Architecture
Tour the 2010 Lottery Home PDF Print E-mail
Written by Eva   
Sunday, 21 March 2010 20:57

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home tour mosaic

Everyone loves a home tour! Especially another lovely home from the Princess Margaret Home Lottery. This grand prize home was designed by Jack Celli of Greenpark Homes. This stunning mirror mosaic tile graces the wall facing the entrance. Talk about first impressions.

princess margaret home lottery front

A stately looking home isn't it? The slate colored French mansard roof, stone window and door surrounds, and stone and brick choices are perfect for the 3.6 million dollar showhome.

Entry

Stepping inside, the entry opens to a marbled floor and grand staircase, but we will get to that in a moment. Let's look to the left where we will find the sitting room...

Sitting Room

The front sitting room looking to the dining room is cool and collected in tailored applied panelling and blue-gray paint and wallpaper.

kitchen

The all white kitchen cabinets and carrera marble countertops are clean, although there is a lot happening the monochromatic scheme keeps it simple.

stair case

The staircase to the upper level looking down to the formal dining room. Everything is symmetrical, my heart is singing!

Stairs

Another view from the main floor looking to the staircase.

ensuite

There are a lot of other gems in this home like this ensuite bath, so go on the virtual tour and take it all in! Someone is going to be very fortunate to win this home.

 

Last Updated on Saturday, 04 September 2010 10:03
 
Architect Michael Upwall PDF Print E-mail
Written by Eva   
Saturday, 02 January 2010 21:04

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Michael Upwall Ski Lodge Utah

The chilly air and perfect snowboarding/ skiing weather has got me thinking about designer lodges, particularly the stellar lodges by Architect Michael Upwall. Born in Utah, Michael understands the temperments and overall glory of beautiful Utah, where he designed this ultimate skiers haven.

Upwall Ski Lodge Backyard Utah

Michael Upwall has a phenomenal ability to imagine and create beautiful homes that seem to spring up their respective locations. Decked out in thicks beams of wood, and clad in natural stone, these homes are certainly substantial. This particular home has access to a ski resort.

Upwall Utah Entrance Home

See the incredible attention to detail? I wish I could see the architectural drawings for this entrance alone. It is very welcoming don't you think?

Upwall Lodge Interior

His exteriors are great, and so are the interiors. Look at the large scale used in both the furnishings and oversized pillars. The staggered windows emphasize the arching ceiling line.

Upwall Lodge Stairs entrance

What is not to love about these sweeping open stairs? Did I mention Michael's philosophy has strong influences from the American Craftsman Movement; the same as Frank Lloyd Wright's designs?

Upwall Stairs Rockwall

Speaking of stairs, the glass plated spindles and scrolling wood railing spool down effortlessly. Did you notice the rock climbing wall to the left?

upwall rustic lodge

This home looks European, like it has rested on the Aspen slopes for decades.

Contemporary ski lodge utah

Michael Upwall also excels at contemporary design as well, this uber chic lodge has a fun play of glass and steel added into the mix.

Upwall Bedroom

With strong design skill and the perfect finishing touches, Upwall is definitely an architect to watch.

Last Updated on Saturday, 04 September 2010 10:03
 
Corinthian Columns PDF Print E-mail
Written by Eva   
Monday, 17 August 2009 14:20
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Corinthian Column with Acanthus leaf and Volute Detail from Forum of Agustus Temple of Mars the Avenger

My favorite architectural element would have to be columns. Out of the three types; Ionic, Doric, and Corinthian, the later is the most detailed and sublime. This image is taken from the Lantern Slides of Classical Antiquity from Bryn Maur College. This capital detail shows the volute (the scroll) and acanthus leaves that generally indicate a Corinthian column. This particular capital is from the Forum of Augustus, Temple of Mars the Avenger. It is certainly impressive how the artisans sculpted this so intricately out of stone.

corinthian columns fontana di trevi

The best examples of these original columns are from well preserved sites like The Treasury (Al Khazneh) in Petra, Jordan. Over the years however, most originals are battered emblems of old grandeur. The well kept Fontana di Trevi (pictured above) was commissioned in the 18th Century and shows us what the ruins would have looked like in their better days.

Temple of Neptune addorsed dolphin frieze corinthian column

The Temple of Neptune has few intact sculpted freizes and columns, but the ones that are left look fantastic. See the two addorsed dolphins on either side of the shell? We will talk a bit more about those in the next article......

Last Updated on Wednesday, 19 August 2009 14:37
 
Stairway to Heaven PDF Print E-mail
Written by Eva   
Friday, 07 August 2009 21:15

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 petit palais staircase grand stairs metal railing

The Petit Palais (Small palace) in Paris, France is a museum with a staircase that is as sculptural and awe inspiring as some of the pieces themselves. Just look at the railing return at the base of the staircase, the metal scrollwork is quite elaborate.

petit palais staircase bottom

Here is a view looking down as the stairs descend to the main level. The smooth lines on the stone steps and overall oval shape of the sweeping staircase create a very elegant focal point.

petit palais details staircase

Here are some details of the metal work.

Lello Bookstore grand staircase interesting shape

As light and breath-like were the steps in Paris, this interesting grand staircase in Lello Bookshope in Portugal stands ominous and heavy.

Lello Staircase grand interesting shape

The steps are like two channels pouring and swirling to a single point. You can see a video of the staircase if you click here.

Lello Staircase Side Shot

This side view gives you a closer idea of the immense curves and giddy sinking feeling to each step.

de portier staircase in home metal railing

How does this translate to your home? Generally speaking, most homes do not offer a 20' x 20' location for the grand foyer staircase you may see in a luxury home. However, with attention to detail and selecting certain materials, your set of stairs can be inspirational. This staircase designed by Julie Charbonneau is beautiful; all that is required is a handsome metal railing, and paneling detail moldings.

Last Updated on Friday, 07 August 2009 22:18
 
A Home Built on a Slope PDF Print E-mail
Written by Eva   
Monday, 06 July 2009 16:30
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 Slopped House Barcelona by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris built on a slope, Stepped House

Elusive scenery and interesting architecture are the advantages to building a house on a sloped property.  Take this tiered home by Allford Hall Monaghan Morris in Spain for example. A stepped house design allows each level a grand view of the sea.

House Ocho Built on Slope Main

House Ocho is built in the oak forests and steep meadows of the Santa Lucia Mountains. The top level is the main entry point to the home.

House Ocho exterior fireplace

The bottom level boasts a large pavilion for entertaining and lounging.

House Ocho windows

Full sized windows line the back walls that face the nature preserve.

 house on Slope stairs

The stairs have open treads and non-obstructing railing that follow the theme of the open feeling throughout the rest of the home.

House Ocho house on slope bedroom

There are fantastic floor to ceiling windows in the bedroom. Don't you love how all the wood in the home is the same but it doesn't feel too"matchy"? This is achieved by breaking up wood with other materials like concrete, and minimalistic white painted walls.

House On slope House Ocho Kitchen

The kitchen can be viewed from the upper level.

Dan Tyree 15 Degree House On Slope Cottage Plan

While daydreaming about cottage properties and looking for house plans, I stumbled upon another great house designed by Dan Tyree.  It is called 15 Degrees.

Dan Tyree 15 Degree House On Slope Cottage Plan Side View

The side view shows the overall scope of the proposed buildings. From top to bottom, the regression is a garage, then steps and gardens leading down to the main living quarters (see plan below), and a pavilion and steps leading down further to a garden and small infinity pool. Perfect for a sloping narrow lot.

Dan Tyree 15 Degree House On Slope Cottage Plan Floor Plan

Is there anyone else out there that likes to look at home plans just for fun? It is one of my hobbies, I will envision myself walking through the front door and follow the home plan like a map to get a feel of the space. This plan is simplistic and open, and I love the central stair well open to the spacious two bedrooms and glass walkway below.  Now, just to find a property sloping down to touch its toes into a cool lake. That would be perfect.

 

Last Updated on Wednesday, 08 July 2009 13:34
 
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