Teater House by Frank Lloyd Wright. A section of fifteen acres along the old Oregon trail marks the spot for numerous potential future projects. The focus of the development is to stay compact, be sustainable and have as much exterior relations as possible. The land and ideas are for sale... who's interested?

"Speedy" 98 Toyota Tocoma 90+mph

Client Gordon Storrs

Current Residents

Site 12: 1860 Wells Fargo building along the oregon trail

View of the Snake River from Lot 2

Next door neighbor: Archie Boyd Teater Studio

Imbue Welcomes its New Intern!

2011-08-29T15:13:00.006-06:00

Imbue Design has received a new intern from far away. It is not as far as Africa, because she only had 14 hours of flight and 3 airplane meals. Her name is Amanda Corrêa from São Paulo, Brazil. She is studying Interior Design in Salt Lake City, but architecture is her true passion, so she is in the perfect spot! She is very excited and honored to start at Imbue Design.