LUXURY HOME quarterly
FALL 2011
EBB & FLOW
Kohn pedersen Fox associates unveil their latest high rise concept in greenwich Village
composing a masterpiece Ken Tate invokes classic styles in the Stanford House
hot young thing
Rafael de Cárdenas’ moody, film-inspired rooms
DaLLas Dream team FALL 2011
LUXURY HOME QUARTERLY
Mark Molthan & his Platinum Series Homes
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Passione is a custom residential interior design firm based in Southern California. Since 1986, Sue Capelli has focused her successful efforts on defining the complete custom design
PASSIONE INTERIOR DESIGN
experience, whenever the opportunity presented itself from individuals who desired a minor transformation in the preliminary stages or those wishing to build their dream home. Passione has had the privilege of conceiving design concepts for custom homes from 5,000 to 22,000 square feet. LUXURY HOME QUARTERLY FALL 2011 2
9550 Research Drive, Irvine, Ca 92618 (949) 336-7800 W W W.PASSIONEINC.COM Sue Capelli
PASSIONE luxuryhomequarterly.com
INTERIOR DESIGN
CONTENTS
FEATURES Dallas Dream Team
Rythm & Hues
Mark Molthan, owner of renowned design-build firm Platinum Series Homes, and his team of professionals are committed to authentic details when it comes to designing “your show home at your price.”
Ken Tate expounds on classic design in his Stanford House, an artisan retreat that tells stories from the times of yore.
page 60
page 92
Making Waves
Chicago interior designer Kent Allen Kiesey explores his love of traditional design and preservation with the Huntland Farms estate in northern Virginia.
Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates’ One Jackson Square features an undulating glass and metal exterior that has little precedent in modern architecture. Noted as having an “organic modernism” design concept, the residential building is a new fixture in NYC’s Greenwich Village.
page 67
page 98
Refined Refuge
Life’s a (Suburban) Beach In their seaside getaways, Stelle Architects and Turnbull Griffin Haesloop Architects use an understated design approach and the native terrain to create spaces worthy of a long weekend visit.
page 74
Tailored Details From traditional coastal to cutting-edge modern, Florida-based builder Kurtz Homes is working to redefine the meaning of service with a smile.
page 107
No Ordinary Wallflower Rafael de Cárdenas has been dubbed by the NewYork Times as “the hippest thing going on in interior design.” But despite his new fame, he has no intention of being just a celebrity designer. He’s devoted to creating moods, mental states, and moments.
PHOTO: RAIMUND KOCH
page 85
ON THE COVER The LEED-certified, award-winning One Jackson Square, designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates. Pictured here: skylights at the end of the lobby beckon visitors further into the carved space. page 98 COVER PHOTO: PAUL RIVERA
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CONTENTS
ACCLAIM Custom-home projects of note 23
SANTA ELENA HOUSE
24
OUTRIAL HOUSE
REMODEL Tackling challenges of home renovation 28
CG&S DESIGN-BUILD
PROJECTS Intimate look behind the scenes 31
WILLOW HILL MODEL HOME
33
THE AVON LAKE RESIDENCE
BUILDERS Construction firms specializing in peerless residences 36
GRASSI & ASSOCIATES, INC.
40
ZMK GROUP, INC.
42
FLOWER CONSTRUCTION
DESIGNERS
p 85 WANTED Rafael de Cárdenas has worked with such highprofile clients as Parker Posey, Jessica Stam, cosmetics maven Janine Lobell and her husband, actor, Anthony Edwards.
Creative minds in interiors, landscapes, and furnishings 44
BULHON DESIGN ASSOCIATES
48
DESIGN INNOVATIONS
50
CATHERINE DOLEN
52
FROM THE DESK OF LOLA
Providing concepts and programs for deluxe homes
DESIGNER SHOWCASE An in-depth look at some of the industry’s most unique designers 54
ARCHITECTS 120
MICHAEL MCKINLEY AND ASSOCIATES, LLC
122
THE WARNER GROUP ARCHITECTS, INC.
124
RENE ROBERT MUELLER ARCHITECT & PLANNER
126
MICHAEL PICCIRILLO ARCHITECTURE
127
JONATHAN LEE ARCHITECTS
YLDESIGN
DISTINCTION
THE PLANS
Serving a unique niche in the custom-home industry
A showcase of sleek, modern architecture— from plans to completion
129
TANG KAWASAKI STUDIO
113
KRDB
132
MICHAEL UPWALL DESIGN ARCHITECTS
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FALL 2011
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CONTENTS
PLUS
Editor’s Note
page 6
What’s New Industry news, awards, and product innovations page 12
Calendar Trade shows and special events in the coming months page 14
On the Rise Spotlighting innovative products and designers page 16
Trends Home furnishing concepts en vogue page 20
Books Industry expertise and inspiration page 25
Behind the Lines featuring Scholten & Baijings page 26
Directory
page 144
Products+Services Spotlight page 142 At Home With American Fashion Designers page 146
p 22
VACATION Second homes and getaways across the globe 134
THE CASINO CLUB AT THE GREENBRIER
136
DANA POINT
DEAR INGO Designed by Ron Gilad moooi.com
ECO-LUXURY The best in sustainable living 138
DOUGLAS DANKS ASSOCIATES
140
MANCHESTER ARCHITECTS, INC.
FALL 2011
LUXURY HOME QUARTERLY
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EDITOR’S NOTE ONE WITH THE HILL PHILOSOPHY Thisofhome, bybeChen Frederick Stelle, Stelle designed Architects, + Suchart Studio, exemplifies lieves “a house should not get between you design aesand the site,” andthe theprominent exterior view of the thetic in the American desert guest house exemplifies this philosophy. landscape—a of Enormous windows highlightconnectivity the naturalisbuilding and terrain. tic approach to landscaping, which includes extensive use of native grasses, bayberry, and black pines.
It is now time to give attention to this future, to rebuilding, and renewing. Our mission is to create a platform within the pages of LHQ for innovation and collaboration. Our approach is dedicated to bringing you the most interesting projects that present a cross-section of the high-end residential market.
Throughout this issue, we bring to you luxury as escape with environments that transcend the everyday. In “Life’s a (Suburban) Beach,” (p. 74) Stelle Architects share their low-key getaway, complete with oceanfront views of Bridgehampton, New York. Turnbull Griffin Haesloop Architects present their zen oasis, nestled against scenic hedgerows in Sonoma County, California. In “No Ordinary Wallflower,” (p.85) interior designer Rafael de Cardenas takes inspiration for his escapist designs from a much different source— film. While working on his featured project for model Jessica Stam’s Manhattan apartment, Cardenas credits the film The Bitter Tears of Petra Von Kant. “It was like a backdrop where she could unlimitedly move things around,” he said.
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FALL 2011
“It was a room that could be joyful and tragic…like in the movie, there is this one space that enhances every emotion. When she’s happy, she’s happiest in this room.” Escaping isn’t always so specific. Often times, this experience can be accomplished by traveling to another time, using just the right materials to create a space far from modernity. Ken Tate and Kent Allen Kiesey achieve this in “Rhythm and Hues” (p.92) and “Refined Refuge” (p.67). Their perfectly lavish homes incite an escape to a past, where silk trimmings and ornate tapestries dominate the interior landscape. However elaborate, these projects show just how important details are in penning a fantastic visual story. Our cover article on Greenwich Village’s One Jackson Square from Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates acts as an archetype for the future of our coverage. Luxury residential spaces will always be among LHQ’s priorities, and our exploration into high-rise and condominium living is the beginning of a new chapter for our efforts. We are excited to present you with an overview of the latest and most provoking work to inform and inspire your own.
The Editors luxuryhomequarterly.com
PHOTO: ERIC PIASECKI
D
uring the past few months, Luxury Home Quarterly has undergone a number of exciting changes. With a new publishing house, new editors, and a return to quarterly issues, we bring a more focused vision of our future.
LUXURY HOME CANADA FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF LHQ —A MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO DELUXE CANADIAN HOMES
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luxuryHOME home quarterlyFALLmarCh 2011 LUXURY QUARTERLY 2011
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DALLAS TX Redstone Kitchens & Baths (214) 368-5151
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NEW ORLEANS (Harahan) LA Classic Cupboards Inc. (504) 734-9088
SAN ANTONIO/AUSTIN TX Palmer Todd, Inc. (866) 341-3396
SAN DIEGO (Del Mar) CA Folio Design (858) 350-5995
BOSTON Dalia Kitchen Design
WASHINGTON D.C. (Herndon) VA Design Solutions, Inc. (703) 834-6121
MONTEREY (Seaside) CA Kitchen Studio of Monterey (831) 899-3303
WASHINGTON D.C. (Bethesda) MD Stuart Kitchens (240) 223-0875
SAN FRANCISCO (Bay Area) CA Atherton Kitchens (650) 369-1794
BLOOMFIELD HILLS Kitchen Studio
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DENVER/VAIL CO Wm Ohs Showrooms, Inc. (303) 321-3232
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NEW CANAAN Kitchens By Deane
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LAS VEGAS Ébéniste, Inc.
NV (702) 368-2280
PALM BEACH (Juno Beach) FL Downsview Kitchens (561) 799-7700
MANHASSET The Breakfast Room, Ltd
NY (516) 365-8500
NAPLES Elite Cabinetry
FL (239) 262-1144
NEW YORK Euro Concepts, Ltd
NY (212) 688-9300
ATLANTA Design Galleria
GA (404) 261-0111
CLEVELAND (Willoughby Hills) OH Faralli’s Kitchen & Bath (440) 944-4499
BAHAMAS Nassau Showroom
CARIBBEAN BS (242) 377-0004
HONOLULU Details International
HI (808) 521-7424
PHILADELPHIA PA Joanne Hudson Associates (215) 568-5501
SANTO DOMINGO Kitchen Design Studio
DR (809) 541-7707
DOWNSVIEW KITCHENS 2635 Rena Road, Mississauga, Ontario, Canada L4T 1G6 Telephone (905) 677-9354 Fax (905) 677-5776
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LUXURY HOME quarterly
NEWS FLASH BLUSH - DESIGN IN FULL COLOUR A new book showcasing a retrospective of Scholten & Baijings’ work. Made in collaboration with Het Stedelijk Museum ‘s-Hertogenbosch.
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publishers Madeline Camaci madeline@bowen-enterprises.com Desmond Chester desmond@bowen-enterprises.com Deidre Davis deidre@bowen-enterprises.com Gerald Mathews gerald@bowen-enterprises.com Daniel Zierk dan@bowen-enterprises.com
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FALL 2011
correspondents Zach Baliva Ruth Dávila Tricia Despres Bridget Esangga Dave Hudnall Frederick Jerant Megy Karydes Susan Lahey Molly Lynch Amy Meadows Eugenia M. Orr Lori Sichtermann Kaleena Thompson
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FALL 2011
LUXURY HOME QUARTERLY
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WHAT’S NEW
INDUSTRY NEWS, AWARDS, AND PRODUCT INNOVATIONS
CUTTING-EDGE COMPETITION
USGBC offers chance to design multirise residential buildings The USGBC in conjunction with 3-D design leader Autodesk, Inc., presented industry professionals and students with the opportunity to design a new four- to six-story, mixed-use residential building, as well as a gut-rehab renovation of an existing building in New Orleans. The competition focuses on a site that takes up an entire city block and is home to the former Myrtle Rosebella Banks Elementary School, a three-story, nearly 40,000-square-foot masonry structure designed in 1910 that has been vacant since 2002. Despite a 2008 fire, the majority of the structure and façade is intact. The winning design, to be announced at Toronto’s Greenbuild Conference and Expo (Oct. 4-7), will receive one full version of Autodesk Building Design Suite Ultimate Edition, as well as a one-year enhanced listing at GreenHomeGuide.com. Source: Ibstock
SUSTAINABLE INNOVATION
and steel—and his bold use of color. In addition to his extensive list of projects in his native Portugal, Souto de Moura also designs in Spain, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The Pritzker Architecture Prize is sponsored by the Hyatt Foundation. Souto de Moura is the second Portuguese architect to receive the honor since Alvaro Siza in 1992, whom Souto de Moura also worked for early in his career.
Architects at the Oval Partnership, a Hong Kong-based firm that specializes in sustainable building, has introduced the world’s first multistory bamboo home, the Kunming INTEGER bamboo house. Regarded as a rapidly growing, eco-friendly material, the use of bamboo provides a light yet highly durable structure specifically designed for the not-so-flat region of western China. Because bamboo can be grown almost anywhere in China, it made the most sense for those at the Oval Partnership to put this readily available material to good use. The firm also tapped into bamboo’s ability to provide a cost-effective building project. Because of its lightweight quality, there is no need for heavy and expensive construction equipment. Architects and builders in China, as well as all over the world, can look to this home as inspiration for an economical and eco-friendly way to provide housing.
Source: The Pritzker Architecture Prize
Source: The Oval Partnership
INDUSTRY NEWS
2011 Pritzker Architecture Prize Winner Portuguese architect Eduardo Souto de Moura has been named the 2011 Pritzker Architecture Prize Winner. While Souto de Moura has been instrumental in designing many iconic commercial buildings, he’s also been responsible for some stunning residential spaces, such as House Number Two, a modern concrete home in the town of Bom Jesus, Portugal. Souto de Moura has gained much acclaim for his inventive use of materials in his projects—granite, wood, marble, brick, concrete,
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PORTRAIT: AUGUSTO BRÁZIO; HOUSE PHOTOS: LUIS FERREIRA ALVES
STRONG PORTFOLIO Clockwise from top: House in Serra da Arrábida, Portugal, an embodiment of Moura's creativity and intellect; House in Bom Jesus, Braga, Portugal, selected by the jury for its "uncommon richness"; Eduardo Souto de Moura, 58, winner of the 2011 Pritzker Architecture Prize, the second Portuguese architect to win the prize.
Oval Partnership unveils eco-smart bamboo house
WHAT’S NEW FRAMED Framed Cupboard by Breg Hanssen (breghanssen.nl) features a bright blue frame chosen to emphasize the color and quality of the NewspaperWood. Cuts of Newspaper logs pictured below.
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
Roll & Hill introduces Endless light fixture
DISPLAY CABINET Display Cabinet by rENs has an open framework, to store and exhibit its contents.
CREATIVE MATERIALS
Release of NewspaperWood forges inventive way of reusing Dutch designer Mieke Meijer takes upcycling to a whole new level with the release of NewspaperWood, a versatile material made from unsold newspapers, that not only is visually appealing, but can be cut, milled, and sanded like any other type of natural wood. When a log of the NewspaperWood is cut, the layers of paper resemble lines of wood grain, an effect created by the papers’ print and pictures. The glue that binds the wood is solvent-
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Source: Roll & Hill
and plasticizer-free, which makes NewspaperWood recyclable. After graduating from the Netherlands’s Design Academy Eindhoven in 2006, Meijer decided to work on her own projects in her Eindhoven workshop. Design firm vij5 had taken notice of Meijer’s inventive idea and released the product in the form of several stunning furniture pieces, including cabinets, desks, stools, lamps, and jewelry. Source: vij5
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WITHSTANDING THE ELEMENTS
F9 Productions develops flood-resistant home Lance Cayko and Alex Gore from F9 Productions are no strangers to the catastrophic damages that floods bring. After spending several years in the flood-prone areas of Fargo, North Dakota, they decided that for their next home, they had to build something that combines their unique sense of style with the functionality of withstanding Mother Nature’s many surprises. Enter the “Flood House,”
NYC-based lighting manufacturer Roll & Hill welcomes a new member to its innovative highend light fixture family with its Endless light. The modular system, designed by Jason Miller, is made up of half-cylinder units encased in white glass that can be joined into various configurations, back-to-back or end-to-end. On display at this year’s International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF), the Endless can also be used as a large installation piece to create a defined space in a room. This futuristic piece, which Miller says was inspired by 1970s Supergraphics, is held together by metal detailing. With so many options for configurations and placements, the possibilities this light holds are, as the name suggests—endless.
a raised home design, high enough to protect the main level from any flooding. Steel siding guards the home from debris and filters harsh light, and solar panels on the roof supply power during outages. Boat access is available off the outdoor sun deck, which can also be enjoyed as an entertainment space, complete with a fire pit, bar, and grill. Source: F9 Productions
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FLOOD HOUSE FEATURES: 1. A raised home design elevates treasured items away from rising waters. 2. Steel siding panels offer debris protection. 3. Harsh east and west light is filtered through the operable steel sliding panels. 4. Outdoor deck features a fire pit, bar & grill. 5. Water is collected by a low sloped roof that drains toward a cistern. 6. Solar panels on the roof supply power. 7. Warmth is trapped in the home by insulating the roof and floors with R-50 spray foam insulation. 8. Small footprint reduces sandbagging effort. 9. Boat access directly off the sun deck.
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CALENDAR
TRADE SHOWS AND SPECIAL EVENTS IN THE COMING MONTHS
SWEET SEATS Patrick Seguin’s booth at Design Miami 2010. “Netscape” by Konstantin Grcic, Design Miami’s Designer of the Year 2010 (below).
Design Miami Art Deco District, Miami Beach, FL Modernists all over the world gather in Miami Beach for this year’s annual Design Miami exhibition. On display are hundreds of avant-garde and limited-edition pieces by some of the world’s best contemporary designers. The Design Talks program features lively discussions with leaders in the industry. Recognized as a leading trade show around the world, the five-day event offers industry professionals the chance to exhibit, discuss, and create inventive design. designmiami.com
NOV 30DEC 4
Helsinki Design Week
Feria Hábitat Valencia
CONSTRUCT
The Old Customs Warehouse in Katajanokka, Helsinki, Finland
Avendia FERIAS, Valencia, Spain
McCormick Place, Chicago, IL
This city-wide event encompasses SEPT architecture, design, fashion, and 9-18 performances of local and international talent. The Old Customs Warehouse, a new main venue, has been opened up for exhibitions, seminars, and parties. helsinkidesignweek.com
Known as Spain’s most comprehensive commercial showcase, Feria Hábitat Valencia pulls together furniture, décor, lighting, textiles, kitchen design, and art all under one roof. It boasts 800 exhibitors and 60,000 visitors from more than 100 countries. feriahabitatvalencia.com
Held in tandem with the CSI Annual Convention, CONSTRUCT is the premier convention for commercial building professionals.With hundreds of exhibitors, the three-day event is full of networking opportunities, as well as hands-on product and education solutions. constructshow.com
Maison & Objet
Vienna Design Week
IDSwest
Nord Villepinte, Paris, France
Vienna, Austria
A top industry event for department stores, designers, art galleries, and decorators alike, this fall’s Maison & Objet, held in Paris’ iconic Nord Villepinte, is a must-see for those wanting to gain the best insight for this fall’s trends in furniture and decoration. maison-objet.com
Vienna serves up a hefty dose of its unique flair during this year’s 10-day Vienna Design Week held throughout the city. An attractive destination for “global design players,” visitors will get a diverse and plentiful spread of the most cutting-edge home design. viennadesignweek.at
Vancouver Convention Centre, Vancouver, BC
SEPT 9-13
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SEPT 20-24
SEPT 30OCT 9
SEPT 14-16
Western Canada’s annual IDSwest event boasts a completely transformative design experience, complete with the industry’s top independent designers, retailers, and manufacturers. ideswest.com
SEPT 29OCT 2
luxuryhomequarterly.com
CALENDAR
Greenbuild Expo
Designer’s Open
Art Basel Miami Beach
Metro Toronto Convention Centre, Toronto, ON
Plagwitz, Leipzig, Germany
Art Deco District, Miami, FL
This year’s Greenbuild Expo promOCT ises to showcase the latest in green 4-7 building ideas. Mingle with topnotch professionals or listen to dynamic keynote speakers, and learn about the future of this booming industry. greenbuildexpo.org
A three-day extravaganza complete with exhibitions, a trade fair, lectures, and film screenings, this year’s Designer’s Open serves up the latest work of German designers, as well as trendsetters throughout the international community. designersopen.de
The sister event to Switzerland’s exhibition, Art Basel Miami Beach is regarded as one of the most important art shows in the states. Situated in Miami’s Art Deco District, the show offers an array of activities, including more than 250 of the best art galleries all over the world. artbaselmiamibeach.com
BuildEx Express
World Architecture Festival
East London Design Show
The Conference Center at Convention Place, Seattle, WA
Centro de Convenciones Internacionales de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
Shoreditch Town Hall, London, UK
An exclusive one-day event for OCT Seattle’s architectural, design, real 20 estate, construction, and renovation community, BuildEx offers an excellent opportunity for over 1,500 professionals to network and keep up to date on the industry’s latest trends and topics. buildexexpress.com
A melting pot of world-class archiNOV tects, suppliers, and clients, Barce2-4 lona’s World Architecture Festival is the world’s largest interactive architectural awards show. Hear directly from the contestants and learn about the newest architectural endeavors from all around the world. worldarchitecturefestival.com
Albuquerque Home Expo
NeoCon East
Expo New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM
Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD
Nestled in the natural beauty of the southwestern United States, the Albuquerque Home Expo is the perfect destination for home remodeling, new construction, furniture, and products. Coming up on its 20th anniversary, the show features exhibitors that are sure to reach a large number of highquality consumers. abqhomeexpo.com
Focused on industries of the MidAtlantic region, Baltimore’s ninth annual NeoCon East convention expects to house more than 7,500 top-notch architects, interior designers, and industry professionals. The convention will feature thousands of innovative products, educational programming, and captivating speakers. neoconeast.com
OCT 22-23
OCT 28-30
DEC 1-4
A staple on London’s cultural calendar, the East London Design Show features over 100 of the city’s best independent product, interior, and jewelry designers. This year, at least 38 new designers have joined the roster, offering a fresh insight into cutting-edge design trends for the season. eastlondondesignshow.co.uk
DEC 3-5
NOV 2-3
Dutch Design Week Eindhoven, The Netherlands
CODE 11
This year’s 10th annual Dutch Design Week displays the industrial, spatial, and graphic design work of over 1,500 designers. From talented newcomers to established icons, DDW is the ideal networking destination for designers, companies, and the public. dutchdesignweek.nl
OCT 22-30
Bella Center A/S, Cophenhagen, Denmark Innovative products and classic design are on show at this year’s CODE 11 (COpenhagen DEsign). The show offers visitors the ultimate experience in Nordic and international design. With a much more critical and selective approach than previous years, this year’s exhibition provides the best in design, interior, furniture, textile, lighting, and technology by home-design trendsetters from Denmark and beyond. cophenhagendesignfair.dk
SEPT 1-4
PLANET Green Industry Conference Louisville Mariott Downtown, Louisville, KY
This year’s Green Industry Conference, hosted by PLANET (Professional Landscaping Network), is an ideal resource for those who want to stay in tune with the technology, products, and services hitting the eco-friendly home design sector. landcarenetwork.org
OCT 26-29
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ON THE RISE
SPOTLIGHTING INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS AND DESIGNERS
SHOWROOM PHOTO: ANDREA MARTIRADONNA; GROUPE PHOTO: EZIO MANCIUCCA
POWER HOUSE Maison Martin Margiela’s designs for Cerruti Baleri on display in their showroom include the Undersized Sofa, the Emanuelle Armchair, Sbilenco coffee table, the Groupe Sofa (also below), and the Disco Ball. Also seen in the background is the Empreinte’ Rug, whose surface shows a dégradé inspired by Japanese workers’ footprints.
furniture fashion MAISON MARTIN MARGIELA FOR CERRUTI BALERI High-end Italian furniture manufacturer Cerruti Baleri has collaborated with Maison Martin Margiela for a unique, surrealist furniture collection. Already an acclaimed fashion brand, Margiela makes a seamless transition from avant-garde clothing and accessories to inventive furniture. Launched at Milan’s Fuorisalone, Margiela draws inspiration from many design decades.
cerrutibaleri.com
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ON THE RISE
the tile age Get more from your walls. These three dimensional innovative tile designs don your walls with texture, inspiring patterns, and even moss.
ORTO LIVING WALLCOVERING Budapest-based Studio IVANKA taps into an innovative use for concrete with its Orto Living Wallcovering. The decorative concrete, available in a variety of patterns, has channels running through it for moss to grow. Available for use both indoors and outdoors, the real attention-grabber of this ecofriendly innovation is the fact that you are actually watering your walls. ivanka.hu
MATRIX & REPETE Czech design studio and manufacturer AMOS, established as an interior trading company in 1990 by architect Vladimir Ambroz, has released a series of unique wall panels for indoor use. Presented in a variety of patterns and shapes, the CNC machine-shaped panels can be custom-ordered to fit virtually any interior space. The haphazard, chaotic appearance Matrix (left), suggests the mysterious world of The Matrix. REPETE (below), designed by Adam Turecek, exudes a 1960s vibe with an irregular spider’s web of triangular elements embedded in the surface.
amosdesign.eu
MÉMOIRE OCÉANE Translated in English to mean oceanic memory, this new collection of raised relief tiles by Villeroy & Boch are inspired by natural textures and bionics. The three dimensional curve reliefs are senual reminders of gentle waves and lines in the sand. The decorative tiles are available in colors of the ocean: white, dark blue, and petrol, and also metallic versions.
villeroy-boch.com/en
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ON THE RISE
bath innovation For some, the bathroom can be the most luxurious place in a home. These comfort-focused new products are designed to take relaxation to the next level.
multitasker NUMI TOILET Dubbed by Kohler as “the ultimate marriage of advanced design and technology,” the company’s NUMI toilet turns a basic necessity into an act of luxury with its state-of-the-art invention. The sleek toilet features an LCD touch-screen interface and a heated seat, along with the ability to self-clean, deodorize, and warm your feet. The NUMI even has a built-in sound system with pre-programmed audio, or customize your experience by plugging in your own MP3 player. kohler.com/numi
frothy FURO The simple act and ambience of taking a bath just got a lot more spa-like with the release of the FURO bathtub by INAX. Japanese for “bath,” FURO provides a luxurious frothy quality to the water. The frothy water is made by mixing air with hot water containing a special foaming agent, which is made up of ingredients safe enough for use in food or cosmetics. This contemporary twist on hygiene is sure to add the luxurious vibe that every bathroom begs for. global.inax.lixil.co.jp
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ON THE RISE
Unique, classic furnishings for your home.
tufted FIELD OF FLOWERS Bring the outside inside with one of nanimarquina’s textured area rugs. Each one is composed of hundreds of flower- and leaf-shaped pieces of felt that have been woven together by hand and dyed in shades of purple, red, green, or ecru. Even on the floor, it won’t be easily ignored.
nanimarquina.com
Proudly representing the country's finest artists and craftsmen.
dyed
Featuring outstanding furnishings from Hancock and Moore Leather, Century Furniture, Jan Barboglio Accents and more!
KYLE BUNTING HIDES
COMPLIMENTARY DESIGN SERVICE.
Furniture as art
Don’t expect the rusticism of the Old West with these cowhide rugs from by Kyle Bunting, a hide-focused carpet and upholstery company based in Texas. The hides come in myriad colors, patterns, and motifs, including Jet Stream (left) and Caravan (above), and they can be used as cozy area rugs or artful wall coverings. Either way, they’re sure to add a touch of style. kylebunting.com
449 Main Street | Park City, Utah | (435) 614-7125 | www.robertkellygallery.com MARCH 2011 LUXURY HOME QUARTERLY 19
TRENDS
HOME FURNISHING CONCEPTS EN VOGUE
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1. “Prism” light by Nathalie Dewez for Habitat; n-d.be. 2. “Steel Cabinets” by Sylvie Meuffels for JSPR; jspr.eu. 3. “Dove44” stool by Brian Steendyk for Matilda Design; matilda-design.com. 4. “Solid Shell” chair by VW+BS for Decode London; decodelondon.com. 5. “Renoir gynge” chair by SikaDesign; sika-design.com. 6. “Kaktus” stool by Enrico Bressan for Artecnica; artecnicainc.com. 7. “Wire Light” by Viable London for Decode London; decodelondon.com. 8. “Tripod” stool by VW+BS for Decode London; decodelondon.com. 9. “Stella” dining table by Nathalie Dewez for Habitat; n-d.be. 10. “Leyva” table by Giuseppe Viganó for Saba Italia; sabaitalia.it. 11. “Kite” lounge chair by Shin Amuzi for Fornasarig; fornasarig.it.
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PHOTO OF ACCIDENTAL CARPET: TEJO REMY; PHOTO OF DROPUT OUT CHAIR ANDREA MARTIRADONNA
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CLANDESTINE DÉCOR SHROUDS IN FAMILIAR FURNISHINGS
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1. “Horse lamp” by Front for moooi; moooi.com. 2. “Dear Ingo” chandelier by Ron Gilad for moooi; moooi.com. 3. “Buggs Light” by Sebastian Wrong for Established & Sons; establishedandsons.com. 4. “Ostrich egg” door-stopper and “Trompe l’oeil doors” by Maison Martin Margiela for Cerruti Baleri; cerrutibaleri.com. 5. “Canape Cactus” chair by Maurizio Galante for Cerruti Baleri; cerrutibaleri.com. 6. “Smoke” dining armchair by Maarten Baas for moooi; moooi.com. 7. “Phantom” table by GRAFT for stilwerk; stilwerk-designgallery.com. 8. “Facecord” storage piece by Mark Moskovitz; fiftytwothousand.com. 9. “Sputnik” light by Pepe Heykoop; pepeheykoop.nl.
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ACCLAIM
PHOTOS: CARLOS TOBON; PHOTO OF CANAPÉ CACTUS CHAIR (OPPOSITE PAGE): ANDREA MARTIRADONNA
CUSTOM-HOME PROJECTS OF NOTE
SANTA ELENA HOUSE Nestled in a rural, mountainous farming region just east of Medillin, Colombia, the village of Santa Elena serves as the backdrop for a true architectural sanctuary. Though Santa Elena has only a small percentage of year-round residents, it’s obvious that architect Antonio Sofan allowed the area’s landscape to be the main anchor for the home’s design. Situated on the slope of a steep hill, the home, built in 2009, provides stunning panoramic views of the countryside’s natural beauty.
Credits ARCHITECT: Antonio Sofan GENERAL CONTRACTOR: Saul Miranda STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: John Jairo Cuartas
The home’s interior stays on the simple but bold side, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a small kitchen, and meditation room linearly arranged to provide different (and dramatic) outdoor views at all times. –MOLLY LYNCH 0
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ACCL AIM
OUTRIAL HOUSE Built into the side of a hill, OUTrial House is an inconspicuous refuge for the rural dweller. The home’s unique design includes a grass-covered roof that is linked to the interior ground floor, making entry from above seem like an excavation. Located in Ksiazenice, Poland, OUTrial House is a low-key meld of organic and contemporary styles. Its rounded design accommodates an atrium and conservatory, complete with floor-toceiling glass windows around the building.
Credits ARCHITECT: Robert Konieczny COLLABORATION: Marcin Jojko PHOTOS: JULIUSZ SOKOŁOWSKI
If it’s true that creative inspiration can be found through surroundings, then the owner of OUTrail House must feel particularly overcome.
STRUCTURAL ENGINEER: Jaroslaw Kaminski
–MOLLY LYNCH
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BOOKS
THE STORY OF EAMES FURNITURE
INDUSTRY EXPERTISE AND INSPIRATION
AUTHORS: MARILYN NEUHART WITH JOHN NEUHART In The Story of Eames Furniture, readers discover how the iconic collection evolved into what it is today. The two-volume, 800-page book, with more than 2,500 images, meticulously documents the furniture’s entire design process and how it made its impact on modern design. Die Gestalten Verlag, gestalten.com
EAMES PHOTOS: FROM THE STORY OF EAMES FURNITURE COPYRIGHT GESTALTEN 2011; HAMPTON GARDENS PHOTO: DOUG YOUNG
DESIRE: THE SHAPE OF THINGS TO COME AUTHORS: A. KUPETZ, S. EHMANN, S. MORENO, A. MOLLARD, R. KLANTEN Much like the world of haute couture fashion, a star set of interior design influencers come up with the bold concepts that eventually permeate the mass market of home design. Desire:The Shape of Things to Come includes the influential work of designers who have made a lasting impression on the Modernist movement. Die Gestalten Verlag, gestalten.com.
HAMPTON GARDENS AUTHOR: JACK DELASHMET Known as one of the country’s most exclusive residential areas, The Hamptons’ charming gardens have only been available to some. In Hamptons Gardens, Hamptons insider Jack deLashmet peeks over the hedges into one of America’s most picturesque landscapes. Assouline Publishing, assouline.com.
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BEHIND THE LINES
CUSTOM COLLECTIONS FOR LUXURY HOMES—AND THE DESIGNERS BEHIND THEM
COLOR BLOCK “Our signature, in key words, is colour, rich detail, layering and transparency, coupled with hand-drawn illustrations and the combination of different materials. We use these elements to transcend anonymous mass production. That’s one of the most essential features of our style. There’s a need for a personal imprint. Objects that stand the test of time are always those in which you can see a story, a way of working or a personal expression.“ -Stefan Scholten
Stefan Scholten and Carole Baijings discuss production and a retrospective of their work LHQ: When did you first meet and how did your working relationship begin? SS: It was in the year 2000. I’d designed a bar for a creatives club in Amsterdam where Carole was working as an assistant director. That project was really our first collaboration. It was very hands-on; among other things we painted a room together. You might say work brought us together. CB: It clicked immediately when we happened to run into each other on the beach around that time. We even spent our honeymoon in the European Ceramic Work Centre, in ’s-Hertogenbosch, so the studio and our private lives are irrevocably intertwined.
LHQ: How does your design process work— from sketch to working with craftspeople and producers to make it happen?
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CB: For us everything comes out of working on a design. New techniques such as computer-aided design are quite useful, but we’re not focused on these tools. We care about skills. Working by hand provides very direct feedback. The handle on a cup that looks right in the design drawing might not be in proportion in a cardboard model.You can see that right off. We’re not concerned with a glorified notion of “handicraft”, but rather with the surprising results that can only emerge during the process of making the object.
SS: To work with the industry, artisans and artists is for us inherent to design. We choose to look for solutions in cooperation with the industry. That’s where the greatest problems lie, as well as the greatest opportunities. In the past, people tried to alter the relationship between designers and manufacturers with design statements: one-off conceptual objects. The time has come to address
the issue together. We look for that among artisans, but also among industrial producers. The point is to arrive at a product that contributes something. We design explicitly for a public, although some pieces contain aspects that apply to evaluating art. This is particularly true of the Vegetables; they’re quite autonomous. To us, though, it’s part of design, because it’s about texture, color, craft and the question of functionality. To us a project like this is a source of inspiration for the rest of our work, and that is a personal necessity. But the intent is not to create art. Art poses different questions.
CB: At the same time, the more personal your products are, the better people like it. So the personal necessity is linked to the public imperative. The question is, how do you show the value of a technique and of the industry? Stimulating interest in that is also a form of conservation. At the same time, we want to hold on to that signature, that typically Scholten & Baijings feel. In whatever category it happens to be.
LHQ: You are exhibiting your work in a museum setting focusing on your design process. How did that come about? Can you elaborate on the four perspectives?
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PHOTO: MARIE PIERRE MOREL
Scholten & Baijings
PAPER TABLE The design for the Paper Table is inspired by the effect created by folding paper. The final design exudes the nature of the modern times: clear, minimalist and elegantly shaped. The folded cardboard models for the crockery (far right) are translated into light gray, unglazed porcelain cups and plates, playing with the suggestion of cardboard delicately. For the table linen Scholten & Baijings offer a contemporary solution: two sets containing napkins and table runners that can be used in various combinations. The design is complete with a set of sober shaped glassware and cutlery.
CB: The exhibition “Blush—Design in Full Colour” marks yet another coup for the Stedelijk Museum ’s-Hertogenbosch (SM’s). As it did previously with Wieki Somers (2008) and Maarten Baas (2010), the SM’s is first to present a museum retrospective of our work, as part of its efforts to give the latest of Dutch designers the opportunity to show their work to a wider audience.
PAPER TABLE COLLECTION PHOTO: SCHELTENS & ABBENES
AMSTERDAM ARMOIRE A traditional piece of furniture taking on a contemporary form. The Amsterdam Armoire is inspired by a ‘Marken cabinet’ from the 17th century. Marken is a small fishing town a few kilometers north of Amsterdam. The original cabinet would have been painted with flowers, such as tulips, showing symbols of the wealth of its owner. The inside of every door pictures a still life made in collaboration with the Dutch photographers Scheltens & Abbenes. The still lives picture the work methode (wealth) of Scholten & Baijings. The two round feet are made of light pink hand-blown glass.
SS: The recent SM’s acquisition of our service Paper Porcelain, produced at sundaymorning@ ekwc (the former European Ceramic Work Centre), was the reason to invite us for this exhibition. The exhibition “Blush—Design in Full Colour” focuses on our individual design process and personal way of working, which are presented from four different perspectives: “Delighted states,” essential collaborations with museums, reflecting on historical collections; “In fusion,” the Atelier approach, based on workshop thinking; “D-constructed,” widely varying production processes with national and international manufacturers; and “Live in colour,” we take on the use of products in a contemporary living environment. The process from concept via design and choice of production to final product is, therefore, the common thread running through the exhibition. LHQ: How does color play into your process? Where do you draw inspiration from for your color mixing?
CB: We work based on the material and its colour. Colour combinations produce a harmonious whole within a series.
SS: What’s interesting in that regard is that colour has no grammar. Using the rules of language you can combine words into sentences with which you can ultimately tell a story. That’s not the case with colour. All sorts of things have been written about colour theory and how colours relate. But how you can use colour and develop your own palette, that never comes up. We use music as our model for this. In music you can create combinations that transgress those laws and rules and yet are works of genius. We formulate our own grammar of color. And then violate it entirely!
LHQ: What are your individual strengths? CB: Everything we do, we do together. We’ve tried to divide up projects, certainly now that more commissions tend to run concurrently, but it doesn’t work. Our designs come about in a natural and intuitive way. Working together is our strength. Stefan is all about the big picture. He’s good at getting things done, so that designs become reality.
SS: Carole makes sure the design turns out exactly as intended. She’s the guardian of the concept. I’m about the centimeter; Carole about the millimetre. In the design we’re involved in equal parts, but each product has to be produced, too.
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REMODEL
TACKLING CHALLENGES OF HOME RENOVATION
NOSTALGIA REFINED An open stairway made distinctive by floating horizontal wood treads and a steel and plywood railing system with a decidedly retro feel connects the dining area with the second floor loft space above. Separating the upper and lower floors is a continuous bank of horizontal windows that wraps the stairwell.
RENOVATING THE SILVER AGAVE HOUSE: CREATIVE PROBLEM-SOLVING FROM THE GROUND UP by Lori Sichtermann CG&S Design-Build is known throughout Austin for breathing new life into old structures. The company has devoted the past 53 years to designing, remodeling, and building spaces that are well planned, elegantly displayed, and precisely what the client desires. Over the years, CG&S has honed its craft in a unique niche market. “90 percent of our work is remodeling, and it’s all custom,” Mark Lind, senior project designer for CG&S, explains. “We do everything from roof repairs to small deck projects to million-dollar renovations and additions.” One of the firm’s more interesting addition/renovation projects is the Silver Agave House, located in central Austin. In its original state, the house was a small, simple 900-square-foot home that consisted of one floor, two bedrooms, one bathroom, a
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tiny kitchen, and a nearly inoperable garage. “The structure didn’t have a definitive style. It was a little house with a gable and a nice front porch,” Lind says. The homeowners were looking to start a family and desired more space. They also wanted an efficient layout that would accommodate their love of entertaining. Above all, they wanted to transform their quaint one-story home into a sleek and contemporary dwelling. “They wanted to remake the image of the house into something modern,” Lind explains. “That let me have some fun with the sketches and the designs. In the end, we totally transformed the appearance and feel of the house.” To accomplish the desired results for the Silver Agave House, CG&S demolished the majority of the first floor and added 1,100 square feet to the new layout. As Lind explains, all of the public areas of
the first floor were reorganized to make them less compartmentalized. The kitchen—originally closed off, cramped and lacking in counter space—was opened up into the living and dining rooms, creating an easy flow throughout the three areas. An attractive bar was installed in the kitchen to double as an entertaining centerpiece and preparation space when cooking. CG&S also added square footage and functionality to the ground floor by incorporating the outdated garage into the new living and entertaining space. “The garage was an old structure with a dirt floor,” Lind says. “It was too narrow for practical use today, and so we decided to convert that space into the home’s floor plan.” With a penchant for creative problem solving, Lind turned the garage into a dining room that is both elegant and contemporary. The room now features a continuous bank of horizontal windows that wrap around the corner and an open staircase that leads to a loft on the second floor. The Silver Agave House remodel project also included an entire second floor. As Lind explains, the second-floor addition, which consists of a master
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PHOTOS: THOMAS MCCONNELL
CG&S Design-Build
Ingenuity for a safe design The renovation of the Silver Agave House allowed the architects and designers at CG&S Design-Build to hone their creative abilities—converting a quaint, midcentury, one-floor bungalow into a sleek, modern two-floor dwelling perfect for showcasing art and hosting dinner parties. Before the drawings were finalized, a major concern arose regarding the blueprints. “Unbeknownst to us, the house was built in a flood plain,” Mark Lind, senior project designer for CG&S, says. In Austin, these areas can significantly complicate building projects. This year, Austin residents paid tribute the 30th anniversary of a deadly flood that had affected the city back in 1981. “About a dozen people drowned during a flash flood that occurred at night,” Lind says. “Ever since then, the city has been strictly following FEMA regulations regarding building in flood plains.” The Silver Agave House addition was not the first instance in which CG&S had worked around FEMA regulations. In order to navigate the process, the company had hired a consultant to negotiate with the city. The end result was a slight alteration in the design plans. “For this garage conversion, we had another scheme where the addition extended out back, but we couldn’t do that because of the flood plain,” Lind says. “Instead, we had to agree to stay within the existing footprint of the original structure. Therefore, we went straight up. It was a challenge, but we excel at these kinds of issues.”
Flooring & Carpet Specialists of Austin suite, flex room, and loft area, was designed in an L-shape to accommodate the existing roofline. “I wanted to keep part of the existing roofline, the front façade, and the front porch so that there was some continuity and that the scale fit that of the neighborhood,” Lind says. “We didn’t want it to look as if someone just scraped the house off the lot.” To link the original ground-floor aesthetic to the second-floor addition, the designer employed some attractive tactics. As Lind explains, the first floor features concrete stucco while the second floor consists of vertical wood siding. Large windows tie the two floors together, creating an eye-catching demonstration of texture and function. From the front porch to the master suite, the Silver Agave House renovation was a success for the homeowners and CG&S. In fact, it won CG&S several area architecture awards and national design awards; and just recently, it was included on Austin’s AIA homes tour. Sensitively scaled to its surroundings, the finished Silver Agave House is a creative and dramatic addition to an older inner-city neighborhood, and both the neighbors and the owners love it. “It’s a contemporary design that fits the family’s lifestyle and needs,” Lind says.
Schroeder Carpet is a unique flooring boutique serving Austin, Texas for the past 30 years. Family-owned and operated, Schroeder has earned a reputation for offering a wide and fashionable selection of floor products, the best customer service and product knowledge, as well as quality installations. We serve Interior Designers, Home Builders, Remodelers and individual homeowners. As an excellent resource for designers and builders, we offer a wide range of quality products as well as the expertise to guide homeowners through the selection process; balancing functionality, budget requirements and style. For more information, please visit our website at www.schroedercarpet.com
704 S. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78704 Phone: 512.462.1551 | Fax: 512.462.2671 FALL 2011
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Walstad
Surfaces &
The Stone
Com pa n y
Plumbing Superior Design Landscapes, founded in 1989, has become one of the premier full service landscape design/ build companies in the Twin Cities, where quality and range of expertise in design and implementation of plans are unsurpassed. We are large enough to take advantage of economies of scale, but small enough to offer personalized service at a cost-effective price point. Chris Wagner P.O. Box 352 Loretto, MN 55357 Ph. 763.479.2645 info@superiordesignlandscapes.com www.superiordesignlandscapes.com
Radiant Heating Water Conditioning
The Stone Company and Walstad Surfaces are fabricators and installers of premium and exotic natural stone such as granite, marble, soapstone, and quartz such as Silestone, Caesarstone, Dupont Zodiaq, Hanstone. We also offer high end tile installation services. We specialize in design and fabrication of high-end residential and commercial projects. We strive to provide the largest selection of quality stones, creative designs, custom craftsmanship, quick turnaround, and professional installation at competitive prices. Our fully automated 30,000 square-foot facility in Big Lake, MN, includes state-ofthe-art CNC fabrication machinery, a vast selection and inventory of premium and exotic granite slabs from around the world.
Walstad Surfaces & The Stone Company 19909 Industrial Drive Big Lake, MN 55309
763.262.2200
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Our goal is not to simply meet our customer’s expectations, but to exceed them. Stewart Plumbing, Inc. is known for: ON TIME SCHEDULE COMPLETION FINAL PRODUCTS THAT EXCEED EXPECTATIONS HONEST, INTEGRITY + GREAT VALUES Scott R. Stewart, President Kent Baker, Vice President Ph. 763-428-1833 F. 763-428-1733 www.stewartplumbinginc.net luxuryhomequarterly.com
PROJECTS
PROJECTS
INTIMATE LOOK BEHIND THE SCENES
A DRAMATIC VIEW Painted casings surround the stained-wood window frames, which are perfect for the lush countryside.
Willow Hill Model Home STONEWOOD, LLC, CREATES A REFINED FARMHOUSE IN THE MINNESOTA HORSECOUNTRY by Eugenia M. Orr Nestled on seven acres within a heavily wooded lot, the Willow Hill Model Home, a 7,700-square foot-home, overlooks 50 acres of countryside and is designed to accommodate the lifestyle of an active family in the horse country of Medina, Minnesota. Stonewood, LLC, crafted a home that is rich in character and natural in its setting. Four generations of home builders have provided a strong foundation for Stonewood, LLC. Since 1920, the custom-home innovators have endeavored to provide residences a manifestation of the company’s philosophy of integrity, character, competency, and creativity in every custom home they build. Specializing in upscale custom homes in Edina, southwest Minneapolis, Wayzata, Medina, Orono, and the western suburbs of Minnesota, Stonewood builds to the highest standards of
custom-home building. The Willow Hill Model Home is no exception to the quality of construction, use of materials, and infusion of character that Stonewood is known for. Each detail used to make up this home was carefully honed and crafted to achieve the feel of a refined farmhouse. “It was how we used the materials that provided the refinement needed to make the home luxurious while maintaining the country character,” J. Sven Gustafson, president of Stonewood, LLC, says. “We used materials that were traditionally rustic, but their finishing and design were traditional, refined.” The grandness of the property is apparent approaching by way of the 1,500-foot winding driveway. It’s a storybook setting. While the cedar-shake
roof and board and batten siding are elements that are traditionally seen shaping the exterior of country farmhouses, the use of these materials in combination with the other natural components crafted a home with elegance and class. Immense columns based with native stone frame the front entry, and the porch expands across the entire front of the home. While the paneled doors are aesthetically pleasing, the four-car-garage entry is situated at the side of the house so as to not detract from the front entry. To create a well-dressed floor, Stonewood used character-grade hickory, with wide planks, a dark stain, and a chamfered edge for finish of the natural timber. The open foyer stairway incorporates limestone tile into the hickory in a basketweave pattern. The main level office is dressed with paneled walls,
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PROJECTS
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PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS 1. LOWER-LEVEL ENTERTAINING Nearly the size of the kitchen, the lower-level bar is equipped with every appliance and sports a handhammered copper sink. The lower level includes a wine room with a herringbone brick floor and black-walnut wine shelving. Designed for entertaining, there is also a media area, billiards room, kids’ playroom, and a basketball court beneath the garage.
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“We used materials that were traditionally rustic, but their finishing and design were traditional, refined.” J. SVEN GUSTAFSON, PRESIDENT a coffered ceiling, and ample knotty alder cabinetry for a sophisticated, masculine atmosphere. As with the rest of the home, the kitchen offers floor-toceiling cabinetry and a substantial island that has been treated to resemble an antique furniture piece. “The house was designed as an entertaining space,” Gustafson says. The home is equipped with a large eat-in kitchen, a formal dining room, a lower-level bar, a billiards room, and indoor basketball court. While the main floor is designed for entertaining, the second floor is made for relaxation and quiet. Just as rich in detail, there are four bedrooms, four baths, and a playroom over the garage. The second
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floor is also home to the laundry room, which houses dual washers and dryers. Even with the amount of detail and custom features infused into Willow Hill, Stonewood completed this home in seven months. For Gustafson and everyone involved with the design and construction, the home was fun to build, especially because of its feel and refinement. “We are very proud of what we accomplished and that it was so well received,” Gustafson remarks. The home sold after only two weeks on the market. For Stonewood, LLC, creating custom homes is not only a business, it is a pleasure.
2. THE FAMILY ROOM HEARTH The focal point of the family room is the hearth that frames the woodburning fireplace. This one-of-a-kind piece, designed by Stonewood, is solid, hand-carved travertine. 3. DINING IN OPULENCE Subtle wallpaper provides a soft background for dining and accentuates the six-foot wainscoting. The built-in cabinetry houses a butler’s pantry that ties together the kitchen and dining room.
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We ship within the continental US. 800-983-6455
We can help you design with one of our nationally recognized designers, or build from your design.
The Miller Cabinet Company
From the heart of true craftsmen we present
Cabinetry that endures in value and beauty. You will be impressed by the quality and pleasantly surprised by the price.
LIVING LARGE Wanting a bona fide “wow element,” the couple opted for a nearly three-story great room, which is accented by a dazzling lighted cupola and a wall of windows that takes advantage of the beautiful view.
The Avon Lake Residence SCHILL ARCHITECTURE BREAKS NEW GROUND WITH A TRANSITIONAL RESIDENCE ON LAKE ERIE
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-Hands on attention to finishing, stain, paint glazing and distressing
-Mitered Corners
-Mortise and Tenon joining, premium hardwoods, no particle board
Unparalleled construction & finish techniques:
In addition, Schill designed a number of spaces that are unique to the needs of his clients. With two master bedrooms (one upper and one lower), a large children’s playroom, an elaborate fitness center, a hair salon, a dedicated room that allows for the care of foster dogs, a third-level sky bar, a
Study the picture, note the fit and finish, and the special details.
After asking a lot of questions and showing the couple examples of his firm’s impressive work, including a vast array of breathtaking estate homes, luxury residences, and waterfront properties throughout northeast Ohio, Schill helped them decide on the various elements that would comprise their dream home—a magnificent four-story, 16,000-squarefoot residence that sits on a picturesque two-acre site on Lake Eerie in the city of Avon Lake, Ohio.
“We were in sync right away, and it ended up being a very smooth process,” Schill says of working with his clients, who wanted a transitional and trendy home design with a clean, almost minimalist feel that also featured a warm and homey atmosphere. With four levels and six bedrooms to conceive, Schill had his work cut out for him, particularly since his specialty tends toward a traditional-style home. He found a way to create a nice sequence of spaces throughout the home, blending wide-open areas with smaller, more intimate rooms.
True Custom Cabinetry Built to YOUR Specifications and Design
When a successful young couple came to see Steve Schill, owner of Schill Architecture, they didn’t really know how to describe the high-end, custom home they wanted him to design. “They needed guidance,” Schill recalls, “and as a residential architect with a lot of experience in building homes for high-net-worth clients, I was able to provide that for them.”
FOR THE UNIQUE YOU!
by Amy Meadows
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3 PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS 1. HEART OF THE HOME Because everyone gathers in the kitchen, the homeowners wanted an open space flanked by an informal dining area. To keep with their transitional design theme, they chose edgy materials like stainless steel on the island and concrete for the countertops. 2. POOL PERFECTION Designed to be a sculptural piece of art, the resort-style infinity pool overlooking Lake Erie features a swim-up bar and a charming grotto. 3. DIM THE LIGHTS The home theater offers a superb setting for movie night or weekend game viewing, with three television screens, an outstanding audio system, birch wood floors, a stone fireplace and luxurious seating.
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“It’s everything they wanted it to be. We go back and follow up often, and we know that they are very happy in the home.” STEVE SCHILL, OWNER lower-level Moroccan-themed bar, a spectacular infinity pool, and more, the residence, decorated by interior designer Mary Ann Minnich, gives the couple everything they need not only to entertain large groups of family and friends, but also to live comfortably and conveniently when they are alone at home. What’s truly amazing about the residence is that, although it took two years to build the home through Schill’s separately held construction firm, Charles Morgan and Company, LLC, the re-
nowned architect spent only three weeks drawing up the plans. Of course, he worked day and night to complete the blueprints for his clients, who were very eager to get started. And by putting as much effort as possible into the design process, Schill was able to deliver a home that truly surpassed the couple’s expectations. “It’s everything they wanted it to be,” he says. “We go back and follow up often, and we know that they are very happy in the home. We put ourselves behind every home we do, and I’m very pleased with how this project turned out in the end.”
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Mark Grassi has assembled an incredible team of intellect, character and expertise that allows Grassi & Associates to consistently succeed in bringing to an extremely demanding clientele Mark’s outstanding standard for quality and client satisfaction. Working with Grassi & Associates over the past 17 years has been one of the most rewarding aspects of running our business. Their understanding of the complexities and nuances associated with the development and building of extremely high-end, custom estates and wineries has brought an ease and level of confidence amongst all of the parties involved in the process, from subcontractors and architects to the end client. A trademark of Grassi & Associates is their flexibility and willingness to think “outside the box� on many issues and in our case, the finishes. Mark Grassi has always been creative in his thinking and approach. This has been instilled into the firm and as such, it has always been a pleasure to work with them on the interior and exterior finishes. Over the years, Mark and the members of his team have been readily available and open to discuss any issues or concerns. This availability, in conjunction with a sense of humbleness, has made Grassi & Associates an outstanding firm to team with.
Congratulations to Mark Grassi, from everyone at Jitner Painting!
P.O. Box 2742 Yountville, CA 94599 Ph. 707.945.0420 F. 707.945.0430 jitner@sbcglobal.net License No. 690625
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BUILDERS
CONSTRUCTION FIRMS SPECIALIZING IN PEERLESS RESIDENCES
The Grassi Residence
A SMALL COMPANY THAT PRIDES ITSELF ON DOING BIG WORK by Amy Meadows Nine years ago, Mark Grassi had his plate full, building beautiful upscale residences and estates throughout Napa and Sonoma Valleys. His firm, Grassi & Associates, Inc., had become one of the area’s preeminent custom-home builders, recognized for its exceptional craftsmanship, remarkable innovation, and unwavering commitment to excellence. In fact, clients found themselves returning to Grassi and his team of artisans year after year as they added new buildings and features—from guesthouses and pool houses to outdoor kitchens—to their typically expansive properties.Yet it came as a bit of a surprise
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when one of the firm’s long-term clients made an unusual request. “One of our clients had purchased a 200-acre property and wanted to build a winery,” recalls Grassi, who founded Grassi & Associates more than 20 years ago after discovering a true passion for home building while working in construction during college. “We had never built one before, but soon we realized that the aspects associated with building a winery are actually very similar to those of building a high-end residence. While a winery is a commer-
cial building, it’s not industrial. From the language of the building to the level of the finishes used, the client wanted top-quality work.” The firm not only delivered in spades, but also began to carve out an exclusive niche for itself in the local industry. Today, Grassi & Associates splits its time between estate and winery projects,
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PHOTOS: JOSHUA WELLS
Grassi & Associates, Inc.
With grown children who live on their own, Mark Grassi wanted to build a home for himself and his wife that would allow them to live modestly and comfortably while having the option to host family visits. The result of his vision—and collaboration with local architect Juan Carlos Fernandez—is a spectacular residence that features two interconnected buildings and a seamless mix of indoor and outdoor living spaces.
WIDE OPEN SPACES Lift-and-slide, hiddenpocket glass doors create a 20-foot-long opening from the living room to the patio, opening up the space to the outside. A poured-place concrete hearth makes the fireplace a bona fide architectural element in the home.
Armourcoat is delighted to work in collaboration with TBC. We wish you further success in your future endeavors.
“We realized that the aspects associated with building a winery are actually very similar to those of building a high-end residence.” MARK GRASSI, OWNER
INNOVATION SOPHISTICATION DISTINCTION From luxurious polished (Venetian Stucco) and textured plaster wall
spending nearly 40 percent of its efforts on the latter. And as the firm’s superintendents, project managers and skilled craftsmen have brought these distinct projects to fruition, they have realized how much they can—and do—influence one another. In addition to applying a custom-home-building approach to the process of constructing first-rate wineries, Grassi and his 40-person staff have been able to use what they have learned building wineries in their estate ventures. “When you get to a higher level of custom building, especially with larger homes, the systems can be so complicated,” Grassi says. “With everything from HVAC to audio and video systems, the homes can take on almost a commercial aspect.” With that kind of experience now in-house, Grassi & Associates has been able to refine and enhance its custom-building practices, taking their finished products to a whole new level.
Of course, the firm’s overall approach to custom building, which has been cultivated since its doors opened, remains intact. “We do excellent work, and we want to be sought out for being an exceptional builder,” Grassi says. For Grassi & Associates, that begins by working closely not only with clients, but also with architects, doing a great deal of collaborative planning from the beginning of a project, well before ground is ever broken. What’s more, Grassi has instituted an open-book policy to ensure that all transactions with subcontractors and other parties involved in the building process are transparent to clients, which allows them to feel secure in their investment and become fully engaged in the project. Then, when it comes to construction, it’s all about high standards and unsurpassed quality, from the materials used to the in-house carpentry services to the firm’s
finishes, high performance architectural coatings, stone-effect cast products, to stunning seamless wall systems, Armourcoat is a global powerhouse in decorative surface finishes.
Most of our products have low or zero VOC content, and incorporate pre and post consumer recycled material, qualifying for inclusion within LEED® projects.
To find your regional approved Armourcoat agent, please visit www.armourcoat.com FALL 2011
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TBC Plaster Artisans, Inc., a specialty plaster company based in Napa Valley, has been collaborating with architects and contractors to design and install integrally-colored interior plaster finishes for highend residential, commercial, retail and public projects throughout the United States for two decades.
NATURAL BEAUTY A simple palette of natural materials throughout the home, including board form concrete, clear vertical tongue-and-groove cedar, rusted steel and white oak.
Much of our work utilizes lime materials carefully selected from European sources, with results that range from finishes reminiscent of monolithic honedstone panels to highly polished “Venetian” plaster planes. Our artisans draw on their years of experience working together as a team to deliver a high level of craftsmanship and professionalism.
TBC is proud to have been a part of Mark Grassi’s projects. We want to congratulate Grassi Construction for the recognition that they have received for their fine work. Thanks also to Armourcoat USA, our premier material supplier, for consistently providing a wide range of well-crafted products that allow us to meet the desires of the design team, the needs of the client, and the demands of the process. 38
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MARK GRASSI, OWNER efforts to incorporate sustainable features into both residential and commercial projects, such as photovoltaic systems and recycled timber. In fact, Grassi & Associates constructed one of the country’s first LEED Gold-certified wineries, Napa’s CADE Winery. “We’ve never aspired to be a gigantic company,” Grassi says. “We like to consider ourselves to be a small firm that does big work.” Whether it’s a mid-century modern residence featuring an array of natural materials that was built to take advantage of outstanding scenery, a Mediterranean-inspired residence with austere, open interiors, or a multibuilding residential complex constructed in phases, complete with a pool-house tower, a garage, an
apartment, and a stone-embellished main house, the firm’s work—both residential and commercial— can be considered nothing less than grand. Even Mark Grassi’s own residence, which comprises two interconnected buildings—one a workshop and garage with a two-bedroom, two-bath guest apartment, the other a main house with seamless indoor and outdoor living spaces—has his company’s reputed stamp, thanks to the fact that he served as general contractor for the construction of it. “We are always striving to do better,” Grassi concludes. “And it’s funny—every time we think we’ve seen it all, we get surprised and some other great project comes along. We are incredibly fortunate to get to work in the arena that we do.”
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PHOTO: JOSHUA WELLS
101 S. Coombs St., Suite Y1 Napa, CA 94559 P. 707.252.7781 F. 707.252.2387 info@tbcplaster.com www.tbcplaster.com
“Every time we think we’ve seen it all, we get surprised and some other great project comes along. We are incredibly fortunate to get to work in the arena that we do.”
A truly custom architectural door and window manufacturer specializing in wood and metal.
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PO Box 1767—Ferndale, WA 98248 USA Phone 360.384.0307 / NORTHSTARWW.COM FALL 2011
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BUILDERS
ZMK Group, Inc.
PERIOD PIECE The entry and living rooms of the Sutton Place Penthouse feature Brazilian walnut flooring laid in a herringbone pattern. ZMK Group, Inc. also installed a fireplace and surrounded it with custom millwork. The home's custom kitchen has cerused-oak cabinets, a recycled-aluminum tile backsplash, and twoinch-thick statuary countertops.
REFASHIONING PREWAR HOMES FOR MODERN LIVING
While working as a project manager in the mayor's office in New York City, Zachary Kaplan fell in love with the building process. He was charged with the responsibility of overseeing the creation of affordable housing in the city, and he quickly learned the intricacies of building design and construction. Only two years into his work in the mayor’s office and armed with a degree in urban planning and architectural history, Kaplan sought to build his own construction company, which is still growing 17 years later. Kaplan, president of New York-based ZMK Group, Inc., now oversees a team of 43 full-time employees. His full-service firm specializes in high-end residential work, most of it located in New York
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City, and the firm’s projects range from sleek and modern to ornate and traditional. One recent example is an Upper West Side residence that Kaplan made into a new singlefamily home by combining two 3,000-square-foot adjacent spaces in a prewar building across from the Rose Planetarium. He modified the interior to create a large 800-square-foot kitchen/family room, a music room, and a children’s playroom, and replaced all doors, trim, and moldings to match the existing period style. The wood flooring was replaced, sections of existing wood flooring and borders were reworked, and new flooring was woven with existing paneling for seamless transitions between old and new.
The Sutton Place Penthouse was a substantial renovation of a dark, dreary 2,400-square-foot space. Large steel-cased, full-height terrace doors—which swing open to the outside—and windows facing south, east, and west were installed, flooding the apartment with light. Inside, rich wood paneling offsets Venetian plaster walls throughout the rest of the apartment. Completing the home is the central wood-burning fireplace with a marble mantelpiece from England and a herringbone brick firebox. “We strive to make the experience for each of our clients positive and fun,” Kaplan says. “Many contractors lose sight of the fact that we are in a service business. It is this attention and commitment
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PHOTOS: LINDA BELL HALL
by Megy Karydes
“We strive to make the experience for each of our clients positive and fun.” ZACHARY KAPLAN, PRESIDENT
Architect-gleicherdesign.com • Contractor-zmkgroup.com • Photo Credit-Linda Hall
to service, detail, and communication that makes ZMK Group, Inc. a very team-oriented company and what sets us apart from our colleagues.” At the same time, ZMK Group keeps costs low by taking the time in the beginning stages of a project to thoroughly review the proposals and make sure everything is covered. According to Kaplan, clients have often mentioned how helpful its very detailed cost breakdowns have been when they are reviewing and analyzing the various costs associated with a project. The firm also cuts costs through the use of new technologies. All of ZMK Group’s job sites are equipped with a laptop and digital camera, allowing Kaplan’s team to photograph details and send them to the project architect so that an issue can be discussed and resolved quickly, often without the need for a meeting, saving the client both time and money. After nearly two decades on his own, Kaplan is proud of his firm’s long-term relationships with its subcontractors, clients, and the many design professionals and architects his team works closely with every day. With a project roster of anywhere from 9 to 12 projects being built simultaneously, Kaplan relies on those relationships to keep him abreast of industry trends. Today, as much as he did two decades ago in the mayor’s office, Kaplan enjoys running a business that has a tangible product that you can see, feel, and walk through. While the housing market might still be struggling, ZMK Group’s economically responsible measures have kept the company comfortably afloat. “Many of our clients are looking for innovative and creative ways to save money and cut costs, [and] we have stayed fairly busy and are now seeing very positive signs of growth,” Kaplan says.
Minzner & Company
CUSTOM FURNITURE • HANDCRAFTED CABINETRY ARCHITECTURAL MILLWORK Minzner & Co. • 610-258-5449 • www.MINZNER.com FALL 2011
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BUILDERS
Flower Construction CREATING AN IMPECCABLE REPUTATION BY BUILDING HOMES THAT STAND THE TEST OF TIME by Amy Meadows When John Flower, founder and president of Mendham, New Jersey-based Flower Construction, works on a project, he views the finished product as more than just a custom home. In fact, for him and his team of artisans, engineers, and technical experts, each residence is an educational tool simply waiting to be explored.
tionably top-notch. And that approach is applied to every type of project the firm undertakes, whether it’s a new construction, a renovation, or a restoration, or whether it’s in New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania.
“Every single house that we build is almost like a laboratory for us,” explains Flower, who founded Flower Construction more than two decades ago and has built an exclusively referral-based company over the years. “After a project is completed, we try to visit at least four times a year to get feedback from our clients—to see what’s working and what’s not. And we track all of the service records on the homes that we build. The more contact we have with those homes, the better understanding we have of which trade contractors performed the best and which products performed the best, and we use that information to make decisions on our next projects.”
To ensure that such high standards are achieved, Flower Construction is hands-on from the very beginning of a project, partnering with architects and clients to bring their collective vision to life. “It’s our job as constructors to take a one-dimensional drawing and turn it into a dynamic, living structure and convey not only the straight lines on the paper, but also the intention and the emotion that the architect and the client are trying to convey,” Flower notes, adding that he typically takes the intent of the architect and works backward through the blueprints, building the residence in his head first before ground is ever broken. This allows him to make certain that “the layout that’s done in the very beginning makes it so that the finished project in the end comes together seamlessly.”
That kind of unflagging attention to detail is key for the Flower Construction team because of the core philosophy that drives the company’s business. “The structures that we build are really designed to be multigenerational structures,” Flower continues. “We want to make sure that everything we build is built with an integrity that will last for generations.” Therefore, from the materials used to the timetested craftsmanship exhibited during construction, all aspects of the building process must be unques-
When it does come together, the results can be quite outstanding. Take for instance Flower Construction’s Bucks County, Pennsylvania, residence, which was done in collaboration with architect Allan Greenberg. Comprising 21,000 square feet, including three accessory buildings, the new construction project illustrates how excellent workmanship can enhance a great design. “Even though it’s a very large house, it was built to the same exacting standards as a small home,” Flower says. “When we
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FINE WORKMANSHIP This Bucks County, Pennsylvania, home features a limestone veneer and stucco over CMU construction and a slate roof. A continuous gallery runs along the back of the house creating a seamless flow between rooms.
work on a home that size and build it to that caliber, that’s always our main objective. That home will be around for hundreds of years.” The same can be said about the firm’s Mendham, New Jersey, residence—a 5,500-square-foot, fourbuilding complex constructed entirely out of green products. The main house, which features a timber frame harvested from standing dead wood, includes everything from salvaged French terra-cotta tile to geothermal HVAC and solar power systems. “One of the things that we’re most proud of is that the systems that go behind the walls are crafted and installed with the same care and finish that the paint, moldings, and cabinetry received,” Flower says of the project, which was built from a design by Beyer Blinder Belle. “We always take pride in the mechanical aspects of our work because of the effort we put into their design and implementation.” Flower Construction also takes pride in the fact that it offers lifetime service on every home it completes. Homeowners can call at any time if a problem arises, and the firm will gladly make a house call. According to Flower, “The only number our clients need is the Flower Construction phone number, and things will be taken care of for them.” It’s simply part of the package provided by this renowned construction management firm, which strives to continue building homes that will stand the test of time. “Every day we go to work with two intentions,” Flower concludes. “First, we try to learn something every day that we’re at work. Second, we want to build the best residences possible. We want to get as close to perfection as you can get.”
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Artistic Doors and Windows are proud to be a key supplier to Flower Construction for their most esteemed projects.
We extend our warmest congratulations to John Flower for the recognition he and his company have received through his craftsmanship, dedication to his trade and clients and his unwavering sense of quality. Thank you John for the years of support and to many, many more.
Store Location & Hours: F & B Linens 1085 Grand Ave St Paul, MN 55105 Tel: (651) 602-0844 Fax: (651) 602-0057 www.fblinen.com customerservice@fblinen.com
Artistic Doors & Windows | 10 South Inman Avenue, Avenel, NJ 07001 P: (732) 726-9400 | F: (732) 726-9494 | E: info@artisticdoorsandwindows.com Toll Free: (800) 278-3667 | www.artisticdoorsandwindows.com FALL 2011
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DESIGNERS
CREATIVE MINDS IN INTERIORS, LANDSCAPES, AND FURNISHINGS
Parker Residence The living room, which is open to the dining and kitchen, offers a peaceful environment for family and social gatherings. Rug from David Alan Rugs (davidalanrugs. com), upholstery by Kisabeth (kisabethfurniture.com), custom iron light fixtures and furnishings available through Bulhon Design.
AUSTIN INTERIOR DESIGNER CAPTURES THE SPIRIT OF HOMEOWNERS IN A SOOTHING PALETTE by Kaleena Thompson Some people just have a good eye for design. Nancy Bulhon discovered this to be true as a teenager when she convinced her mother to let her paint her bedroom navy blue with white trim. Studying interior design at the University of Texas cemented her passion for what would prove to be a very successful and fulfilling path. Now with more awards than throw pillows, Bulhon has been the talent behind Bulhon Design
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Associates for 28 years. With a much expanded color palette, the design maven is known for her beautiful, comfortable, and functional contemporary and traditional interiors that make a home the center of one’s life. “All projects are a successful blend and balance of scale, texture, and color,” she notes, adding that knowing the right resources for a project is key. “The stone carver who will produce a fabulous carved fireplace mantel, or the metal craftsman who makes custom light fixtures,
plus selecting the perfect furnishings and fabrics” are elements that make a great interior. Moved by rich fabrics, colors, and shapes in a clean palette, Bulhon strives to capture the spirit of the client. That design lifestyle recently attracted Austin residents Dr. Brad Parker and his wife, Kathleen. “At the beginning of the project, they gave me a book called InteriorWisdom: DesigningYour Heart and Home for the Lord,” Bulhon says. She based the design concept and inspiration on the book, which reveals ways to declutter your life and create a peaceful, contemplative environment. “The house faces northwest on a hill in central Austin with a sweeping view of Lake Austin, which was to be the focal point of the main living spaces of the house.”
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PHOTOS: MERRICK ALES
Bulhon Design Associates
Corporate to Campus,
LAKESIDE BLISS The Parker Residence’s outdoor loggia has a beautiful view of the lake. Carved stone fireplace by Decorum Architectural Stone (decorumstone.com), and furniture by Restoration Hardware (restorationhardware.com). Architect Ryan Street, and builder Michael Deane worked on the project.
Retail to Restaurant,
“The house faces northwest on a hill in central Austin with a sweeping view of Lake Austin, which was to be the focal point of the main living spaces of the house.” NANCY BULHON, OWNER
Interior finishes and fabric lean from warm neutrals to pale blues reflecting the sky, trees, and water landscape beyond. The walls are a creamy Venetian plaster that really emphasize the textures of the materials and the Mediterranean-influenced architecture. Mesquite wood floors canvass the 5,700-square-foot home.
antimicrobial, green Caesarstone countertops and cabinets. Iron light fixtures blend in with the architecture as do the custom-made dining table and cream-colored upholstered chairs.
It was important to the Parkers that rooms flow from one to another with niches of privacy. The lower-level living area includes a workout space for Kathleen, who is a personal trainer. “It is divided from the living area by a partial wall with an opening for viewing videos or television,” Bulhon tells.
The centerpiece of the main living floor is a spacious family room with fir ceiling, a hand-carved stone fireplace, and a carved wood armoire that was custom-made in Mexico. Bulhon drew inspiration from the hand-knotted rug for the color scheme of soft taupes and blues. The furnishings reflect the Parkers spirit and even their golden labrador, Max. “A custom-made ottoman, nicknamed Maxine, is covered in a blond hair-on-hide, which is the same color as Max.”
In the gourmet kitchen, Bulhon juxtaposed sleek stainless-steel sink and oven range with naturally
The adjacent back patio reflects the laid-back Texas style. In this retreat, the flooring is Leuders
Hotel to Home.
Fine Custom Furniture To The Trade
Austin, Texas • 512.383.9003 www.intersourcecorp.com FALL 2011
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DESIGNERS COZY AESTHETIC The Lueders limestone fireplace by Berthold Haas (bertholdhaasdesign.com) and an abstract painting by Marissa Starr (laurarathe.com) are the central focal point in the living room, which showcases the client’s vintage furniture. The formal dining room (right) exudes a modern elegance with layered textures of black hair-hide chair upholstery, warm wood tones, and soft neutrals in the draperies and rug. Furniture by Ted Boerner (tedboerner.com) and pendant fixture from Alexander Marchant (alexandermarchant.com).
2010 Legacy Design Award-Winning Home
limestone tile, native to Leuders, Texas, as is the stone fireplace surround. At the centerpiece of the design is a spa and pool that “makes you feel like you’re in the treetops,” Bulhon imagines. The elevated spa comes with an intricate fire pit, while a connecting shallow pool is a step below. It’s modern, clean, and architectural. For the master bedroom, Bulhon used a soft, neutral color palette to achieve a zen environment. “Mesquite wood flooring with a hand-knotted rug in soft colors relate to the sky and lake view outside the window,” she details. The home succeeds in displaying the Parker’s passion for tranquility, while enhancing the home’s architecture. “I love to take my client’s lifestyle and develop designs that capture the spirit of who they are.”
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Nancy Bulhon’s interior designs have received accolades and awards, which have afforded her repeat business. Her work for beautifully designing a 7,700-square-foot home for a family of three in Westlake Hills, Texas, earned her a 2010 Legacy Design Award. The concept for this project was a modern, comfortable, accessible living environment for a family that includes a 16-year-old daughter who is wheelchair-bound. “The accessibility was planned into the house, but not overtly so,” Bulhon points out. The five-foot-wide hallways, open spaces, and sliding doors complement the home’s simple architecture. Its interiors boast clean lines, modern fixtures, and materials that create an uncluttered calm, a hallmark of Bulhon’s design aesthetic. The home’s most ingenious space is the kitchen. It’s spacious enough to accommodate wheelchair turns and features a customdesigned central island with a honed Calcutta Gold marble countertop. A specially designed white Caesarstone quartz accessible island features an ADA-compliant sink with underthe-counter knee space, and a pull-out cutting board. Marble mosaic backsplash creates a sophisticated blend of classic and modern.
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PHOTOS: MERRICK ALES
PICTURE-PERFECT DINING The hub of the home, the kitchen flows seamlessly with the rest of the house. Stainless accents, Ceasarstone countertops, and marble mosaic tiles work together to create a modern and sophisticated kitchen. Pendants by Flos (flos.com).
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DESIGNERS
FIT FOR A KING Traditional in feel but modern in function, the kitchen features two contemporary twist-crystal chandeliers from Robert Allen of Los Angeles (robertallendesign.com) over the marbletopped, furniture-grade island.
Design Innovations INTERIOR DESIGN COMPANY TO THE NBA TAKES A TEAM APPROACH ON AND OFF THE COURT by Eugenia M. Orr
Design Innovations specializes in high-end residential interior design, designing for celebrities such as NBA players. Together with her design team member, Christine Hoene, Duff consistently provides client-driven design solutions that are
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functional first, a considerable factor when many of your clients stand nearly seven feet tall. “Functionality is first, fluff comes second,” Duff says. Duff and Hoene keep measuring tapes close by when being interviewed by a new client. “We measure the distance from their waist to their knees and feet and measure arm spam. We then design comfortable and stylish custom seating and tables that accommodate their size,” Duff says. Duff and Hoene embrace the use of local fabricators to support the industry and make each project complete. Spending the budget on what counts, the custom furniture required for their NBA clients is primarily built by TW Senders in Minneapolis, Minnesota. “Our designs are only limited by our imagination, so we constantly explore new options and engage each client in the process,” Hoene says.
MOST VALUABLE DESIGNERS In the home of a Boston Celtics NBA All-Star and MVP, Design Innovations use luxurious fabrics, woods, texture, and bold colors to create a home that is opulent in its comfort. TW Senders of Minneapolis (twsenders.com) constructed extra-deep sofas designed by Design Innovations to accommodate the height of the owner and his fellow teammates. An elegant mother-inlaw suite combines a soft palette of eggplant hues. The queen bed from Z Gallerie (zgallerie.com) is anchored by mirror night stands from Jon Arlen Group of Minneapolis (jonarlen.com).
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PHOTOS: BULLIS PHOTOGRAPHY OF MINNEAPOLIS
ASID Allied member Betty Duff is proud to say that she has never used the same fabric or finish twice in the 25 years that she has been designing homes. As owner of Design Innovations, Duff has traveled across the country and found that the vastness of the interior design industry makes her job easier and more interesting. “The design centers we have experienced, from Boston and New York to Houston and Los Angeles, offer countless selections and a multitude of ideas that supply me with a fresh approach to every design,” she says. “We never repeat, because there are so many vendors out there with incredible products.”
DESIGNERS
“Our designs are only limited by our imagination, so we constantly explore new options and engage each client in the process.” BETTY DUFF, OWNER
The ladies don’t always solve design problems by going for the most expensive items. While an NBA design budget may offer unique design opportunities, they look forward to projects of any size. Proudly and professionally, Design Innovations gives the same attention to a half-bath redesign as they do to a 35,000-square-foot mansion. The attention that Duff and Hoene provide is grounded in their service-orientated approach to interior design. Working with so many NBA clients, they have embraced a team approach to their work practices and act more as lifestyle advocates than just interior designers. This task is easy for Duff and Hoene, since they become like family with each client, especially ones who require a large amount of discretion and privacy. Good customer service takes on a new meaning for Duff and Hoene, who personally drive a truck from their offices in Edina, Minnesota, filled with
furniture, art, and most everything else needed to complete a project. Much of the fun these ladies experience is found attending NBA games as guests of their player-clients, but driving the truck cross country fills their business with adventure. “Every day is fun. No two days are the same,” Hoene says. Duff and Hoene think like their clients, and attribute that to their continued success. “For many of our clients, media units are as important, sometimes even more so, than a place to eat. They need multiple televisions throughout the house, even within a single room. I give them what they want, stylishly, and design around it,” Duff says. The media center is not left to the audio/visual experts; Design Innovations makes this requirement a part of the overall design and only conceals the media equipment in formal areas. Design Innovations also engages each client in the design process, often directing them to magazines
UPSCALE ENTERTAINMENT For former NBA star Tyronn Lue, Design Innovations designed an entertainment powerhouse for Lue’s many friends, family, and fellow players. The party starts in the Las Vegas-style dining room with a contemporary dining table from New Contemporary Designs of Minneapolis. The table is flanked on by Charles and Ray Eames sofas and custom TW Senders host chairs (twsenders.com) in Pindler and Pindler upholstery (pindler.com). Lue required a television in every room, so the illusion mirror camouflages a flat screen that turns on with a simple button click. The great room’s walk-up bar divides the informal eating area and the family room, with enough space to accommodate friends and family for many game wins. In the office, on top of the basketball-court-style floor inlay sits a replica of the desk from the original movie The Godfather. Lue’s collection of NBA memorabilia and autographed shoes is all the artwork that this upscale office needs.
for ideas, inspiration and expressing their taste when words fail. Duff also charges only for her time, and a small markup on items bought at wholesale prices. She doesn’t seek compensation for the overall project. “What makes a designer unique is his or her knowledge and ability to translate each client’s wants and needs into something physical,” Duff says. While Hoene is preparing to eventually step in as lead designer, Duff does not see herself ever completely leaving the design industry. Not only does Duff’s portfolio include the homes of Kevin Garnett, Tyronn Lue, and Jimmy Jam and Lisa Harris, just to name a few, they are now designing for the children of previous clients. These second generation clients will continue to keep Design Innovations at the forefront of the design field. For Betty Duff and Christine Hoene, continued open communication is key to being successful, fresh and ensuring that every project goes smoothly.
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DESIGNERS
PERFECT MATCH In the master sitting area of the showhouse, a traditional Italian armoire designed by Ebanista (ebanista.com) is complemented by a contemporary armless chair and matching ottoman designed by Dolen and constructed by Ellouise Abbott Showrooms in Dallas (ellouiseabbott.com). Cigar box lamp from William & Wesley Co (williamwesley.com).
Catherine Dolen BLENDING TRADITIONAL ELEGANCE WITH CONTEMPORARY FLAIR by Amy Meadows When interior designer Catherine Dolen started her own firm in 1999, Catherine Dolen & Associates was one of the only companies of its kind in Waco. To help build her business, the enterprising designer looked for ways to educate local residents about the value of interior design while marketing her services to potential clients. She taught continuing education classes at her alma mater, Baylor University. She held seminars about the design
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process at builder trade shows and got involved in the community. Then she did something that made all the difference for her burgeoning venture. “I had the opportunity to design a room for the Waco Symphony Showhouse,” Dolen recalls. “The house was already underway, but one of the designers backed out at the last minute, and I got to do a room. We got a lot of work from that one room.”
The 2010 Dallas Symphony Showhouse While showhouses require a lot of work, Catherine Dolen loves the challenge. “It’s a way for people to see your work,” she says. “And you are able to do what you want to do in that space—that freedom has always been tempting to me.” So, when the opportunity arose to design a master suite for the 2010 Dallas Symphony Showhouse, Dolen and her team jumped at the chance. Dolen's favorite components of the transitional design include: •B urgbad plumbing fixtures from Elegant Additions in Dallas (eleganteditions.net). •A ntique rugs from Matt Camron Rugs & Tapestries in Dallas (mattcamron.com).
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DESIGNERS
CUSTOM SLEEP A sleek bed and matching end tables designed by Dolen and constructed with bleached mahogany by William & Wesley Co. in Dallas (williamwesley.com). Iron bench by S&L Designs (s-ldesigns.com) and yellow-and-white fortuny fabric for the pillows on the bed from Ellouis Abbot Showrooms. The master closet (above) features Antique Japanese prints from Ellouise Abbott Showrooms (ellouiseabbott.com).
Homeowners throughout the city appreciated Dolen’s innate talent not only for transforming a room into a tasteful and attractive space, but also for making that space as functional as it is beautiful. When it comes to interior design, Dolen says, “People tend to think only of the end result, but there’s so much more to it. The spaces we inhabit—where we live and work—should nurture us and contribute to our well-being.” Therefore, elements such as space planning and code compliance are just as important to Dolen and her team of designers as color scheme, material choices, lighting design, and appliance selection. A passion for the aesthetic side of interior design is what prompted Dolen, a former teacher, to return to college in the mid-1990s to pursue a new degree. “It was life changing. It was one of the best things I’ve ever done,” she says of her time at Baylor, during which she studied design abroad in such exotic locales as Egypt, Turkey, and Greece.Yet, while the experience certainly influenced the visual aspects of her work and helped her to develop her professional point of view, Dolen does not subscribe to one particular design style and chooses not to pigeonhole her firm in terms of aesthetics. “Our work is so varied. The look of a space is based on the client’s taste. Our goal is to make sure that the work is beautifully done in whatever style is right for the project,” says Dolen, who spends
WARM WELCOME Entryway wall sconces designed by Joe Dolen through his company Le Corbeau.
time building strong, trustful relationships with clients so she can better understand and fulfill their wishes and needs. “What we really want to do is create a space with a sense of serenity that the client can truly enjoy.” Often that involves blending traditional and contemporary design elements to produce a customized, transitional look that is both elegant and livable. It also means using what clients have on hand, whether it’s an antique rocker or a cherished piece of artwork, to give the space a human touch. What’s more, Dolen always tries to include something a bit edgy in a design to keep things fresh and exciting. And nowhere is this more apparent than in the project that helped launch award-winning Catherine Dolen & Associates’ expansion into the Dallas market. For the 2010 Dallas Symphony Showhouse, which was located on the 18th floor of an ultracontemporary high-rise building, Dolen and her team designed a spectacular master suite. “I wanted to find a way to bring traditional furnishings into this contemporary space,” Dolen says. Starting with a neutral palette of white, ivory, and gray complemented by a pop of yellow, she seamlessly blended antique prints, fabrics, and rugs with sleek, modern furniture, much of which she designed herself. She also featured some traditional décor, such as a regal Italian armoire. And for a hint of whimsy in the entryway, Dolen used sconces fashioned out of horns, which her husband Joe created. The overall result is
the epitome of the transitional aesthetic, allowing the contemporary feel to shine through without being harsh or cold. And the space not only won best in show, but also gave Catherine Dolen & Associates the exposure it needed to make a name for itself in Dallas—just like the Waco Symphony Showhouse had done more than a decade ago. “I want to continue to work and do what I love,” Dolen concludes. “And it’s important to me that the end result is satisfactory to everyone involved—but it all comes down to our relationships with clients, because relationships are what really matter in life.”
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Chappaqua Pool House In an increasingly online world, entertaining is a way in which all of us find a way to benefit from human interaction. For the Chappaqua pool-house project, the beauty of this interaction was given the perfect setting among a sparkling pool and lush gardens. The pool house features a built-in daybed, layers of sheer fabric, and Moroccan touches nestled around a generous hearth. “During the reconstruction of the pool house, historic architectural features such as the stone chimney, timber framing, and brick floors were preserved, while modern amenities such as wet bar, shower, and indoor/outdoor sound system were added,” explains Alexandra Loew. “The effect is relaxed glamour, or ‘glamour-in-espadrilles.’”
From the Desk of Lola RELAXED GLAMOUR FROM A CHIC YOUNG DESIGNER
“We work to establish a clear visual language at the onset of each project,” says Loew. “The goal is to build spaces that meet all of the client’s needs and possess enduring value, while unearthing a sensibility uniquely their own.”
On a recent design trip overseas, From the Desk of Lola owner Alexandra Loew travelled with drawing sets and a design wish list from her roster of dynamic clients. Searching everything from flea markets to the most revered dealers, Loew found herself inspired by the unsurpassed workmanship that she found. “I’m inspired by the French designers who manage to be both elegant and outrageous simulta-
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neously,” Loew says. “I admire their tradition of maintaining unimpeachable taste in the face of bold experiments.”
From the Desk of Lola has garnered an international following since its inception in 2004. The company provides architectural, interior, and product design services to residential, corporate, and commercial clientele.
Loew has an innate sense of style with an ability to quickly determine other people’s own personal tastes upon first meeting them. Take, for example, her concept of “mood movies,” an “atmospheric media tour” through a range of visual references that she uses to get to know her clients’ style.
“I am drawn to things that are both rugged and refined, which is why I am so enamored lately with things as varied as tribal art, tooled leather, gauffrage, and wrought iron fabrication from the 1930s and ‘40s,” explains Loew, who worked for a number of noted architectural firms such as Pritz-
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PHOTOS: JUSTIN BERNHAUT
by Tricia Despres
DESIGNERS
“I’m inspired by the French designers, who manage to be both elegant and outrageous simultaneously.” ALEXANDRA LOEW, OWNER
ker Architecture Prize-winning Thom Mayne of Morphosis before striking out on her own. “In all of these things, it’s impossible to separate the concept from the execution. The two go hand in hand: the mark of its craft is what brings an earthiness to the elegance, and I really appreciate that quality at the moment.” The Chappaqua project was one in which a personal touch went a long way. “Typically children ‘inherit’ their parents’ decorator, who is by then a seasoned veteran who encourages her young clients to take a more traditional path,” Loew, who graduated with a masters in architecture from UCLA in 2002, says. “The designerclient relationship on the Chappaqua Estate was a reversal of this dynamic in every respect: the clients were the parents of an existing client. And
although in physical years they are old enough— and are indeedgrandparents—their audacious spirit and commitment to glamour broadened my own design boundaries.” Once again, Loew turned inward and outward to connect with the client in terms of her design aspirations for the space. “The client kept showing me her Hurrell portraits of starlets, and talking me through her deep appreciation for them,” Loew says. “I realized that she was essentially asking for a Hurrell-esque environment that would put her center stage in her own Hollywood fantasy.” To create this effect, Loew used a lot of stagecraft such as concealed light sources, a minimal amount of furnishings curated for maximum drama and a color palette honed to shades of white, black, and silver.
DESIGN FANSTASY Directed by the client’s desire for a Moroccan fantasy, a strict black-and-white color scheme was adhered to, with touches of Mediterranean blue. The mantle is enlarged with a custom marble mosaic, fabricated in Morocco. The built-in day bed and two changing rooms are outfitted in indooroutdoor fabric to endure chlorine, sunscreen, and the elements. The bathroom is lined with a custom Bisazza (bisazza.com) mosaic comprising white and opalescent glass tiles. All faucets and fittings are custom Vola (vola.com).
Earlier this year, Loew and her team completed a boutique in LA and the executive offices for a hedge fund on Park Ave. and are in hot demand to design more commercial spaces. The brand is also expanding to include a collection of handscreened wall coverings and fabrics, along with a home-and-hotel line currently in development. “We are currently being considered for hospitality projects around the world, and I am looking forward to designing on a larger and international canvas,” Loew says. “We will maintain our residential clientele, which is the core of our business and our passion.”
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DESIGNER SHOWCASE
FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION In her living room, Dutch designer Yvette Laduk sits on her radiator, which she designed to look like an elegant cabinet. Laduk has combined form, function and creativity into every room of her home. In fact, Laduk works and meets clients in her home; she lives in her own portfolio of furniture, rugs, lighting, and anything else her playful mind can think of. The sofa (opposite page) is designed by Stephan Bleeker for Sur&Plus (sur-plus.be) and the fireplace is designed by Kees Marcelis 54 LUXURY HOME QUARTERLY FALL 2011 (studiokeesmarcelis.nl).
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DESIGNER SHOWCASE
ILLUSIONS The Soft Stone rug, designed by Laduk, looks like a stone floor but feels as soft as velvet when she steps out of her hanging bed in the morning.
YLdesign Yvette Laduk always designs things in her head. While working as an art director and creative director in advertising and marketing, Laduk’s mind teemed with ideas for whimsical products for practical needs. In 2004, while she was ruminating about a rug that would resemble a slice from the end of a burned log, her boyfriend challenged her to make her idea a reality. The Woody Wood rug was born, and with it a design career that would garner recognition throughout Europe and the U.S. TEXT BY SUSAN LAHEY PHOTOS BY ALAN JENSEN PHOTOGRAPHER STYLING BY KATE NIXON
Living Among Art A remarkable aspect to Laduk’s house is that, despite how simple it is, she’s turned almost every functional item into art. Her bed is a steel frame hanging from the ceiling by slender steel rods inspired by Dutch architect Janjaap Ruijssenaars’ magnetic Floating Bed, and a large vinyl curtain that covers her glass wall converts the dark night into an instant forest.
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DESIGNER SHOWCASE
L
aduk and her contractor boyfriend Bas de Boer live in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands, in a home she uses as the backdrop and showroom for her creations. The whole house is a joint work of art that the couple created in 2007. It had been built in the 1970s, and it showed. It had olive green tiles and odd features, such as a glass wall between the living room and bedroom. But it had enough land for a garden, which is rare in urban areas in the Netherlands. It also sits on a small stream full of ducks and fish. Both Laduk and de Boer grew up in rural areas and needed space around them. The house’s deficiencies didn’t scare them, and they had the expertise to turn it into something wonderful.
They tore down many inside walls, making a vast living room that stretched into what had been the patio. Then, they covered it with a glass ceiling. Laduk chose a dark, burnt oak floor because, with all the natural light, they didn’t need a light floor. They added a hanging fireplace designed by Kees Marcelis. Much of the house is decorated in various shades of gray, a color she loves because there are “eleven hundred sorts of gray.” She prefers warm grays with brown, red, or yellow undertones rather than cool blue grays. For example, the bathroom is tiled with gray Indonesian stones. Her favorite color, though, is orange. “Orange makes me happy,” she said, but she knows she can’t use too much of it without “shouting.” So she has orange bursts: orange hand towels, orange toilet paper, and in her sparsely furnished dining room, five white Marcello Ziliani polyurethane foam chairs—and one orange one. “I like the wink of things,” she said. “Also, it’s interesting when you have people for dinner and you say, ‘Come to the table,’ to see who will choose the orange chair.”
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“I like the wink of things. Also, it’s interesting when you have people for dinner and you say, ‘Come to the table,’ to see who will choose the orange chair.” yvette laduk, principal
FUNKY AND PRACTICAL Laduk’s La Pipe cupboard is a combination of storage and room divider between the living area and dining area. The steel pipe wedges between the ceiling and floor and the movable cupboards come in many colors. On the burnished oak floors sit another of Laduk’s designs: Bottle Bloom. Laduk was looking for a host gift that lasted longer than a bottle of wine. Bottle Bloom covers the wine bottle, and the knitted flowers never need watering. Yvette’s polyurethane dining-room chairs, designed by Marcello Ziliani (marcelloziliani.com), form to diners’ bodies while they sit.
“It’s an interesting mix. Jim is a retailer doing interior design, I’m an architect doing design, and Josh brings a lot of diversity in his experience. There is no one voice.” 57 eric rymshaw, principal FALL 2011
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DESIGNER SHOWCASE
YL’s latest designs 1
1. SCARECROW…IS TAKING A REST Laduk wanted to design a comfy, eco-friendly garden seating option that was inflatable and easy to store and ship. Because she loves birds, she didn’t want the scarecrow to scare them away. Instead, it takes a rest and provides a comfy seat.
HANG OUT In the entry, the “Wire Tree” coatrack by Louise HederstrÖm (louisehederstrom.com) offers guests a fun option for storing their items.
2. BROOM OF LIGHT Laduk calls this floor light “the broom that sweeps light.” It is a collection of commercial-type brooms that lean against the wall, light emanating from their bristles.
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3. TURN THE SEASON “When I sat on my favorite spot on the couch, watching the seasons through the glass ceiling, I thought it would be good if you could change something in the house that gives you the right mood.” 4. FLAME IT This flame-shaped steel candle holder won her runner-up status at the A’Design Awards in Milan.
Watching people’s emotions and behavior—such as who will choose the orange chair—along with her own plays a huge role in Laduk’s design. Her second creation, the Broom of Light, offers soft light close to the floor. It was inspired partly by the fact that she didn’t want to be pigeonholed as a rug designer, but also because she knows that people need light when they come home to a dark house in the middle of the night. Her Turn the Season rug, which resembles a mass of green leaves on one side and brown on the other, came to her when she watched the seasons change outside and thought people would want something to reflect that shift indoors.
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Now, Laduk works up to 70 percent of her time as a designer. She works on her own designs and for two manufacturers, one Danish and one French. Her work has shown up in hundreds of magazines, including several countries’ versions of Elle, B*io Magazine in Italy, Villa d’Arte, AD Russia, and In Residence. And she’s delighted to be recognized at Milan’s A’Design Award and Competition where the best designs will be presented at the A’Design Museum and Gallery, in Italy.
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She’s looking for ways to break into the U.S. market on a grand scale, rather than sending individual products to individual customers. Still, she never even expected to cross the boundaries of the Netherlands with her products and she’s happy with where she is. It isn’t Dutch custom, she says, to say one is proud of oneself. But if it were, she probably would be.
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BATH WORKS The bathroom showcases Laduk’s first “baby.” The Woody Wood rug comes in various sizes and is extremely durable. The edges are cut and burned. Her heated towel rail snakes like a piece of abstract art on the bathroom wall. The stone walls are made from tiles of mats with pebto them.Similar FALL 2011bles attached LUXURY HOME QUARTERLY stone 59 strips are used in the living room.
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PHOTO: TERRY WIER
DALLAS DREAM TEAM
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Platinum Series Homes by Mark Molthan Make Your Dreams Come True TEXT BY ZACH BALIVA
M
ark Molthan is obviously doing something right. The owner of Platinum Series Homes started his company in 1999 after serving as division president for a large-volume builder. Today, Molthan is an established builder in some of Dallas’s most exclusive neighborhoods, where his homes are commanding attention from residents and media outlets alike. Molthan has been voted as one of the best home builders in Dallas by the readers of D Home Magazine, the top home/shelter publication in Dallas/Ft. Worth, for the last six years in a row. Molthan has achieved success through stunning designs catered to each client and executed by the best possible team of professionals. “We are a design/build firm, not a general contractor,” he says. “If we can be involved from the start, then we excel. People come to us because they want us to be involved in the design phase.” Molthan avoids seeking one or two certain types of projects and instead focuses on his client. He believes that factors such as size and price should never dictate design—his company’s motto is “your show home at your price.”
W Hotel At the W, Molthan partnered with Laura Kirar (trudesign.com) on a 3,560-square-foot penthouse condo. The turnkey project was carefully planned and perfectly matches Molthan’s early renderings down to exact fabrics. The designers added special touches to make the condo especially livable. A sliding wall panel conceals or reveals a flat screen television in the living room and both bedrooms allow guests to exit onto the wide terrace. Small details like roughcut timbers across the bottom of floating shelves in the master bedroom enhance the exquisite living space.
The team at Platinum Series currently has 20 projects underway, all of which are meticulously researched so that each home is tailored specifically to that client’s lifestyle. For one recent project—a Cape Dutch home—Molthan flew to South Africa to study the architecture and conduct interviews with the region’s most influential architects. The process allowed Molthan to export authentic Capetown style to Dallas. “We like to learn all related idiosyncrasies before we build something so we can weave authentic details into what we do,” he explains. Molthan travels around the world to meet with manufacturers, spark creative inspiration, and find original materials to incorporate into his homes. These exclusive characteristics are just some of the luxury features differentiating a Platinum Series Home. Although Molthan possesses considerable talents, he knows that other skilled professionals can strengthen his custom designs. Borrowing a page from the Lee Iacocca playbook, Molthan partners with the leading industry experts. “We assemble a group of the most qualified individuals and professionals to give our clients the dream team working on their dream home,” he says. Molthan’s group comprises award-winning designers, interior consultants, architects, landscape designers, and engineers specializing in residential construction. Making a space truly great is about “using the land creatively to maximize its potential,” Molthan says. Many Platinum Series homes are infill projects where space is limited. Therefore, Molthan focuses on meeting clients’ demands in new ways. Instead of monopolizing
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PHOTOS: SEAN GALLAGHER
LUXE Show Home The 3-story, 16,000-square-foot Italian villa built for charity is filled with whimsical surprises such as dancing water effects, a batting cage, an eight-car subterranean parking garage, and a hanging bed in the basement, which opens to the central courtyard. The basement spans over 4,000 square feet and holds a screening room, golf simulator, wine cellar, and guest suite, all accessible via elevator. The first floor boasts a library, master suite, guest bedroom, dining room, kitchen, and living room while the second features offices, playrooms, three ensuite bedrooms, porches, and loggia.
SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE The style of the show home is a fun blend of classic, contemporary, and interesting— aspects of Molthan’s own personality.
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Park Cities Residence Molthan’s Park Cities home combines the antique and contemporary with dramatic results. The 7,000-squarefoot infill home on a 100’ x 150’ lot features an exterior of light beige Hadrian limestone juxtaposed by a clean and stylish mosaic tile pool whose negative-edge hot tub sits adjacent to an outdoor living room complete with flat-screen televisions. Inside also showcases a blend of the old and the new. Antique fireplace bricks imported from France sit below another TV in the living room, controlled (like the rest of the house) through a high-tech Crestron (crestron.com) automation system. White limestone floors and a traditional sofa abut a kitchen where a zinc hood and lime-green bar cabinet introduce more of the modern touch. The bar was built with a panel system and pocket doors that allow it to be concealed as necessary. A mirrored and wallpapered bathroom provides a classic look but also offers modern convenience—a digital readout changes shower settings at the touch of a button.
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“ WE TRY TO BE TRENDSETTERS INSTEAD OF TREND FOLLOWERS. WE LISTEN TO WHAT OUR CLIENTS WANT AND COME UP WITH UNIQUE SOLUTIONS.” MARK MOLTHAN, OWNER
PHOTOS: SEAN GALLAGHER
premium above-grade space with three-car garages, he often builds subterranean parking. Then, Molthan can do more on the main floor. “We try to be trendsetters instead of trend followers,” Molthan says. “We listen to what our clients want and come up with unique solutions.” A Platinum Series home carries with it a certain standard of living. Now, Molthan is catering to the lifestyle needs of his clientele with a comprehensive approach. “Much like Mercedes, the Platinum Series Home is a luxury brand our clients enjoy being associated with,” Molthan says. They are often repeat customers who give him the opportunity to build a second and third home for them. As a continuation of service, Molthan created Platinum Home Services, a division of the company offered exclusively to Platinum homeowners to maintain their homes year-round. It provides extended services and warranties so clients can handle everything with just one phone call. “This allows our clients to enjoy their home at its fullest potential,” Molthan explains. In addition, Platinum Series Realty exists to satisfy a client’s real-estate needs before, during, and after his or her first home is built. The idea is to keep Platinum Series clients around forever. In 2009, Molthan assembled an elite group to build a speculative condo atop one of Dallas’s finest properties, the W Hotel. There, he and New York furniture and interior designer Laura Kirar finished a 3,560-square-foot living space that sold in 2010. With the project, Molthan hoped to introduce something Dallas residents hadn’t yet seen. “We really wanted to do something very special that could surprise people,” he says. That
Masters of Quality and Great Pricing! (469) 277-1333 www.granitemastersusa.com 7039 HWY 276, Royse City, Texas 75189 MARCH 2011
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WORLDLY FINDS The kitchen of the LUXE Show Home combines the same breathtaking beauty and global technologies of comfort as the rest of the house.
goal was accomplished through dramatic designs and fine details. For example, the door leading into the master bedroom is a sliding glass piece covered with the macro image of a tumbleweed done by a photographic art glass installer known as Weil Studio. Beyond the door lies a custom leather wall that shields a large platform bed. Dual hanging light fixtures flank the bed in a large and open space that looks out through expansive glass across a private terrace and over the Dallas skyline. In the spectacular bathroom, Molthan and Kirar shaped butterfly marble behind an understated and freestanding soaking tub. Lights recessed horizontally among mirrors, acid-edge floors, and honed walls combine with bleached cabinets to create a serene spa-like atmosphere. An event at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children sparked one of Molthan’s finest homes. There, the designer met a child who inspired him to build a show home whose proceeds would be donated to the Scottish Rite Hospital and the Junior League of Dallas. Again, Molthan went into “dream team mode,” convincing both LUXE Magazine and celebrated architect Robbie Fusch to join the endeavor. Molthan and his team embarked on a global adventure to find the perfect materials and methods that would help them make the LUXE Show Home
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something special. The 16,000-square-foot estate has all the elements of a classic Italian villa, from arches and arcades to elaborate gardens and outdoor kitchens. A negative-edge pool with dancing water effects is just one of the property’s many playful aspects. Molthan wanted to combine fun and sophistication; the LUXE Show Home also includes go-carts, a batting cage and a staircase that doubles as a slide. Many of Dallas’ prime communities are home to several Mark Molthan homes, including Park Cities, where the designer recently completed a house for a well-known member for the Dallas Stars NHL franchise. Molthan describes the style as Hollywood chic, a look he created by blending antique and contemporary aesthetics. A bright, airy, open, and modern living room sits beneath beautiful antique timbers that were harvested from an Amish barn in rural Pennsylvania. In the dining room, Molthan started with the client’s pink table and mixed in some traditional touches like an antique rug and upholstered chairs. He updated a traditional panel system with a contemporary color and built-in wine cabinet with glass windows. Like most Platinum Series homes, Park Cities is a smart home and features elaborate Crestron automation controls. With these and other homes, Molthan is further establishing his reputation. He already has the trust of loyal clients and the respect of the local industry. Now, Molthan will continue to work with the best architects and designers around in an effort to top himself with each new project.
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PHOTO: SEAN GALLAGHER
“ WE LIKE TO LEARN ALL RELATED IDIOSYNCRASIES BEFORE WE BUILD SOMETHING SO WE CAN WEAVE AUTHENTIC DETAILS INTO WHAT WE DO.” MARK MOLTHAN, OWNER
REFINED REFUGE Chicago interior designer Kent Kiesey returns a historic Virginia ranch home to its nineteenth-century beauty TEXT BY KALEENA THOMPSON
PHOTOS BY GORDON BEALL
EXQUISITE SEATING Huntland Farm’s second-floor sitting area leads to a balcony overlooking the front yard. Antique Victorian tufted back arm chair covered in blue damask complements an original handpainted early 18th-century Chinese wallcovering, representing a beautiful combination of birds, flowers, and butterflies on an exquistely delicate gray background. FALL 2011
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ituated on 750 acres in Loudoun County, Virginia, Huntland Farms is home to a single mother, her daughter, and their horses and dogs. Approaching this private farm, a scenic country road leads to a winding drive past mature trees, boxwood hedges, and spacious lawns––a site that the owner couldn’t resist. When she purchased the property, it was complete with horse stables, dog kennels, four cottages, and a dilapidated Federal-style house, which she decided to restore to its nineteenth century fame. Once the new homeowner hired the architect, she commissioned Chicago interior designer Kent Kiesey to capture the classic era on the inside.
a foundation. “While taking field trips, I learned more about traditional and contemporary furniture and design,” Kiesey recalls. “I was not really interested in the contemporary as much of the traditional because the traditional exuded more warmth and friendliness.” So when the new buyer of Huntland Farms approached Kiesey, it was a match made in designer heaven. Built in 1837, with additions in the early 1900s, Huntland Farms boasts a 10,000-square-foot main house. “It was important to preserve as much as possible the historical value of the property because some day it will be left to the state of Virginia,” Kiesey informs. “As work progressed, the client reminded the crews, ‘When in doubt, don’t.’”
Kiesey, who has an extraordinary resume in residential design, began his career with 16 years at Marshall Field & Company. In 1992, he parlayed his experience into his own firm, Kent Allen Kiesey Interior Design. Kiesey is internationally respected for his knowledge of period design, and his traditional interiors can be seen in Europe and the Caribbean. Kiesey’s approach– –a mix of calm and reassuring colors, fabrics, and furnishings––comes from an admiration for art, nature, fashion and dreams. “Even a thunderstorm is beautiful,” he says.
The luxury sophisticate set out to furnish the three-story home in an updated classic style, starting by assessing the home’s historical value and personality. “The client wanted an interior that reflected the mid-1800s, keeping in mind the livability for the twenty-first century,” says Kiesey, who is known for designing homes with sensitive attention to historical imperatives. “It’s a country estate where fox hunts still take place, so we wanted a formal but dressed down and comfortable interior.”
Staying open to all styles, Kiesey employs traditional furnishings in all his projects to give them a timeless effect. His exposure to art history as a college student at The School of Associated Arts in St. Paul, Minnesota, served as
The carved fox heads and corn husks that appear in the door frames and architraves reflect the area’s pastime, while the entry foyer is a graceful introduction to the home’s character. “The stunning elliptical stairway, crafted with
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American Beauty The interiors of Huntland Farm are in the atmosphere of early American houses, details having been given very minute attention. The front hall has a traditional plan; centered and running through the house front to back with two rooms on both sides with stairs curving up past the doors at the midsection of the hall. Waterford crystal pineapple finials (na.wwrd.com) top the railing of the elliptical stairway. Silver trophies won in horse shows top antique Mahogany card tables. The walls of the guest room (above) are upholstered in a black-and-white Brunschwig and Fils linen toile (brunschwig.com), with edges piped in a Samuel and Sons tape trim (samuelandsons.com) with matching tassel trim on the drapery. The antique four-poster twin beds have white matelasse bed covers with shams of the black-and-white toile piped in a banana-yellow color. Flowers in this bedroom, as well as all the fresh flowers in the house, are designed by the florist who does the flowers in the State rooms at The White House. Antique pieces in the living room (opposite page) include an original Adam sofa covered in blue cotton damask and a late eighteenth-century library arm chair with carved knees and pad feet, upholstered in dark gros-point floral needlework. Draperies and valances are Scalamandré blue cotton damask fabrics (scalamandre.com) with silk tassel and tape trims in American colors of creme, blue, and red. The pediment above the fireplace has a handcarved corn husk, which is repeated in the pilaster capitals and handcarved sunflowers above the pilasters.
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“The client wanted an interior that reflected the mid-1800s, keeping in mind the livability for the twenty-first century.” Kent Kiesey, Principal
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DISTINGUISHED ENTRY This restrained, handsome Federal-style home, was built in the 1830s by the overseer of President Monroe’s home using bricks fired on the property in the Pot House. The area around the house is notable for its fox hunting, shooting, fishing, and horse shows. It lies between the Blue Ridge mountains on the West and The Bull Run mountains on the East.
an unusual banister set into the wall, with each step seemingly in its own box, is suspended off the wall,” Kiesey says. Luxury is in the details as pineappleshaped Waterford crystals cap the newel posts. The pure Federal-style design features spacious rooms, high ceilings, fine materials, and rich details. Hand-milled wood floors, colorful layers, and rich antiques illustrate the home’s masterful blend of historic richness and countryside charm. It is here where Kiesey’s passion for art history becomes apparent, manifested in a variety of groupings: eighteenth-century winged sofa chairs, silver and bronze trophies, majestic paintings, and horse figurines. His design is buried in bold yet decisive mixes of textures, vivid colors, and patterns, all framed by well-crafted architectural details. An expert at blending colors and creating confident interiors, Kiesey spared no expense in this home. “The colors for each room were decided by mutual agreement,” he points out. “The client’s favorite color is red, as is mine, so we tried to incorporate as much red in the house as possible.”
IN FULL BLOOM The daughter’s bedroom is painted in a sunny-yellow color with lots of natural south-facing light and includes a window seat to the left of fireplace.The canopy bed is dressed in yellow-and-blue linen drapery and bed clothes with Samuel and Sons trims (samuelandsons.com). This fabric was chosen by the daughter from various offerings. An antique Victorian mahogany sofa upholstered in a blue cotton velvet sits on an antique Oriental rug.
Shades of red prevail in the draperies and bed furnishings of the second-floor master bedroom, giving the space the feeling of a New York gentleman’s club. Kiesey designed the exterior bed hangings with a rich and heavy Cowtan & Tout strie velvet in a dark claret red, with custom tassels and tiebacks. The interior of the bed includes the hangings and cotton chenille damask-pattern bedspread, contrasted in a deep wine red. The second floor also houses two more bedrooms, one of which belongs to the client’s daughter. Kiesey describes it as a “room that will grow with her,” with its yellow canvas, ensconced in yellow and blue floral print draperies and bed furnishings. “The daughter chose the pattern, selected from several samples submitted to her,” says Kiesey.
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“The client’s favorite color is red, as is mine, so we tried to incorporate as much red in the house as possible.” Kent Kiesey, Principal
BLUSHING BED The canopy bed in the master bedroom was once owned by and in the collection of President James Monroe. Outer bed curtains and window curtains are fashioned from a lush Cowtan and Tout claret-red strie velvet (cowtan. com). The inside linings are a cotton damask pattern in wine-red velvet, with Samuel and Sons silk trims (samuelandsons.com). The deep red of the bedding is softened 72 by an antique Oriental rug. LUXURY HOME QUARTERLY FALL 2011
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Original Splendor In the sitting room (above), a painting above the original fireplace shows the horse stables on the property in 1918 with one of the previous owners on horseback. When the horse stables were built in 1913, they were the most complete in America— they have now been restored (bottom right). The 28-inch-wide Scalamandré silk damask fabric of the red draperies in the sitting room was woven on a nineteenthcentury loom. The antique Victorian mahogany loveseat is covered in a Scalamandré red silk damask in a dove pattern (scalamandre.com). The late eighteenth-century open arm chair is upholstered in red velvet and the library wing chair in an original multicolored needlepoint tapestry. The sitting area of the first floor office (center right) has a fireplace and features the owner’s collection of antique furniture sitting on an antique oriental rug. The antique French crystal chandeliers from the 1850s were found in NYC. The draperies are showcased in a Regency-design style with Scalamandré fabrics and red silk trims. With an original antique Steinway and Sons grand piano circa 1887 (steinway.com), the ballroom (top right) is set up for a vocal performance. Small chairs are Victorian antiques in a balloon-back shape with Ralph Lauren black wool upholstery (ralphlaurenhome.com). An antique English crystal chandelier circa 1880 hangs with a silk cuff covering the chain.
A classic black-and-white toile guest bedroom features a fireplace. Kiesey boasts that, “a classical pattern fabric upholstered on the walls adds a more luxurious feeling for any guest lucky enough to stay at Huntland Farms.” When it came to the living room, Scalamandré blue cotton damask with custom silk ball fringe sets a dramatic scene. Kiesey romanced the space with the owner’s matching eighteenth-century Adam sofa covered with a blue cotton damask. The living room also features a yellow silk damask wing chair, which he purchased at auction and a library armchair covered in a dark gros-point floral needlework. Splashes of red from an open arm chair offer a dignified contrast to the blue curtains. Kiesey and his client seemed to agree that it’s all about the mix. The adjacent dining room has the same drapery treatment, complemented by the handmade needlepoint covers on the eighteenth-century Chippendale chairs. A nearby ballroom assumes a neutral palette so “the guests clothing attire would stand out––like the red jackets of the different fox clubs who might attend a ball,” Kiesey imagines. The ballroom features a grand piano, seating area, and a crystal chandelier, providing a space not only for piano lessons but for a mini concert. Completed in November 2010, the home proves to be a distinct structure on a farm that, over the centuries, has been known as a place for hounds, horses, and fox hunting. Kiesey’s design gives it unique character and personality. It is on Huntland Farms where the spirit of an era once forgotten can be found.
PHOTO: JEFF HEATLEY
SURFSIDE RESIDENCE Architecture and nature have been fully integrated in this light-saturated, oceanfront compound that includes a guest house, a two-car garage, a free-form chlorine free pool and a two-story house clad in a wood and cement panel rain screen. Instead of open or landscaped areas beneath the roof overhangs, Surfside Residence has several mini decks. The retaining walls are capped with teak, echoing the frequently used interior wood.
LIFE’S A (SUBURBAN) BEACH
In Stelle Architects’ Surfside Residence and Sea Ranch from architects Turnbull Griffin Haesloop Architects, luxury manifests in surprising ways. With open views that incorporate the native landscape, these understated weekend homes truly embody a retreat from the everyday. TEXT BY FREDERICK JERANT FALL 2011
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BLURRING THE LINE The guest house’s interior walls THE WILD WEST mimic the look of the exterior concrete paneling, blurring the line between indoors and outdoors. The grid pattern is actually part of the air exchange system, obviating the use of exposed grilles or ducts.
SUSTAINABLE SURFSIDE LIVING Stelle Architects turn dilapidated structure into elegant Bridgehampton vacation home
It’s a two-level vacation home and guest house in Bridgehampton, New York, a hamlet in Suffolk County. After years of neglect, it was in sad shape. But an extensive remodeling/expansion effort by Stelle Architects, also of Bridgehampton, has turned it into an elegant residence.
“One of our biggest challenges was the home’s location,” says Frederick Stelle, firm owner. The home is nestled in sand dunes, close to the water’s edge. In the fall, nor’easters blow through the area and rising water comes very close to the house. Stelle lessened the chances of storm-related damage by
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first temporarily removing the house from its base. A new steel frame and structural concrete panels (breakaway construction on the ocean-parallel side) were added, and then the home was set on a new concrete base. Sustainability was a key consideration. The extensive use of windows encourages cool sea breezes to flow through the house, reducing the need for artificial cooling. Hot water panels and rooftop photovoltaic cells work in concert with a property-wide geothermal heating and cooling system to minimize energy costs. “That approach is a no-brainer,” Stelle says, “especially in a part-time house.” The blazing summer sun helps to power the air conditioning system with 55° groundwater. During the unoccupied winter months, low heating temperatures are easy to achieve.
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T
he typical movie mogul’s home is a palatial estate. But the Surfside Residence, owned by the founder of an independent film company, belies that tradition.
THE WILD WEST
“ TOO OFTEN, THE LANGUAGE IN OUR CITY IS THAT OF A VERY SUPERFICIAL “ WPASTICHE E STARTED OUT WITH A DILAPIDATED FAÇADE AND OF WHAT HOME TURNED A FRUMPY OLD PEOPLE DEEM IS ANAND APPROPRIATE LANGUAGE.”DOWAGER Thamarit Suchart,INTO Principal A SUPERMODEL.”
FREDERICK STELLE, OWNER
FUSION OF FINISHES The interior finishes of the Yerger Residence juxtapose refined materials with raw, industrial elements to heighten the unique qualities of each. The home’s various interior finishes include polished wenge-wood millwork, stainless-steel countertops, white Carrera marble, and terrazzo flooring. These finishes enter a dialogue with one another through their thoughtful configuration.
INDOOR OR AL FRESCO The main sitting room commands a spectacular view of the ocean. Its sliding glass doors open onto a suspended porch above the water. The room’s FALL 2011 long LUXURY 77onto the tableHOME can QUARTERLY easily be rolled porch for al fresco dining.
PHILOSOPHY The guest house exemplifies Stelle’s philosophy “a house should not get between you and the site.” Enormous windows highlight the naturalistic approach to landscaping, which includes extensive use of native grasses, bayberry and black pines.
The exterior of the home is clad with Alaskan yellow cedar siding, installed in rainscreen fashion. “We like to use this material,” Stelle says, “because it’s a sustainable native North American wood, needs no maintenance or other treatment, and is more durable than red cedar.” Although the wood weathers to a light, even gray, the home reflects a warm golden tone when the light is just right. There’s a lot of artifice in the art of moviemaking, so it’s fitting that Surfside’s surroundings are illusory. “We removed the previous suburban landscaping and revegetated the site to reflect its seaside location,” Stelle explains, “keeping the dunes, but adding materials normally found on the beach.” Some, like Russian olives, are invasive but extremely common. Others, such as black pines, bayberry and dune grass, are native. “There’s not a blade of mowable grass anywhere on the property,” he adds. “When you drive to the site, you feel like you’re right on the beach.” Inside, the décor features a mix of modern furniture styles, stretching from the 1950s to today, including such designers as Bertoia, Wegner, Eames and Nakashima. The limited color palette recalls the greens and beiges of the beach, for a seamless transition from outdoors to indoors. The owners eschewed the use of animal-derived upholstery in favor of organic plant-based fabrics; woods are mainly a mix of teak and laminated maple.
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The upper level of Surfside holds the master bath and master bedroom, the living room, dining room and kitchen, as well as the couple’s business offices, offering privacy to work on individual projects, while still keeping each other near at hand. All three areas open onto an oceanfront deck suspended above the dunes. It gives residents and guests an exceptional vantage point and a peaceful escape from the routine of daily life. The downstairs houses two guest rooms and a small spa equipped with a sauna, steam shower and full bathroom. A breezeway that connects the two structures allows easy spa access for residents and guests alike. The centerpiece of the main sitting room features a custom-built banquette along an end wall. “It’s big enough to sleep on,” Stelle says, “but also provides convenient seating for clusters of two or three people to converse and socialize.” Both owners love to cook, Stelle says, and are delighted to do so for any occasion—informal gatherings or formal business meetings. That’s why the room includes a wood-burning fireplace, with a powered spit. “It’s a simple matter to start the fire, mount a chicken or turkey on the rotisserie, and cook it in plain view of the guests,” he says. “It’s like having a barbecue in the
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THE WILD WEST
THE WILD WEST
BREATHABILITY The Alaskan yellow cedar rainscreen ages to an attractive gray, giving the home a light and airy look as it disguises the vapor-permeable weatherproofing beneath it. Its open-weave corners capitalize on the gapping that would ordinarily occur with mitered corners, and facilitate the home’s breathability. The sitting room (top right) features a custom banquette for maximum seating in minimal space and a Wegner cabinet. The owners love to cook and entertain frequently, so the cooking fireplace is quite practical. The lyrical landscape “painting” behind the banquette is actually a picture window. Featuring a sauna, a steam shower and full bathroom, the spa area (right) provides a perfect respite from workaday stresses, especially when it’s cold and rainy. The bright light at the left comes through a series of windows that provide an ocean view.
house.” And when weather permits, a large table can be rolled directly onto the deck for al fresco entertaining and dining. The room’s other key features are a Wegner cabinet, and a picture window that could almost pass for a painting. “It’s actually a view of the sand and grasses outside,” Stelle says, “but the effect resembles the lyrical landscapes favored by local painters in years past.”
EXTERIOR NORTH ELEVATION PHOTO: JEFF HEATLEY
Guest accommodations have private bathrooms, a small kitchen, two bedrooms and a personal beachside deck that’s perfect for unwinding in privacy.
FLOATING SENSATION Even though firmly anchored, Surfside Residence appears to float above the nearby sand dunes. A ribbon of rectangular windows just below the roofline admits plenty of light and encourages natural cross-ventilation. Photovoltaic panels on the roof (in concert with a geothermal heating system) help to minimize energy consumption.
Although it’s technically a garage (according to local zoning), part of the guest house functions as a sitting area. Floor-to-ceiling sliding windows provide unencumbered views of the beach property. Surfside Residence has been featured in many publications, including Renovated Spaces: New Life for Old Homes, Coastal Style, Hamptons Cottages & Gardens, 150 Best Kitchen Ideas and Custom Home Magazine, among others. It’s also been showered with professional awards from the American Institute of Architects and other organizations. But Stelle isn’t too surprised by the accolades. “We started out with a dilapidated home,” he says, “and turned a frumpy old dowager into a supermodel. It’s pretty spectacular.”
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JAPANESQUE SIMPLICITY Turnbull Griffin Haesloop-designed weekend house offers a respite from busy times
A
s Lewis Carroll’s Red Queen remarked to Alice, “Now, here, you see, it takes all the running you can do to keep in the same place. If you want to get somewhere else, you must run at least twice as fast as that!”
That’s a pretty good description of life today. It’s hectic, we’re harried and driven to perform better, invest more time, get more stuff…
Sparse and understated, this weekend home rewards its owners with a priceless, peaceful atmosphere; a place where they can truly get away from the hurlyburly of daily life. Sea Ranch itself is an environmentally planned community, says Eric Haesloop, FAIA, partner. “The 10-mile stretch along Highway 1 was an innovative development in the ‘60s,” he says. “Large portions of land were set aside for common use, and houses often abut trees, to minimize impact on the natural landscape.”
Pressure, pressure, pressure.
But it’s not impossible. In fact, Turnbull Griffin Haesloop, a full-service architectural firm in San Francisco, has created an oasis of calm in a frantic world. It’s nestled against a hedgerow of trees in scenic Sea Ranch, an unincorporated community in Sonoma County. Unlike traditional “luxury” homes—sprawling estates on acres of land—the residence designated as Sea Ranch 1 is a mere 1,100 square feet of living space, supplemented by a 400-squarefoot, two-bedroom guest house.
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The client loved the proposed site. Tucked against a backdrop of trees, it offered enticing views of a spacious meadow and the Pacific Ocean. TGH based its design on a vernacular barn form. As you pass through a ranch grapestake fence and cross the meadow, your first glimpse is an understated exterior of natural cedar. That wood was chosen because it can withstand the weather conditions on the California coast, and it offers a natural, rough-hewn look that complements the trees.
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Under those conditions, attaining a sense of serenity can seem like an unattainable luxury.
The landscaping is in tune with the Sea Ranch aesthetic, says Mary Griffin, FAIA, partner. “Rather than allowing individual owners free rein, it emphasizes letting the natural greenery sweep through the properties. Any added plants are native to the area.You won’t find pots of geraniums here.” In fact, she
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“ THE LANDSCAPING AND HOME BALANCE EACH OTHER—IT BRINGS [THE OWNERS] A SENSE OF SERENITY AND A CONNECTION TO NATURE.” ERIC HAESLOOP, FAIA, PARTNER
SUBTLE EXTERIOR The main entrance (opposite page) presents an unprepossessing cedar exterior to visitors, and a sliding panel can be drawn across the entrance for even more privacy. Note the large cutout in the roof—that’s how the building “wraps” around the courtyard. The private guest entrance leads to quarters with abundant natural daylight, thanks to the massive windows. Its décor echoes the spare, angular themes and minimalist aesthetic of the main house.
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adds, the buildings are secondary to the natural landscape. As you drive by the area, you’ll notice gently rolling meadows, not clusters of homes. Upon entering the home, you’ll find few walls, as one space leads seamlessly to another.You’ll also realize that one corner of the building is “missing.” It was an unusual but wise approach. “The cutaway section opens onto an octagonal deck that adjoins the house,” he says. “We included a ribbon of doors and windows for a spectacular visual effect—no matter where you stand, you can see the ocean.” Everything about the house, from color schemes to furnishings, reflects the owner’s affection for Japan’s spare, yet elegant, visual style. Walls that, in other homes, would be laden with colorful artwork, are essentially white and bare. Subtle patterns, fluid vases and other understated features provide visual interest.
SIMPLE AND BALANCED The main living area features a Nakashima table (nakashimawoodworker.com), a flush-mounted fireplace and a custom-made coffee table. Its bronze surface is gently dimpled, to recall the ocean’s waves. The simple, yet balanced, décor reflects the owners’ preference for understatement. The cedar-clad hot tub (top) is tucked between the guest room entrances on either side. Visible at the right rear is a small Japanese-influenced garden, accented by smooth river rocks.
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The interior scheme features a warm contrast between the white sheetrock walls and the exposed-beam cedar ceilings. Again, the owner’s personal taste dictated the choice of wood. “We’ve fitted many Sea Ranch homes with fir,” he says, “but it can develop orange undertones with age. The client much preferred cedar’s warm brown look.”
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“Our client wanted the home to be minimalist yet beautiful. In fact, he sourced many of the fabrics and objects,” Haesloop says.
HOME IN MOTION The slight elevation of the charming breakfast nook creates a physical separation from the busy kitchen. The single window provides a glimpse of lush greenery, while the cedar’s pinwheel grain pattern offers silent testimony to the woodworker’s skill. FALL 2011
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When the design is so simple, textures, finishes and colors become paramount. Here are a few examples: A custom bronze coffee table displays a gently dimpled surface, a subtle reminder of the ocean’s waves. The master bedroom is clean and angular. The white platform bed eschews a standard headboard; instead, a ruggedly beautiful slab of wood, set into a snug niche, fills that role. Upon awakening, the owners can gaze through expansive windows at the ocean view. A custom window seat runs parallel with the windows, offering a cozy spot for reading or napping. And when the seat is raised, a flat-screen TV appears. Offset from the kitchen, a cozy breakfast nook is accented by a window that frames a single pine tree. “It’s a very composed, very serene look,” Griffin says.
“The owners appreciate the essentials of creating a truly beautiful structure with excellent craftsmanship,” Haesloop concludes. “And—because the landscaping and home balance each other— it brings them a sense of serenity and a connection to nature. “It lets them concentrate on things that really matter, while they enjoy the beautiful ocean view and pristine environment that complement their home.”
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SWEEPING BALANCE At the rear, a band of windows sweeps the width of the house, much as the lush meadow sweeps across the landscape. The vegetation grows to the very edge of the octagonal deck, striking a balance between indoors and outdoors. The master bedroom (above) forgoes the usual metal or wooden headboard in favor of a weathered slab of wood from Japan, tucked neatly into its niche. Sleepers awaken to a magnificent ocean view, and the window seat is ideal for reading or napping
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While the master bath features a Japanese-style soaking tub, an outdoor cedar-clad hot tub is both rustic and inviting.
NO ORDINARY WALL FLOWER
PHOTO: ROGER DAVIES
by Susan Lahey
SWEET DREAMS Model, Jessica Stam’s bedroom with a custom-made headboard by Cárdenas, quilts from Calypso (calypsostbarth.com) and 1930s wallpaper from Secondhand Rose (secondhandrose.com). FALL 2011 LUXURY HOME QUARTERLY 85
One entire wall of each bedroom is made of moveable glass, and the block walls of the atrium extend into the interior without interruption. The bedrooms feel completely private and protected but at the same time open to nature. The mirrored vanity and sink locks into a gold-painted block structure creating an amplified contrast in materials. The glass mosaic-tile showers open entirely to the outdoors and contain custom teak benches built into the side wall.
t 36 and slim, with killer credentials, handsome Rafael de Cárdenas has every opportunity to be pretentious and snooty. But he’s not. Nor does he project false modesty. He is listed among Elle Décor’s top five “designers to watch” and dubbed by the NewYork Times as “the hippest thing going in interior design.” And he is quick to explain that as a designer and architect, rather than a decorator, “my role is to give clients something far greater than they could have done on their own.” De Cárdenas just seems a lot more interested in the process of design than in being a celebrity designer.
submarines in World War II, he has used the idea repeatedly. He once told a writer friend who profiled him in Sight Unseen Magazine that everything he does references Edmund Burke’s A Philosophical Enquiry Into the Origin of Our Ideas of the Sublime and Beautiful. When he designed model Jessica Stam’s apartment that appeared in Elle Décor, he had just seen The Bitter Tears of PetraVon Kant. The movie unfolds in one room that perpetually changes. Stam’s onebedroom apartment struck de Cárdenas as a parallel. “It was like a backdrop where she could unlimitedly move things around,” he said. “It was a room that could be joyful and tragic…like in the movie, there is this one space that enhances every emotion. When she’s happy, she’s happiest in this room.” The result was an elegant Hollywood-circa-1935 room of dusky purples, golds, and silver.
De Cárdenas is a trawler. While he has a “bag of tricks,” skills, tools, and insights he has accumulated over the years, he also scours books, movies, history, “I could have seen Muppets Take Manhattan that conversations, and experiences for inspiration. night,” he mused. “Maybe it was lucky for her that I didn’t.” “I usually need to react to something, whether visual or conceptual,” he says. De Cárdenas started his career as a clothing designer for Calvin Klein after graduating from the Since he learned about the razzle-dazzle patterns Rhode Island School of Design. But in 1999, he used by British war ships to confound German U2 started working on his master’s in architecture
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MODEL HOME De Cárdenas designed the starburst painting that curves along the entry wall, leading to the dining area. The light fixture is ‘60s Italian, and the vintage wallpaper is from Secondhand Rose (secondhandrose.com). In Stam’s Manhattan living room (left), two 1950s armchairs upholstered in a Donghia cotton, a ‘50s floor lamp and a vintage sofa found on eBay work together with a palatte of deep purples. The custom-made rug is by Stark Carpet (starkcarpet. com).
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cture at Large
PHOTO: JORDAN KLEINMAN
nder, Archite u Fo , as n e d รกr C e d l ae - Raf
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HOLLYWOOD GLAMOUR Jessica Stam’s East Hampton home is another example of De Cárdenas’ fascination with ‘40s Hollywood and designing to fit the FALL 2011 89 moodsLUXURY of film.HOME QUARTERLY
MONOCHROME WILD WEST In Stam’sTHE East Hamptons home De Cárdenas juxtaposes space age dining chairs that resemble invisible men in yellow vests against vintage yellow iris wallpaper.
at Columbia University. He transferred to UCLA, where he completed the master’s in 2002. Three years later, he opened his own firm, Architecture at Large, and has done interiors for businesses and private residences in cities including London, Rome, Athens, New York, and Miami.
to be pleased and I want to stretch their imaginations a little bit.” He’s big on stretching. His own apartment has been sorely neglected while he is busy designing others’ and is mostly a repository for the art, books and artifacts—purchased, traded for, and hauled off the street—that he constantly moves around. But now it’s all about to change, because he’s planning to get a new sofa. An armless sofa. And he knows a new sofa is the slippery slope to changing everything.
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PHOTOS: JORDAN KLEINMAN
In May 2011, he debuted his first furniture collection at New York City’s Johnson Trading Gallery. He is constantly challenging himself to grow and does the same for his clients. A consummate mixer of styles, de Cárdenas will combine a Venetian gilt seashell chair with a hairy white rug in a room painted in pale empire hues; or juxtapose space“An armless sofa,” he said, “that’s a new territory. age dining chairs that resemble invisible men in There’s a little bit of a learning curve. What is the yellow vests against vintage yellow-iris wallpaper. good and the bad of an armless sofa?” He’s fond of fuchsia. He’s not creating a nice room, he’s creating an experience and he is fine knowing With his living room, as with any living room, he that the experience may be a little jarring at first. believes its purpose should be “to put you in a good mood every time you walk into it. If you had “Sometimes,” he says, “liking things isn’t impora bad day and lots of things were going wrong, you tant. The first time I tasted mushrooms, I didn’t would feel better just walking into this room.” like them. The first time I had wine, I didn’t like it. Now I love it. Sometimes things need time to So again, it’s about creating an experience. grow on you.” “I like space,” he says “the way space works in rela“The demographic of my clients is that they are per- tion to how it affects people. Whatever I design, I sonalities,” he says. “They have an identity, and they just hope it feels exciting and suggests something are often creative people themselves. I want them more to come.” luxuryhomequarterly.com
DE CÁRDENAS’ ARCHITECTURE AT LARGE BALANCES ART AND COMMERCE As the founder of Architecture at Large, Rafael de Cárdenas faces the ancient dichotomy: Art versus commerce. His creativity is the source of his business. But having paying clients requires him to channel that creativity. He was given total freedom when he designed the New York boutique of O.H.W.O.W. “(Co-founder) Aaron Bondaroff and I are childhood friends,” de Cárdenas says, “we didn’t even show them what we were doing...But there’s a certain branding element with O.H.W.O.W. and working with that keeps them growing and keeps me growing.” He knew a disorienting space with black-and-white geometry and strategic lighting would induce the heterotopic state the gallery embraces: Like an iceberg at dusk, a stark, in-between experience. Then there was Jeanine Lobell, a celebrity makeup artist with a husband, four kids, and two dogs, who hired de Cárdenas to design her home interior. “She told me, ‘Everything expensive has to be on the ceiling,” de Cárdenas says. “Everything on the floor has to be hoseable.” “I have a kind of exuberant ability to do whatever I want with a project,” he says. “I don’t really do commercialism…still, I’m a business person at the end of the day.”
LIKE CHIC TOY BLOCKS FURNITURE PHOTOS: JOHNSON TRADING GALLERY / CONNIE ZHOU; DE CARDENAS PHOTO: TIM BARBER
De Cárdenas’ First Furniture Collection Expresses His Appreciation of Angles Rafael de Cárdenas calls his furniture collection “a magic garden,” and it does seem that the diamond-shaped cabinet has sprouted legs and arms and is likely to start talking any minute. After designing clothes and interiors, de Cárdenas, whose first collection of furniture was released in May 2011 at Johnson Trading Gallery, manages to be both stark and whimsical. Each piece comprises geometric shapes and contrasting colors—triangles, rectangles, and cylinders stuck together like furniture made of giant toy blocks. CABINET - HULK Cabinet Series USA, 2011 Painted plywood 77”L x 30”D x 84”H
But de Cárdenas also employs some of his more sophisticated design elements such as finishing the console table—two triangles joined at the vertices—with razzle-dazzle. This pattern was created by the British Navy in World War II to
CONSOLE Taped Series USA, 2011 Painted MDF, tape 66”L x 15”D x 30”H
confound the German U2 submarines. Painted all over the ship, the disorienting stripes and triangles mingled with the waves and threw off perspective about the size, shape and whereabouts of the ship. “The collection stems from an interest in painfully simple triangular forms and using surface treatments in various ways to adjust ‘volume’,” de Cárdenas says. “ Each form in the collection has at least one other version treated differently in terms of color and surface, suggesting various moods for each.” He likes angular shapes because of their “facility for creating distorted sight lines. Such indeterminacy suggests a dream state and enhances a mood.”
DIAMOND BENCH Black Meets Plywood Series USA, 2011 Painted plywood, bolster pillows 96”L x 20”D x 32.5”H
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RHYTHM & HUES Stanford House: A story told through the eyes of an architect 92
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WORDS BY EUGENIA M. ORR
PHOTOS BY TIMOTHY DUNFORD
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IRONCLAD Guests enter one of many courtyards through customdesigned iron gates, which are flanked by natural stucco piers and courtyard walls that are topped with custom-made, cut-stone caps. The lantern shown here as well as the one in the herb garden is made by Murray’s Iron Works (murraysiw.com).
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INNER LIGHTS The living room’s French doors look out through the loggia’s arched openings directly to the lake beyond, which comes to the rear terrace that the loggia opens onto, allowing the “dappled” light that reflects off the water to enter directly through the living room’s glass doors. Therefore, there is always a nice ambient light in the living room during daylight hours.
A
rchitect Ken Tate is an intellectual, a writer, poet, and musician. As with each home that he designs, the Stanford House, in Jackson, Mississippi, is an architectural creation that tells a story, displays a rhythmic sonnet flow, resonates in the soul, and stimulates the mind. Named one of the “AD 100,” Architectural Digest’s list of the top architects and interior designers, Tate continues to create architecture that is transcendent in its beauty and timelessness.
An intuitive classicist, Tate is inspired by the architecture of old and looks to the past when designing. “The classical and traditional works on so many levels,” explains Tate. “With those styles you have history on your side. Everybody likes classical architecture, even if they are a modernist.” 94
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One project that Tate has on the table is an Italian Mediterranean villa in New Orleans. Originally based in Jackson, Mississippi, Tate, now in New Orleans, designs homes all over the South. He provides a fresh perspective with each design solution that breaks away from local housing styles. This innovation helped Tate win the Italian Mediterranean villa project. “I decided I didn’t want to be a society architect of one particular city,” says Tate. “I strive for diversity in all my designs.” Another way that Tate keeps his architecture diverse is by pursuing and taking projects that are different. “I’m not going for a particular look. I’m not selling a style; I’m channeling something that has already been done,” he says. Part of Tate’s channeling process is a reinterpretation that keeps designs crisp. For Tate, architecture should
have an experiential quality, accomplished by subtle stylistic shifts. “Like cooking, architecture should have flavors and spices,”says Tate. “It’s all about substance, materials, and quality.” At the Stanford House, Tate maximized the experiential feel with varied ceiling heights, assorted ceiling treatments, antique stone and tile, and reclaimed wood. The home tells a story, with clay tile from Portugal set in a cabochon pattern in the kitchen, and reclaimed wood, from French châteaus, in various other rooms throughout the house. The walls of the dining room are made from antique pine and custom created by an English fabricator. Tate chose a profile style and designed the rest of the room around the limed antique pine paneling with crown and dentil moldings. The wall paneling was first asluxuryhomequarterly.com
POETIC PEFECTION Clockwise from top left: The kitchen herb garden has a covered porch with French doors that open from the entrance gallery and the service entrance hall, as well as the kitchen itself. All of the wood is timber-framed, salvaged white oak joined with mortise and tenon joints. // This beautifully landscaped courtyard has pergola columns, which are built with the roughly squared Texas limestone and support classical antique oak timbers, which in turn support wisteria vines. // The 15-foot-ceiling living room has a large opening from the entrance hall (seen here with a triptych artwork). All of the trim in the living room is custom-cut Texas limestone, and the walls are smooth troweled plaster. The stone mantle, which comes from Origines in France (origines.fr), is from 1756. // In the kitchen, the overhead beams are slightly sandblasted salvaged heartpine; they frame the light well that terminates into a timber-frame cupola. Tate designed the island, which was made from salvaged English pine and incorporates legs from pews from a fifteenth-century English Chapel. The clay flooring is antique tile from Portugal. FALL 2011
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“Like writing a novel, logic dictates the structure while intuition fuels the beauty.” —KEN TATE, PRINCIPAL
ELEGANT ENTRYWAY The front doors lead directly into the entrance gallery, which runs across the front of the house. The high plaster barrel-vault extends from one end to the other. Midway, an antique-oak and hand-blown-glass doorway (with narrow French doors and a “thermal” transom) separates the primary entrance gallery from an art gallery. All of the trim (casing, bases, and cornices) in this space are custom-cut Texas limestone—it and all of the cut-stone on this house are made by Christie Cutstone Company (christiecutstone.com), in Memphis. The flooring is antique limestone paving from France; antique stone luxuryhomequarterly.com HOME QUARTERLY FALLprovided 2011 96 piecesLUXURY throughout the home were by Origines in France (origines.fr).
GRAND GESTURE Guests enter the courtyard, which has Oklahoma flagstone paving as well as an antique fountain from Provence in France. The exterior materials of the house are natural stucco, which has a color derived from yellow sand.
sembled in England and then shipped in pieces to Jackson. The result is a handsome room that envelopes diners in warmth and richness and is large enough to accommodate 12 at two tables. “The room looks like an old room, but instead, it is a new room using old materials,” says Tate. “We were trying to create a feeling in the room and give it soul, not for boastfulness, but to accomplish a particular look and feel.” Tate wanted a strong feeling of architecture in the kitchen, along with the stone corbels and hood over the stove and furniture-grade pine island, so that there is a truncated, pyramidal light well with a glass cupola on top that floods the entire kitchen with natural light. The light well and the rest of the ceiling are highlighted with salvaged pine beams that were sandblasted for cleaning, but otherwise left in their natural state. “Everything was left natural and untreated for a tactile experience,” says Tate. Tate parallels the design of the Stanford House to writing a novel. Each room is a character with its own chapter and its own theme. Instead of using words to develop the characters and plot,
the story unfolds visually, using textures, shapes, lines, and other architectural elements. “The climax of the Stanford House is the living room with the antique oak beams that are pickled for texture,” says Tate. The living room also has an antique stone mantelpiece and arched French doors leading to a large loggia. Tate wanted the transition from room to room to also be experiential. One main hallway has a barrel-vaulted ceiling. “I wanted to give the home something extra besides another long hallway,” says Tate. The walls and ceiling are plaster with stone detailing. The gallery is interrupted with a glass transom and sidelights that are glass and oak instead of the pine that was used in much of the rest of the home. “It felt right to put an oak detail in the hallway. It matches with the front door and it felt right,” says Tate. “Like writing a novel, logic dictates the structure while intuition fuels the beauty.” The exterior of the Stanford House is the perfect framing for the elegance and sophistication of the interior spaces. The front of the home is understated with a farmhouse look to blend in with the rest of the homes in the area. The grand gesture
created at the rear of the home, which faces a lake, features an arched colonnade, custom-designed and custom-cut from Texas limestone. The roof of the home is salvaged Vermont weathering green slate, known for its lifetime durability. The main house had been completed in 2001, but the owners wanted to expand the master suite and acquired the house next door to use for guest bedrooms. In 2005, Tate was called to create a master suite on the second floor of the main home and a guest house connected through a gallery. This second phase also included a lower-level media room and a pool pavilion in front of the guest house. The Stanford House gained 5,000 square feet in addition to the main house’s 7,000 square feet. For Tate, designing homes is a combination of writing a poem, composing a symphony and painting a masterpiece. His goal is to design spaces that evoke feelings and surround occupants with beauty. He describes beauty as the difference between poetry and Morse code: you can survive on Morse code, but you wouldn’t have any beauty in the communication. Like great poetry, beautiful homes are to be experienced and felt.
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PHOTO: RAIMUND KOCH
FLUID FORM One Jackson Square’s glass façade is carried through to the lobby, where undulating glass is replaced with wood, lending a warm atmosphere to the space. The walls of the lobby are likened to the banks of a river. Just as a river’s edge is eroded by the flow of water, the layered bamboo walls of the lobby are carved and smoothed by the ebb and flow of residents. luxuryhomequarterly.com
MAKING WAVES KOHN PEDERSON FOX ASSOCIATES ESTABLISH A NEW FIXTURE IN NEW YORK CITY’S HISTORIC GREENWICH VILLAGE WITH ONE JACKSON SQUARE, AN ORGANIC-INSPIRED RESIDENTIAL COMPOUND WITH SERIOUS SWAGGER. text by David Hudnall
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HI-RISE
NEED TAG
F
EXTERIOR, OPPOSITE PAGE ELEVATOR INTERIOR AND WAITING AREA PHOTOS: RAIMUND KOCH
VILLAGE PEOPLE Located in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village, One Jackson Square responds in dramatic fashion to its celebrated locale. This historic district is home to the highest concentration of early architecture in New York City, and introducing new structures to this intricate fabric must respect its existing architecture, the artistic life within its boundaries, and the history that permeates its streets.
or decades following the construction of the Sixth Avenue subway line in New York, the lot at the corner of 13th Street and 8th Avenue in Greenwich Village—a prized piece of Manhattan real estate if there ever was one—sat undeveloped. “Having the subway underneath just made it too expensive for a developer to recoup the structural costs in rent,” says Bill Pedersen, design principal and one of the founders of the global design firm Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF). “It’d been a parking lot since the early 1940s.”
But as real estate values ascended in the 1990s and 2000s, the market reached a point where the financials began to make sense. The lot was prime for development. In 2005, KPF was hired to evaluate the site, and eventually Pedersen and Trent Tesch, a design principal at the firm, were selected to create the structure that would become One Jackson Square.
The subway was only one of a number of challenges to the undertaking, though. Since the property is located in a historic district, its design had to pass approval from the city’s Landmarks Preservation Commission—and the community’s residents. “The board was very helpful and progressive in terms of getting us approval,” says Tesch. “But you also have to reach out to community groups for involvement and feedback. And of course, nobody ever wants anything built in their backyard, so that process was long and difficult. But ultimately we were successful at the landmarks and political levels, and that was enough.”
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SITE CHALLENGES Formerly a surface parking lot, the six-sided, split-zone site above two subway tunnels posed significant challenges, which the design negotiates through its massing, material expression, and robust foundation.
THE TEAMS
APARTMENT INTERIOR PHOTO: PAUL RIVERA; EXTERIORS AND CENTER ELEVATOR PHOTOS: MICHAEL MORAN
STREET STYLE The bands of glass identify individual floors, creating a ribbon-like series of convexities and concavities along the street wall.
The Right Angles Inside One Jackson Square, the design follows the unpredictable lead of the exterior; a twisting bamboo plywood tunnel greets visitors in the lobby. Other interior public spaces—elevator cabs, the gym room, corridors—echo the lobby’s neutral earth tones. The units also shy away from consistency. “The idea was to keep things very orthogonal throughout,” says Tesch. For instance, glass dimensions per room in the building are all variable and there’s “lots of flex for interior planning.” The kitchens are custom by Molteni (molteni.com) and feature cabinetry crafted with a red walnut veneer. Other amenities include Miele (miele.com) dishwasher, Sub-Zero (subzero-wolf.com) refrigerator/ freezer, Miele gas cooktop, range hood in stainless steel finish venting to outside, and two zone Sub-Zero wine cooler.
LAP OF LUXURY Each residence features wide-plank, solid white oak wood flooring in a natural finish. Duplex residences, such as this one, feature 22’ ceilings in double-height entertaining and living spaces. The corner duplex apartment interiors are designed by David (mrarch.com). LUXURY HOME QUARTERLY FALL 2011 102 Mann
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PHOTO: PAUL RIVERA
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CLEAN AND SIMPLE The interiors of the One Jackson Square penthouse are an elegant, understated backdrop for the natural beauty of Jackson Square Park.
The firm refers to One Jackson Square’s design concept as “organic modernism.” It includes a series of landscaped terraces outside and a wobbly glass exterior that has very little precedent in modern architecture. “We wanted glass, but we also wanted to avoid the appearance of an office building,” says Tesch. “So we staggered the glass so it reads differently depending on whether it’s the morning, afternoon, or evening.”
URBAN OASIS All of the duplex apartments have private southwestfacing terraces with Ipe wood decking.
“We didn’t prefer to think of the Village as a museum; we didn’t see any reason to copy the existing typologies and patterns of the architecture there,” he continues. “We thought of the Village more as a living organism that we were adding a 21st century addition to.”
INTERIOR PHOTOS: MICHAEL MORAN; EXTERIOR PHOTO: PAUL RIVERA
In order to accommodate zoning requirements, the structure drops down from eleven stories to seven stories in the center. KPF saw it as an opportunity to mix objectives within one building. “We wanted to relate the lower floors to the street level so that they would seem to blend with the park,” says Tesch. “The middle floors we oriented to the rooflines of the Village. And for the tower apartments, which have 360-degree views, it was about relating it to the skyline of the entire city. So there’s a nice scale as you rise the stack of the building.” Gorgeous and progressive as the building is—to say nothing of the 6,000-square-foot penthouse that occupies the top two floors—One Jackson Square is nothing too far out of the ordinary for KPF. Founded in 1976, it’s now one of the most preeminent architectural firms on the globe. Its staff of more than 500 (70 of whom are LEED-accredited architects) have overseen projects in 35 different countries. In New York alone, KPF is a part of such high-profile projects as the Hudson Yards master plan and renovations to the Museum of Modern Art. “We did the World Financial Center in Shanghai, too, which was the world’s tallest building at the time,” says Pedersen. “That was a real high rise. With Jackson Square, we saw a neighborhood—Greenwich Village—where exceptional buildings had come together in the past and should continue to come together moving forward.”
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“We wanted glass, but we also wanted to avoid the appearance of an office building. So we staggered the glass so it reads differently depending on whether it’s the morning, afternoon, or evening.”
PHOTO: COURTESY WWW.OZONEZONEBOOKS.COM
–TRENT TESCH, DESIGN PRINCIPAL
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The designers at Elite Cabinetry are devoted to the creation of practical spaces. Spaces as lovely to work and live in as they are to look at. Hand finishes on furniture-quality cabinets, available exclusively from Downsview, allows for an individualized approach throughout your home. Beyond the kitchen, Elite Cabinetry takes pride in being at the forefront of bathroom, library, breakfast bar, wet bar and outdoor kitchen design. Our experienced team of designers has the talent and skills to bring you today’s most innovative ideas. THE BEST WAY TO VIEW OUR PRODUCTS IS IN YOUR HOME.
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Tailored Details KURTZ HOMES BUILDS RELATIONSHIPS AND HOUSES IN NAPLES, FLORIDA WORDS BY BRIDGET ESANGGA
PHOTOS BY CJ WALKER
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A
n unwavering commitment to clients’ interests propelled Kurtz Homes to become one of the most respected general contractors for custom homes in Naples, Florida. Often clients’ first point of contact, owner Randy Kurtz and his team get to know their clients’ visions for their homes and help them to assemble a team with good working chemistry and a mastery of the desired architectural style. Ron and Randy Kurtz founded Kurtz Homes in 1982. Over decades of working with his son, Ron passed down a belief that this is not a brick-and-mortar business. It is a people business where building relationships with tradespeople and earning clients’ trust are the keys to success. “My father’s guidance helped set the standards for the company we became and still are. He entered the building business right out of high school and worked his way up from carpenter to business owner,” says Randy Kurtz. Randy Kurtz personally gets involved in every project from the beginning and stays with clients beyond completion. This level of service requires him to limit the number of projects the company takes on at
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a given time. The payoff is a group of satisfied clients, many of whom remain friends and even travel with Kurtz after their homes are complete. With a 28-year history of building in Naples, Florida, Kurtz Homes has developed a portfolio including an array of architectural styles popular in the state, from traditional Mediterranean to modern to casual coastal. “The architectural styles we build are dictated by what the client wants,” Kurtz says. “It’s important to choose a builder and architect who understand all the details needed to create a home of authentic architecture.” Kurtz Homes leverages its working relationships to help clients select the architect, landscape and interior designers, lighting expert, and security planner. Then the company creates a schedule to help coordinate all activities and ensure that milestones are met. One of Kurtz Homes’s most striking examples of the Mediterranean style is a 9,800-squarefoot Tuscan Villa on the Gulf of Mexico. The beauty of the residence is not lost on Randy Kurtz, but he said that he is most proud of his RANDY KURTZ relationship with the client. The young couple was unable to be on site during most of the construction. They trusted Kurtz and the entire team to act in their best interest. This led to a big moment when the clients visited the completed
ESTATE HOME Kurtz Homes was the general contractor for this 6,000-square-foot private residence designed by Dan Sater, AIBD (saterdesign.com), and interior designer Christina Porter Forbes of Accessories Etc (accetc. net). Set off the coast in a prominent neighborhood in Naples, Florida, it is a classic representation of the state’s coastal style. The clients wanted a home that would be gracious for entertaining, comfortable for the family, and ensure a maximum amount of personal privacy. They were involved in planning every detail and visited the site often during construction. The home features a traditional dining room, a study, and a club room styled after an Irish pub with a home movie theater, billiards table, and adjacent outdoor cigar bar. The first-floor master suite has a private staircase to both the exercise room and the library on the second floor. Interior detailing includes paneled columns and pilasters, land and seascape murals, and a custom wine cellar with hand-painted accents. A master cabinet maker completed detailed library shelves and cabinets and custom cabinetry for the entire home. The back of the home includes an indoor/outdoor living area with a fireplace, grill and a formal swimming pool.
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Regal Retreat This beautiful Beaux-Arts inspired Naples home reflects the luxury and sophistication of the golden years. The leisure room (below) has dual sets of cornerless sliding glass doors that open to views of both the pool and the entry courtyard. The master suite with sitting room beyond (opposite page).
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Grand Views Formal living room (below left) with carved stone fireplace has a view to the gulf over the infinity edge of the top level of the three-level pool. Second-floor sitting area off of the family room (top left), is adjacent to the outdoor living room.
“IT’S IMPORTANT TO CHOOSE A BUILDER AND ARCHITECT WHO UNDERSTAND ALL THE DETAILS NEEDED TO CREATE A HOME OF AUTHENTIC ARCHITECTURE.” RANDY KURTZ, OWNER home for the first time. Their reaction? “She cried because she was so happy,” says Kurtz, who was there to open the door for the occasion. Kurtz Homes has also completed custom estates in the traditional Florida-coastal style, such as the 6,000-square-foot residence designed by Dan Sater, AIBD, of the Sater Group, and interior designer Christina Porter Forbes of Accessories Etc. The home’s detailing includes murals, master-crafted library shelves and cabinetry, and a custom wine cellar.
preparing for the future. He sees the architectural trends in the region shifting away from Mediterranean to more modern architecture, and his company is poised to handle those requests. Twice a year he meets with a group of colleagues to share new strategies and stories. While he is proud of the work his company has done, Kurtz strives to build on his success by maintaining strong relationships and creating new ones.
In addition to consultation, planning and project management, Kurtz Homes offers a concierge service that helps the owners care for their homes after they are built. The company creates a plan tailored to a client’s specific needs. It can include weekly walk-throughs, hurricane preparations, pool and lawn maintenance, airport pickups, grocery shopping, flower delivery and more. “We have an exceptional staff. I refer to Kurtz Homes as ‘our’ company,” says Kurtz. “We work with some of the finest architects and interior designers. We work as a team with the client and for the client.” Today Kurtz is honoring his company’s past, but
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The firm’s emphasis is always on providing the right level of service for the clients’ needs while creating the most beautiful and useful gardens and outdoor spaces. Its landscape architects embrace your visions and dreams and with talent and creativity make them real. Let Felt Tip Design Group, Inc. bring beauty to your life.
BEACHFRONT HOME This 9,800-square-foot Mediterranean villa, situated in one of the most prestigious waterfront communities of Naples, Florida, was designed by John Cooney, AIA, of Stofft Cooney Architects (stofft.com). Kurtz Homes served as the general contractor. Because of its waterfront location, the home had to be raised above sea level and built to withstand the wind and rain of a hurricane. Outside, it includes authentic Tuscan detailing such as cypress corbels and brackets, coquina columns and pilasters, and a clay-tile roof. A groinvaulted breezeway covers the entrance into the guest quarter. The traditional Italian style echoes through the interior, designed by Leigh Evans of Decorators Unlimited (decoratorsunlimited.com). The open floor plan includes a VIP guest suite, home theater, club room, and butler’s pantry. Hand-painted and specialty wall finishes complete the old-world feel while hand-carved stone columns, mosaic flooring, and a curved stone and iron staircase add a sense of excitement. And the glass-tiled, twolevel heated pool at the back of the property overlooks the Gulf of Mexico while a cypress trellis provides shade.
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THE PLANS A showcase of sleek, modern architecture —from plans to completion A
A ROOM WITH A VIEW RESIDENCE
B
THE FRICK RESIDENCE
C
RAINEY STREET RESIDENCE
KRDB AUSTIN ARCHITECT CHRIS KRAGER REFLECTS A MODERNIST SENSIBILITY by Kaleena Thompson How does one go from running a mortgage broker firm in Illinois to owning an architectural firm in Texas? “I realized it wasn’t for me,” reveals Chris Krager, principal of Austin-based KRDB, who managed a mortgage firm for four years. He eventually retired from banking and moved to Austin to seek a master’s degree in architecture. “I wanted to build, and the University of Texas had a good balance of theory and practice.” Krager received hands-on architectural experience from several distinguished architects, before he and his friend Chris Robertson formed Krager Robertson Design Build (KRDB) in 2001. Coming from a middle-income family in the Midwest, Krager’s mission was to offer modern design at an affordable price. His method to architecture, however, included more than just the architect’s role. “I wanted to combine my analytical skills and creative skills within architecture into a design-build firm,” he says. “I always saw the vertically integrated package as the best business model, where we act as developer, designer, and builder.”
TRIO KRDB designed A Room with a View Residence to have three distinctive, yet complimentary, volumes.
The firm’s first project in Central Austin, built under Austin’s SMART housing program, garnered much local and national attention and set the tone for the practice. In 2004, when Robertson amicably left the firm, Krager was able to extend the company’s portfolio. “I did more spec work,” he tells, working by the inspirational adage “Build it and they will come.” For KRDB, designing a quality home is more important than size. “A well-designed 1,500-squarefoot house will live much larger than its size,” he
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HIGHLIGHTS The stairwell features a double polygal window that provides abundant light throughout the home while maintaining privacy from the neighbors. Within this soaring three-story space is an open-riser staircase, composed of steel and reclaimed glulam treads.
A Room with a View Residence
Dressed in smooth stucco, the public living areas contain the open kitchen, dining, and living rooms. Large sliding glass doors allow the space to open onto the adjacent side-yard pool and landscaped patio. Clad in rich Massaranduba rainscreen, the private sleeping area cradles an east-facing balcony that overlooks a protected view to the sunrise. “Doubling as a convection chimney for passive cooling, a metal clad circulation volume intersects the public and private spaces providing efficient circulation throughout,” Krager describes.
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PHOTOS: CHANDLER PRUDE
This 2,300-square-foot project is on an infill lot on a geographic high point called Swede Hill in central Austin. The position of the property allows the house to take advantage of the views, but not overshadow its surroundings. Composed of three distinct volumes, Krager designed the home to “complement each other both materially and programmatically.”
THE PLANS
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A ROOM WITH A VIEW RESIDENCE
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NAMESAKE Rooftop deck with panoramic views of Austin. “The deciduous Post oaks to the west shade the roof deck in the summer, and in the winter lend to the views of downtown Austin, the capital, and the University of Texas,” says Krager.
FIRST FLOOR
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A minimalist masterpiece in Barton Heights, this design took the place of an old house that was removed off the site. It is now home to an investment banker and his artist wife. The design comprises a series of 16-foot structural steel bays wrapped with a metal-clad SIP cowl. Within the cowl, the 1,600-squarefoot home is volumized with tigerwood and glazing, while the studio is defined by integral color stucco. A 700-square-foot office at the front of the house is the owner’s virtual front porch, which boasts spectacular views of passerbys. The private master suite is clad in rich maple millwork. When it came to the master bathroom, Krager designed his-and-her bathrooms. He juxtaposed high clerestory windows on the western wall of the suite and the bathroom to bring light in. Floor-to-ceiling blue glass mosaic tile wraps from the shower out past the floating vanity.
SHOW HALL A generous hallway that doubles as a gallery for the wife’s art collection. A series of large north facing monitors in the studio and living room provide ambient light.
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Sustainable features abound in the Frick home, including SIPS panel walls, light gauge steel interior framing, a high-efficiency heat pump, HVAC, a tankless H20, and thermally broken low-e windows.
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LIVING ROOM PHOTOS: CASEY DUNN; HALLWAY PHOTO: PATRICK WONG
The Frick Residence
THE PLANS
“The clients were looking for a modestly sized and scaled home and studio that was finely executed and detailed in a clean yet materially rich manner.”
EXTERIOR POOL AND STUDIO PHOTOS: PATRICK WONG; EXTERIOR ENTRY PHOTOS: CASEY DUNN
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CHRIS KRAGER, PRINCIPAL
WORKSPACE A studio tailored for an artist is the southern leg of the “Z”, and wraps around the pool, with a large corner window facing a huge oak tree. “Two light monitors top this structure and a leave out in the slab allows for a floating wood floor, allowing the artist to stand in comfort during the long hours of work,”says Krager.
THE FRICK RESIDENCE
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Rainey Street Residence KRDB designed a modern oasis for a couple in the historic district of downtown Austin. “The clients had very specific thoughts and ideas about how they would live in the home,” Krager says. “It is just the two of them, but they entertain quite a bit.” Krager designed the 7,000 square-foot home with private areas upstairs and a large, open public area downstairs.
OPEN FACE Dark-stained wood ceilings abound throughout the house.
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The lot is narrow, so the building has a “sideyard” configuration with rooms justified to one side of the south side of the lot and opening up to the yard on the north. Krager designed the home to be a long bar, clad in hardboard, that is intersected by a two-story CMU volume at the entry. “Given that the site is in a historic district, the building’s materials, scale, and general sensibility had to fit in and go before a review committee,” notes Krager. “The single slope roof, hardie-lap siding, and second-floor front porch were all considered variations on the traditional language of the neighborhood.”
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Entry Two Story Space Media Room Server Closet Guest Bath Living/Dining/Kitchen Storage Utility Apartment Garage Main Garage Side Yard/Patio Indoor/Outdoor Firplace Apartment Living Area Apartment Bedroom Apartment Bath Apartment Closet Second Floor Deck Master Bedroom Glass Catwalk Master Closet Master Bath Library Open to Room Below Front Patio Crow’s Nest
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PHOTOS: PATRICK WONG
THIRD FLOOR
THE PLANS
WALKING ON AIR A structural glass catwalk adjacent to the north facing curtain wall joins the master bedroom upstairs to a library that overlooks the two-story space. The space opens to the side yard through a set of 16-foot sliding glass doors.
asserts. “When it comes to what goes into the house, first invest in the items that will make your home perform more efficiently, for a longer period of time.” Inspired by architect greats, such as Rudolph Schindler, and progressive design, Krager takes modern custom design to the masses. He reveals that keeping the costs down while keeping the design above a certain standard may be challenging, but it’s very rewarding. One of Krager’s recent projects, a 2,300-squarefoot central Austin home, boasts a balance of costeffective yet modern design. Custom millwork is featured throughout the home, fashioned of walnut and cherry plywood. A wine cellar is reached through a door at the back of the walk-in pantry and is visible through a peek-a-boo window in the kitchen. “Concrete floors were diamond polished
“I wanted to combine my analytical skills and creative skills within architecture into a design-build firm.” CHRIS KRAGER, PRINCIPAL to reveal the aggregate and provide a terrazzo effect,” Krager describes.
floors, CMU, and hardie-board, but retains a cheerful contemporary personality.
With innovative materials and even better design, Krager is shaping Austin with simple, yet sophisticated style. When it came to a 1,600-square-foot home in Barton Heights, he channeled the owner’s occupation as an artist to design a sleek, ultra-modern home. “The clients were looking for a modestly sized and scaled home and studio that was finely executed and detailed in a clean yet materially rich manner,” Krager tells. “The house was built around an existing swimming pool and articulated in a 16-foot steel structural bay that has a ‘z’ shape. The canted façade of the public leg of the ‘z’ shape gives the façade an extra dynamic at street view.”
Building green has become a hallmark of the firm. Over the past five years, Krager has designed, developed, and his business partner Russ Becker has built a net-zero subdivision. Krager’s development, SOL (Solutions Oriented Living) consists of modern homes with photovoltaic arrays on the rooftops, extra-dense insulation, and highly efficient heating and cooling. Ranging from 930 square feet to 1,800 square feet, 40 percent of the project will be affordable units with 20 percent sold at subsidized prices and 20 percent reserved for a local nonprofit to rent out. “It’s an opportunity to explore a model of development that proposes holistic sustainability, involving the social and economic components.”
Not only does Krager’s architectural style transcend a normal layout, but it couples high-efficient spaces with an eco-conscious ethos. A home on Rainey Street in Central Austin features tankless H2O heaters, high-efficiency HVAC, concrete
Krager’s design practices poise his Austin firm at the leading edge of a new movement that proves custom-designed homes can be affordable and green.
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PROVIDING CONCEPTS AND PROGRAMS FOR DELUXE HOMES
LOVELY LOOKOUT Clear cedar rake boards with shingled sweeps in the foreground. The view from the master-bedroom deck (right) includes vistas of Block Island Sound, the Watch Hill lighthouse.
Watch Hill Craftsmen Work Magic Working with an old house requires understanding the past, McKinley said. For example, you can’t use as much glass as some people would like without compromising the Victorian aesthetic. He happily discovered local craftsmen who provided exceptional authentic work. Tom Buxton of T.F. Buxton Ltd. (tfbuxton.com) built the house. A master woodworker, Buxton created the flared eaves, the large wood arch on the main façade and the circular wood turret bay window.“Most builders would not be able to do this,” McKinley said. “It was a test of great prowess.” He was also impressed with Dotolo Brothers Custom Masonry (dotolobros. com), who learned from previous generations of Italian stone workers. They found and quarried Connecticut granite with its distinct coloration of yellows, greens, and grays, McKinley said. They laid a foundation for the house with no apparent mortar and the stones so tight you couldn’t slip paper between them. They also built the homes’ many fireplaces.
COASTAL ARCHITECT REVIVES A PIECE OF RHODE ISLAND HISTORY by Susan Lahey The house belongs where it sits on the Atlantic coast, with weathered shingles, graceful wooden arches, and its organic collection of corners and curves. It feels like a ship or a barn that’s always been in this historic town. In fact, this shinglestyle house in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, has been around for 125 years. When it was built in 1886,
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shingle-style architecture was sweeping the coasts. Some believed that its simplicity was a backlash against the flamboyance of traditional Victorian design, but coastal architect Michael McKinley believes that the elaborate paint jobs and gingerbread of classic Victorian homes would have been no match for Atlantic storms.
McKinley, principal of Michael McKinley and Associates, LLC, in Stonington, Connecticut, specializes in luxury coastal homes. Originally from the Midwest, McKinley studied at Brown University and received his degree from Rhode Island School of Design. After school, he found design work in Boston and worked on high-profile projects such
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PHOTOS: KINDRA CLINEFF
Michael McKinley and Associates, LLC
When the current owner’s grandparents bought the house in 1946, they did away with the shingles and clad the house in what McKinley called the “super materials” of the 1950s, aluminum siding and storm windows. A few years ago, their grandson decided to restore the old family vacation home, but he wasn’t sure how to tackle it. Fortunately, he contacted McKinley who is well versed not only in shingle-style architecture, but in the persnickety requirements of the coastal building codes.
ARCHITECTS
as the Providence Convention Center and Hotel. He visited Stonington while working on a project and fell in love, both with the area and with a TV anchorwoman who would become his wife. Now, he focuses on coastal residential design, a specialty many architects avoid because it requires close collaboration with the client. His company designs both the exterior and the interior. “Some people really don’t like the idea of having to shop around for different people to do the design in the luxury home,” McKinley said. “Usually the interior takes just as long or longer to do as the outside.” Because of his expertise and unified design process, McKinley says that his firm usually gets the most difficult, complicated jobs. “No one ever comes to us and says, ‘We want a simple house, located there.’” Not only are the projects inherently complex, but coastal areas present unique challenges such as newer zoning, environmental restrictions, storm-worthy structural design, aesthetic requirements, and, in a place such as Watch Hill, historic integrity. McKinley said that the owner of the Watch Hill house “wasn’t sure if we could keep the original building. And neither was I at first.” McKinley knew that if they had torn the house down, to meet modern code, the new home in its place would have been only two stories, instead of the original three. And it would have lost some of its magnificent ocean views. But they were able to save the house.
not be in the dining room. But from that point, the design moved with the family.” Technically, a shingle home describes only the home’s exterior siding. But by tradition, shinglestyle homes are informal and simple, with few windows and asymmetrical roof lines.The shingle style is a surface style that has been applied to Victorian, colonial, or other major architectural styles. Prominent features include deep recessed porches, eyebrow windows, diamond shingles, and asymmetrical informality. “There’s a sort of ramble and almost historical development within the house. It’s a very forgiving process,” McKinley explains. But while everyone is pleased with how the house turned out, it worked because they had plenty of time and leeway. “It was not a project for the faint of heart,” McKinley says.
OCEANFRONT The large deck off the master bedroom offers magnificent views of Block Island Sound and also provides shade to the patio below. From the all-white beach-house bathroom there are dramatic ocean views from a pair of Marvin windows (marvin. com) above the Kohler pedestal sink (kohler.com).
The owner had few set notions about what to do with it. He wanted a wing added. He wanted to modernize the kitchen, some bedrooms and bathrooms. And he rejected the “great room” concept.“We were actually able to incorporate the spirit of the (floor) plan,” McKinley said. “It is an old-fashioned Victorian plan. Instead of great rooms and big vistas, there are several parlors and rooms the kids could go to and have dinner and
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The Warner Group Architects, Inc.
FIREPLACE FURNISHINGS At the Strand residence, the bedroom fireplace was specifically designed to fit with a reclaimed French limestone mantel. The framed mirror above conceals a TV, and matching armoires flank the stonework to hold A/V equipment and provide storage space.
SOPHISTICATED, EFFICIENT ARCHITECTURE WITH A COSMOPOLITAN TOUCH
Jack Lionel Warner, founder of The Warner Group Architects, Inc., in Santa Barbara, California, is known for using clean and simple lines in his bold designs. With a strong sense of vision and mission already in place after nearly half a century of work, the firm now focuses on bringing the same artisan qualities to every project it undertakes. His vision is so timeless that the full-service architectural and interior-design firm’s recent major renovations to Birnam Wood Golf Club, in Montecito, California—also Mr. Warner’s first project in 1966, one that ended up springboarding his career—fit the structure’s original design seamlessly and efficiently. The Warner Group is known for overcoming extreme challenges—such as creating a 7,000-square-foot beach house on a lot only 33 feet wide in Manhattan Beach, California. “Our clients wanted an excellent view of the ocean,” says CEO Thiep H. Cung, AIA. “Ordinarily,
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that would mean a contemporary style with lots of glass, but they preferred an Italian/Mediterranean approach.” The firm designed a three-level home and used interior space as efficiently as possible. The three floors are unified by a full-height circular staircase flanked by large windows that maximize natural light. The home’s stone-clad exterior features metalwork, arches, and columns reminiscent of palazzos on Venice’s Grand Canal. “To counteract beach air’s corrosive nature,” says Cung, “all exterior doors, windows, railings, and fittings are solid bronze.” The beach house’s ground floor is a few feet below street level and features a dramatic home theater. “Unlike most of our clients,” says vice president and interior designer Jessica Bridges “we were asked to actually spotlight the audio equipment instead of hiding it.” The same level
also features a 500-bottle wine cellar, a home office, and a guest bedroom. Other highlights of the home include a traditional Finnish sauna, carefully selected reclaimed-limestone flooring and fireplaces from French chateaus, and a five-car garage spacious enough to accommodate the client’s 19-foot-long Rolls-Royce Drophead Coupe, says Bridges. Warner Group’s primary market is a combination of high-end residential spaces and country clubs. Their work can be seen throughout California, Hawaii, Panama, Kuwait, and their newest market, Vietnam. “[Branching out] is what keeps us going in today’s economy,” says Cung. The firm has been on Architectural Digest’s list of the “World’s Top Architects and Interior Designers” four times, and it was on Robb Report’s “Top 30 Architects” list in 2007. Its work—ranging from classical to modern, Italian villa to French chateau—has appeared in many other publications, including Vogue, California Homes, and House Beautiful.
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PHOTOS: ERIC FIGGE
by Frederick Jerant
VIVA ITALIA Designed after canal-front Venetian palazzos, this residence stays true to its Italian theme with columns, arches, arcades, and balconies. It also emphasizes ocean views through large expanses of glass.
Earthform Design is a professional Landscape Architectural services firm based in Santa Barbara, Ca. specializing in site-specific Landscape Architecture for high end residential, commercial and institutional projects. We have over 28 years of experience working with numerous state and local agencies in California, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, and Hawaii, as well as international experience with ongoing projects in Panama and the Middle East.
Warner Group focuses on both architecture and interior design. “We’ve been strong in both areas since 1966,” says Cung. “[By controlling both], we can make sure the architectural work and all aspects of the interior design bring a cohesive solution to the project.” The intricacy of their design work can be seen in a pair of projects for another client, a Laguna Beach, husband and wife with two college-aged children. When their daughter enrolled at Arizona State University (ASU), they purchased loft space in an industrial building a block from campus and asked The Warner Group to make it a home. The firm created “Maxine’s Loft,” a sophisticated 1,200-square-foot two-bedroom apartment. “We made it very modern,” says Cung. In addition to keeping the exposed mechanical work overhead and adding oak-plank floors, the use of mirrors and glass was important. “By using so much glass,” says Cung, “we were able to keep it light and airy. Its openness creates a smooth visual flow through each area.” They
looked to German and Italian companies such as Bulthaup and Rimadesio for the kitchen and interior doors. Just one year later, their son, Adam, entered ASU. His loft was created just one floor above Maxine’s. The 1,400-square-foot space is furnished in “midcentury modern” style, drawing on designs from the 1950s and 1960s. “It has a more rugged, masculine look,” says Cung, “with green marble and slate in the master bath, and native flagstone and other marbles elsewhere.” The clean lines and sharp angles of its décor were softened using earth tones and warm leather. A bonus to the fourth-floor retreat is a 1,000-square-foot outdoor patio. With a lush garden, hot tub, and Arabian-style tents, it’s a sweet getaway that Cung’s firm made sure to own the design of from beginning to end. “The Warner Group has complete involvement in every aspect of a project,” says Cung, “from the initial concept to moving day. It’s the only way we can be sure that everything is carried out to the client’s satisfaction and to ours.”
Our award-winning designs are driven by the needs of our clients, architectural style, site conditions, and sustainability. We are in the business of creating landscapes and gardens that are functional, and long lasting while always keeping beauty and aesthetics in the mix. From concept to construction we have what it takes to see a project through with the utmost attention to detail.
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Rene Robert Mueller Architect & Planner NOTED ARCHITECT’S BREATHTAKING BLEND OF SWISS PRECISION AND AMERICAN INNOVATION
BUILT AROUND NATURE Located in Westchester, New York, the Larchmont Residence was designed with nature in mind. “I created this home in a U-shape not only so spectacular views could be enjoyed from every room, but also so we could bring light in from all directions.” And while brooks, trees, and rocks made the site breathtaking, it also caused its share of challenges. “It was definitely not an easy site to build on, but I think that was the true beauty of it,” explains Mueller.
by Tricia Despres
“Based on my responses, they said I would either become a priest, a dentist, or an architect,” says Mueller, principal of Rene Robert Mueller Architect & Planner, in Riverdale, New York. “And now looking back, it is amazing. I did become an architect who has worked on a number of churches, and much like a dentist, I spend much of my time listening to other people. Each of the professions they claimed I would have a future in comes with its share of importance in detail, which I have always been drawn to my entire life.” Mueller spent much of his childhood drawing and writing, signaling a future in architecture and design. “In Switzerland, I was surrounded by these old buildings from the 1300s that did a lot to inspire me,” says Mueller, who graduated with a bachelor’s degree in architecture and engineering from the Abendtechnikum Zurich in 1978.
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“Ever since then, I’ve had a great interest in these structures and how to treat them. Rehabilitation is key.” In 1979, Mueller relocated to California, and his life was forever changed. “I wanted to see what other worlds looked like,” explains Mueller. “Of course, I couldn’t speak English at the time, and it was a bit tough to adjust to life and the overall building styles in North America. However, it opened a number of doors for me.” His first American project was with the firm now known as SB Architects, where he helped plan the well-known Kiawah Island Windswept development in South Carolina. After working on a number of architectural masterpieces under a number of big name firms, Mueller opened his own firm in 1988. “I wanted to see my own name on these projects,” he says. These days, this small boutique firm specializes in renovations, additions, and new construction. But perhaps the projects that excite him the most are the buildings that take him back to his time growing up in Switzerland. In fact, Mueller’s love for the old has also played an important role in the new construction projects he has had a hand in throughout the years.
Recent projects have included a New York City tool-manufacturing executive’s family compound that Mueller has worked on for the past nine years, including a standalone museum for the homeowner’s steam-engine collection. Other notable projects have included working with the Building Commission of the Archdiocese of New York on a number of churches. Mueller also received an AIA Award for his work on the Cottage, a Swissindustrial-style chalet. His work on the Atelier, a Swiss-barn-style artists’ studio also stands out, along with the Larchmont residence, a 2.5-story single family home spanning over 6,900 square feet, with breathtaking views from every room. “I would say I am known most for my use of vaulted spaces that maximize and enhance the connection between the indoors and outdoors,” says Mueller, who is now working on his sixth restaurant project in the outskirts of Metropolitan New York. “I plan to continue to grow both personally and professionally. No matter what the future holds, I will stick with my ideals of blending sophisticated Swiss precision with American innovation. It’s been my key to success thus far.”
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PHOTOS: RENE MUELLER
At age 15, noted architect Rene Robert Mueller sat down at his desk at his secondary school in Frauenfeld, Switzerland, and took a test, one that promised to tell him what profession he would end up in as an adult. Skeptical that a simple test could somehow predict all that he would end up to be, Mueller continued filling in the little dots and finishing the pictures. When the test was completed, the results astounded him.
“Many times I have built new homes to resemble an old estate,” says Mueller, who works alongside two employees in his firm. “Recreating these historical values can be quite costly, though. Unfortunately, sometimes you have to water the features down a bit for it to be feasible to prospective owners.”
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Waccabuc Residence
DESIGN FIRM BRINGS A PRACTICED EYE TO TIMELESS DESIGNS by Kaleena Thompson From timeless home restorations to new construction, architect Michael Piccirillo and his team have turned out an impressive body of work over the last decade. As a high school student, Piccirillo saw his future in building and design. “By the time I got to college, I leaned toward architecture.” Studying the engineering side of it at the School of Architecture in Philadelphia helped him find solutions to maximize spaces and work in various design styles. After Piccirillo got his feet wet in numerous architecture firms, his entrepreneurial spirit emerged. “I always had the drive to start my own my firm,” he recalls. “Once I got licensed, I started with some side work. As it grew, it made sense to launch my own business. There is a great satisfaction in producing your own work.” For more than 10 years, Shrub Oak, New Yorkbased Michael Piccirillo Architecture (MPA) has
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designed a wide range of high-end residential and small-scale commercial spaces in a traditional aesthetic with a contemporary approach. “I do most projects in Westchester County, where the area leans toward traditional architecture,” he says. Piccirillo’s client base is concentrated in Waccabuc and the surrounding communities. Whether building new or restoring an existing structure, the firm brings a practiced eye to its work. And whether it is a country-style kitchen or a small but elegant bathroom, each project is done to meet the client’s specifications. Piccirillo believes that a successful home design considers the needs of the ultimate homeowner. “We strive to provide the clients with high-quality design. One of the ways we do is offering many options that help clients stay within their budget,” he says. “We’re very creative within their budget. I try to reflect what the client is after. I absorb what they like and complement their taste.”
Five key architectural elements include: 1. Antique trusses in the master bedroom. 2. B arn wood flooring on the first floor. 3. Paneling creates the feel of an older time period. 4. The house is framed in wood clapboard, with an Alaskan yellow shingle roof. 5. The design of the garage doors was based on the concept of an old-century barn, as well as the fireplace designed to reflect the early 1800s.
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PHOTO: JEFF RHODE, MOVING STILL LLC
Michael Piccirillo Architecture
The Waccabuc Residence project was based on the Cape Cod saltbox style, which is very popular in the Hamptons. It was a renovation of an unremarkable home on a beautiful site. Nestled in Waccabuc, Westchester County, New York, the renovation opened the house into a breathable 4,400-square-foot home. Visitors come in through an entry foyer with antique wood flooring and are immediately greeted by a staircase. A living room and dining room are on opposite sides of the entry foyer and connect to the rear kitchen. Once confined from other spaces in the house, the custom-designed kitchen is now the social center of the home. The home features a new mudroom, three bedrooms, and a bonus room. A series of exposed beams give the home a rustic grandeur and height.
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“During restoration projects, every effort is made to create a home that is aesthetically beautiful and historically accurate.”
CREOLE CREATION Shapiro & Company’s Creole House was built by North Alabama-based Mike Mitchell, who ensured that all Creole details were meticulously maintained.
MICHAEL PICCIRILLO, OWNER Designing and building a home is a monumental undertaking, which is why MPA provides clients with services from project conception to completion. Each project begins with schematic design, where the overall needs and desires are assessed. The design development phase includes the initial sketches. During phase three, drawings and specifications are prepared in order to acquire a permit. After bidding and negotiations with general contractors, project construction begins. Piccirillo ensures that each project fulfills the design. A fullservice design firm, MPA also assists the client in obtaining town approvals and in selecting specific materials and products. In addition, Piccirillo empowers clients by providing many opportunities for them to have input on the design. He gives an honest assessment of the budget required to get the job done. Even though the current economy can challenge a client’s budget, it works as a lab for creative architectural ideas. The final product is always authentic, practical, and tailored to the client’s needs. When restoring a home in Waccabuc, MPA transformed a mundane house into an 1800s Cape Cod saltbox-style residence. From the beginning, the owner collaborated on every detail. “She owns horses and has a large pickup truck, so we built a garage that looked like a barn,” says Piccirillo. The traditional floor plan was completely rearranged to accommodate the contemporary needs of the owner. “The master bedroom was placed on the first floor for the owner’s parents,” Piccirillo explains. He did extensive research on the type of moldings, floorboards, and beams of the ninetheenth century. “During restoration projects, every effort is made to create a home that is aesthetically beautiful and historically accurate.” MPA’s emerging Westchester County presence issues the opportunity for growth, which is one of Piccirillo’s goals. Known for his keen attention to detail, Piccirillo has set himself apart from other highly reputable architects. It’s not hard to imagine that he and his firm are on their way to making a broader mark among the elite corners of New York.
ELEMENTARY ELEGANCE The Leeland Residence, located on Lake Leelanau, Michigan, is a newly constructed home, set to resemble the Newport shinglestyle houses of Rhode Island.
Jonathan Lee Architects LUXURY MEETS SIMPLICITY TO CREATE DESIGNS THAT EXHIBIT BEAUTY, RELATE TO NATURE, AND AGE GRACEFULLY by Eugenia M. Orr A background in education has honed the philosophy of architect Jonathan Lee. For Lee, each project, each client, and the process of crafting spaces to suit his clients’ needs and desires presents an ever-changing context to create beauty, luxury, and overall good design. The ultimate goal of every project is to create architectural solutions that not only are aesthetically beautiful, but have beautiful qualities in function. With each design, Lee strives not only to improve the quality of life for his clients, but also to leave behind a body of quality work. “Beauty carries through the test of time and sustains through the generations,” Lee says. “Beauty is a luxury and things of beauty are luxurious. They are there for us to enjoy.” Lee sees luxury as more than just material selections. Luxury is a feeling that comes from a place of comfort and safety. “Luxury can be found in 1,000 square feet or 10,000 square feet. If the surroundings are safe then there is a sense of luxury,” Lee says. He believes that luxury can be incorporated into any home through the smallest of details. The client-architect relationship is a crucial component of Lee’s design approach. “Design is not a
one-way street. My approach is specific to the project and to the client; the design evolves as we get to know one another,” Lee says. The relationshipbuilding process provides Lee with the opportunity to design spaces that are as specific to each client as a fine-tailored suit. “My job is to take my client’s ideas and interpret them, using details that cohesively express those ideas,” he says. Lee’s body of work has been greatly influenced by his life and travels. “I’ve lived on three continents in four different countries and traveled through a lot more along the way,” he says. His observations and experiences have shaped his evolution as an architect. His design solutions are influenced by every structure he has experienced, from small villages in Central Africa to the largest cities in Europe and the United States. Lee uses clues from the past to bring a sense of place to current design. At the Leland Residence, Lee was charged with the task of designing a new home that featured all the comforts and conveniences of modern architecture, but appeared as if it had been there a long time. Set on a Lake Leelanau, Michigan, the home’s design was inspired by the Newport
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“Beauty carries through the test of time and sustains through the generations. Beauty is a luxury and things of beauty are luxurious. They are there for us to enjoy.” JONATHAN LEE, PRINCIPAL
MODERN TIMELESSNESS Wanting a house that would require little maintenance, Jonathan Lee Architects packaged an efficient home with modern technology in a space that looks as though time has stood still. The timeless design of the Leeland Residence achieved through inert materials such as reclaimed industrial-age timber, cypress shingles, copper and natural stone. The private boathouse overlooks Lake Leelanau.
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shingle-style houses of Rhode Island. The client had been seeking a home with a natural look and composition, a family complex that would age gracefully and not require extensive maintenance. Lee’s answer, as with many of his architectural solutions, was to incorporate natural, durable, low-maintenance materials that are beautiful to view and luxurious to feel. “We used materials that would last, like copper and stone. These materials have sustainable character,” Lee explains.
“The important thing is to use inert materials that provide the best long term investment,” Lee says.
The exterior of the home is made of natural cedar shingles with painted cedar trim. Although the window glass is insulated for maximum energy efficiency, the wood of the windows looks decades old. The interior floors are made using reclaimed timber from 19th-century industrial buildings. Except for the interior doors, all of the home’s millwork is made from reclaimed timber. Lee recommends the use of slate, clay tiles, cedar, copper, wood, and other natural materials that will always add beauty to a building and provide the best financial return.
Lee pursues quality craftsmanship and sustainable beauty in every project. Firmly grounded in the language of traditional architecture, Lee believes that the ability to express beauty to others is a gift. The level of his commitment and passion for his profession is evident in the care and quality of every design he creates. “At the end of the day, I want to leave behind a product that says I cared about the work, about the client that wanted to work with me, and about those who work for me,” Lee declares.
Since completion in 2005, the home is exhibiting some of the inherent qualities of natural materials. The patina and oxidation have contributed even more beauty and luxury to the complex, further adding to the timelessness of the home. “The appropriate use of building materials is, essential to design,” Lee says.
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Morgan Residence On paper, the Morgan residence was a 1,600-square-foot space on a picture perfect cobblestone street in Greenwich Village. Yet, for John and Liz Morgan, the space meant so much more. It was the second time that the couple had approached the Tang Kawasaki Studio for help in transforming a discovered space into a dream home. “White gypsum volumes with deep reveals concealed various programs, ranging from a laundry station to a built-in study, and a tall kitchen-island wall shielded expansive stainless-steel counters from the main living areas,” explains Tang. “Warm washed walls and incandescent globes balanced the depth of the sun’s penetration.” Lighting played an important role and created quite the challenge. “The space had these amazing south-facing French casement windows, but with the very texturally heavy ceiling, a lot of light was just eaten up,” Tang says. “We ended up sculpting very simple but massive white plaster walls that helped illuminate the space.”
once-thriving caviar warehouse was yet another sign that Tang and his fellow New Yorkers were ready to get back to work.
Tang Kawasaki Studio TANG KAWASAKI STUDIO TRANSFORMS SOME OF NEW YORK’S FORGOTTEN DESIGN TREASURES INTO LUXURY LOFTS By Tricia Despres It was mere months after 9/11, when Tang Kawasaki Studio owner Jason Tang entered into a warehouse in lower Manhattan’s Tribeca neighborhood, not sure what to expect. Markings on the walls and crates stacked in the corner were silent clues that the space had once been a caviar warehouse. Beautiful stenciling on the wood boards revealed that someone had once loved the space, but garbage strewn throughout showed that it was in desperate need of someone to care for it once again.
“The more decrepit, the better,” says Tang from his studio in New York. “The messier it is, chances are the better a deal our clients can get, and the more ready they’ll be to make the often drastic changes needed to successfully transform a space. I also get excited about the mess, because you won’t be clinging to anything that was left over.You can start anew.” Even though the dust had not cleared in Tribeca on that spring day in 2002, the transformation of this
“I’ve always been turned on by that area of New York,” explains Tang. “You walk around and you can’t help notice these 100- [to] 120-year-old industrial buildings and inside, you know there is something wonderful.” Founded ten years ago, Tang Kawasaki Studio has become known for incredible design work throughout New York, Vancouver, and Japan. Alongside partner and fellow owner Maki Kawasaki, Tang and his team have devoted much of their time to restoration work while also pursuing projects, including residential, commercial, retail, and furniture design. “Ever since I was young, I’ve been walking into spaces and visualizing what they could be,” says Tang, who attributes his love of architecture to his father, who built houses in Vancouver during Tang’s childhood. “It was just the environment I grew up in. And now, I feel like we can intervene and re-create something that was once there, but with a difference. Whenever you are working with old spaces, and after all of the excavating and erasing is finished, it’s important to consider what you frame and what you can add to the story.”
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Dimuro Residence An old freight elevator transformed into an intimate breakfast nook. Massive wooden columns taken from the shipyards march down the length of the space. Small private areas separate the roomy loft. These features transformed a dated caviar warehouse into a thriving space, brimming with life. Completed in 2005, the loft would eventually hold a young family of four looking to experience all that the city had to offer. “In the main loft space, the gravity between a rough waxed heavy-timber ceiling and wide-plank Brazilian walnut floors was balanced by a framework of whitewashed vertical surfaces that articulate a contrastingly subtle set of lines,” says Tang. ”The kitchen was concealed behind glossy white lacquered doors and a fourteen-foot long fibre cement island worktop that anchored the circulation of living spaces.” All throughout, the space demonstrates a palette of textures such as walnut, limestone, leather and resin.
Tang credits Kawasaki, who graduated alongside him from Cornell University, with showing him a way of perceiving space in a minimalist style. Never was this more evident than the team’s work with the DiMuro residence, the 2,500-square-foot former caviar warehouse that stood out thanks to a number of massive wooden timber columns that were unearthed behind sheetrock and metal encasements. SPACE BETWEEN White gypsum volumes with deep reveals concealed various programs ranging from a laundry station to a built-in study. The living areas shift and overlap between two monumentally proportioned walls.
“We always try to have the architecture recede into the background and let the occupant serve as the life of the space.” JASON TANG, PARTNER
“The owner was a well-known florist downtown, lier West Village. Once an old printing facility, the and we would constantly be surrounded in her stuWest Village location’s jaw-dropping element was dio by these gorgeous, unusual flowers and plants its unique ceiling. that we ended up using as inspiration for the space,” says Tang, “It definitely inspired the material palette.” “We ended up spending days stripping it down and sandblasting it until it revealed the terra-cotta Another project highlight for the Tang Kawasaki color we were hoping for,” explains Tang, who has team was the residence of the Morgans, a family worked with architects such as Calvert Wright, Ike ready to move from Hell’s Kitchen to the friendKligerman Barkley, Lewis.Tsurumaki.Lewis, Ogawa/Depardon, and Patkau Architects. “The ceiling really drove the entire project and aesthetically created very strong horizontal parameters. All in all, we always try to have the architecture recede into the background and let the occupant serve as the life of the space.” While Tang feels that the company has experienced a slow and steady evolution, his thoughts always turn to the next phone call…and next project. Currently working on an artist’s live/work loft in Tribeca and a composer’s Chelsea townhouse, Tang says he is always open to the possibility of moving into brand new markets, perhaps somewhere in the Midwest or on the West Coast. “We have done some feasibility studies into bigger development projects, with a reductive and restorative approach to new building, ” says Tang. “But ultimately we are a small firm that focuses on small buildings; I get to work from home and bike to our jobsites. No matter what happens in the future, when it comes right down to it, I will always be inspired by urbanity.”
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WHIMSICAL GEOMETRY The true sculptural quality of this residence in The Colony is evident in the dynamic roofline shapes reflecting a whimsical geometry. The illuminated windows look out over the pool and down to the lights of the valley below.
HIGH DESIGN AND COMFORTABLE SPACES CREATE A MOUNTAINTOP WINTER FUNHOUSE by Kaleena Thompson Michael Upwall understands the nature and beauty of the mountains. For more than 20 years, he has designed skier havens that resonate with their surroundings. “I believe we as architects carry a great responsibility: to make our human expansion into the natural environment as beautiful as possible,” says Upwall, who is the principal of Salt Lake City-based Upwall Design Architects. “While you can never recreate what was there to begin with, I believe we can leave behind something that feels natural and timeless, something that belongs.” Upwall says he believes in the art of the custom home. “To create a full-scale, three-dimensional structure that fits seamlessly into the landscape, that can withstand the extreme conditions imposed by nature, and yet still include all of the wishes and dreams of each individual family is high art,” Upwall says.
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A private residence in The Colony, in Park City, Utah, has Upwall’s signature mix of architectural depth, luxury, and high art. Its fine craftsmanship is courtesy of Mike Dahl of Lowell Construction. “It was designed for a young couple who originally met skiing in Park City,” Upwall recalls. “With four young boys, the home was not only meant to be the mountain retreat from their daily New York lifestyle, but a fun place full of wonder and excitement for family and friends.” Nestled in among 30- to 40-foot-high aspens, the home is accessed through tree-lined mountain roads. A soaring tower––inspired by an eagle’s nest that still exists in one of the original trees, combined with the owners’ request to create a “tree-fort” element for the boys––acts as a glowing lantern at night. The home’s exterior is reminiscent of a secluded mountain cabin and features horizontal timber siding with stone accents. The
interior features a custom-modern design by San Francisco interior designer Angela Sarmiento, connecting the homeowners to the accommodations in New York. From the entry foyer, the owners can choose to ride the glass and steel elevator or climb the steel and wood circular staircase to navigate between levels. The expansive great room allows everyone to breathe and relax, letting the cares of city life melt away. Clad in vertical grain fir tongue and groove, the ceiling extends out above the floorto-ceiling windows. A visual stunner, the vertical leaning windows offer views of the mountains and valleys. The open design allows the great room to flow seamlessly into the dining room, while the second-story balcony wraps above an entertainer’s dream kitchen. Skiers can leave their gear in the ski-in boot room directly off the ski run, which contains a steam and dry sauna, and is adjacent to the outdoor hot tub. This ski in experience is located on the main level near the kitchen for extra convenience. “It offers everyday practicality to the ski experience––grabbing something to eat while enjoying a spa-like experience,” tells Upwall. For the couple’s young boys, the fun immediately begins upon entering from the garage. “The mud room opens to a colorful circular slide and an
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Michael Upwall Design Architects
WRAPAROUND INTIMACY A second-story balcony wraps around the great room, creating volumetric definition and adding intimacy to the kitchen and dining room, both of which open directly onto the great room with connective views to the stone and steel fireplace.
interior glass wall that looks into a 30-foot-high climbing wall,” says Upwall. “The kids can come in, take off their shoes, and slide down into a foam pit that makes up the base of the climbing tower.” Well-defined spaces on the lower level also give way to an artist studio, exercise room, billiards room, wet bar, and a theater room, all ready to entertain the kids and adults. While this mountain getaway is built for entertaining, it also has privacy corners where the homeowners can enjoy family time. Upwall divided the upper level “by a bridge-like experience that mirrors the wall of windows of the foyer below.” Overnight guests have their choice of two bedroom suites, each with a private bath, on one side of the bridge, while the family bedrooms are on the opposite. The master suite in this eight-bedroom, ninebathroom house includes its own private fireplace for blustery nights. The children can cozy up with mom and dad in a sitting loft, often used for bedtime stories. A pioneer in mountain design, Upwall created a winter paradise where this family can discover slopes, family, and friendships. Upwall says, “We are designing functional works of art that are capable of supporting 8-10 feet of snow, while creating charming and romantic interior spaces for people to live in, love in and create the family memories that are life.”
Five key architectural elements of the Residence in The Colony 1. Tall vertical leaning windows: The main living spaces are flanked by tall vertical leaning windows. Their strong, architecturally modern quality echoes the powerful vertical lines of the aspens that make up the landscape. 2. Birds nest tower/tree fort structure: The boys’ rooms are clustered toward the uphill side of the home around one room, which opens up to the tower. A spiral staircase extends to a bird’s nest/tree fort-like experience that cascades up to the top of the tower. The bird’s nest has a glass floor to allow for natural light to flow into the bedroom below.
Serving Park City & The Wasatch Front Areas Arden D. Hess Ph. 801.455.9167 www.hessconstructionllc.com
3. Iron bridge-like porte cochére: The natural fir ceiling of the porte cochére is crafted with extreme attention to detail and reaches up to the mountains. 4. Glass and steel elevator: Located in the foyer, the elevator accentuates the modern aesthetic. 5. Interior climbing wall with spiral slide: The boys’ playground begins with a colorful circular slide and interior glass wall that looks into a 30-foot high climbing wall.
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SECOND HOMES AND GETAWAYS ACROSS THE GLOBE
STRONG ENTRANCE The mezzanine level on the way down to the Casino incorporates many Dorothy Draper design elements, such as black-andwhite checkered floors, bright colors, and bold contrasts. Striped and banana-leaf wallpapers from Carleton Varney by the Yard (carletonvarneybytheyard.com); custom-made rugs by Ulster Carpets in New York.
The Casino Club at The Greenbrier CARLETON VARNEY OF DOROTHY DRAPER & COMPANY, INC. INFUSES UNMISTAKABLE COLOR INTO A PRESTIGIOUS CASINO by Tricia Despres
“This is not your average, Vegas-esque casino,” says Varney, now President of Dorothy Draper & Company, Inc. “This is a casino where everyone is a registered guest. Gentlemen come to the casino area wearing a coat and tie. It’s a place where you can experience a bit of the past while relishing the comforts of today.”
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Infused with reds, browns, greens, and aqua, The Casino Club is another symbol of the design transformations that the hotel has undertaken since May of 2009, when the Justice Family Group purchased the resort. “The resort has breathtaking gardens, and I have always been a flower person,” says Varney, a noted author and Home Shopping Network host of his namesake program and brand. “Dorothy Draper herself was an avid gardener and even has a garden named after her on the grounds of The Greenbrier.” The rich and ultra luxurious landscape that makes up The Casino Club at The Greenbrier ultimately joins “Monte Carlo with ‘Gone with
White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia POPULATION: 2,315 (2000 census) ATTRACTIONS: The Greenbrier, Valley View Country Club, Oakhurst Links, President’s Cottage Museum, and The Greenbrier Bunker
the Wind.’” Effortlessly infused with the unmistakable Draper style, The Casino Club offers the best of gambling with a 103,000-square-foot interior filled with 320 state-of-the-art slot machines, 37 table games, and a multitude of Texas Hold ‘Em poker games.
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When renowned interior designer Carleton Varney took over the reins at Dorothy Draper & Company, Inc., he did it with an underlying design philosophy that stressed “the use of bright colors and the rejection of all that is impractical, uncomfortable, and drab.” Never has this philosophy been better exemplified than by Varney’s work with The Casino Club at the award-winning Greenbrier.
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“I remember visiting The Greenbrier with Ms. Draper and being astounded at its prestigious look and design,” says Varney, who has had a precise hand in the restoration and decoration of countless hotels and resorts around the world. “People walk through this place always with their cameras in their hand. I watch them as they take picture after picture of the hotel. It’s just one of those kinds of places.” Located among the gorgeous Allegheny Mountains in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, the 6,500-acre estate effortlessly transitions from formal to casual while continuing the unmistakable Draper design in the adjacent Draper’s Café. The all-day eatery features time-honored Dorothy Draper recipes alongside more traditional Southern dishes. In addition, the nearby Café Carleton offers classic sandwiches and pastries. “Very few hotels today have this magical personality to them anymore,” says Varney, a native of the Boston area and a graduate of Oberlin College in Ohio. “More and more are done with this commercial elegance that seems to be some sort of formula dressed in reproduced pieces in hotels all across the country. You check in and enter your room in most hotels, and chances are you will see beige carpet, a beige shower curtain… where is the color?” Considered one of the oldest interior design firms in the country, Dorothy Draper & Company, Inc. has earned a spot among a small but elite group of designers. Now led by Varney, the New York-based company continues to deliver on the promise of unsurpassed design in the Draper tradition set by Dorothy Draper herself over 50 years ago. “The Greenbrier is different from any other hotel in the country and has become the glamour hotel of our time,” says Varney. “It’s true luxury that can take guests back in time. People check in to the rooms here and they can feel a certain spirit that you simply can’t find anywhere else.”
“Gentlemen come to the casino area wearing a coat and tie. It’s a place where you can experience a bit of the past while relishing the comforts of today.” CARLETON VARNEY, PRESIDENT
SOUTHERN SOMETHING Dorothy Draper’s framed portrait has a prominent place in Draper’s Cafe (above left). Banquettes are covered in a Dorothy Draper original rose digital print. Twelve Oaks (above right) features an upscale lounge experience where guests can toast their luck. The Casino replica of the historic Spring House (below) has a view of Varney’s homage to Draper, a beautiful shell fountain, made by Midwest Tropical Inc. (midwesttropical.com).
MR. COLOR Carleton Varney’s latest book, Mr. Color: The Greenbrier and Other Decorating Adventures, features his philosophies on color and takes readers behind the scenes of his unmistakable design work. A renowned author of 27 books, Varney is widely known for his use of color and delves into the stories behind the hues of his life in this page turner. As Varney has always said, “Living with color changes your life.”
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LOOK OUT The Dana Point project is a 5,000-square-foot home overlooking the ocean from nearly every viewpoint. The living room features a custommade ottoman by Fleming Homes upholstered with Edelman Leather (edelmanleather.com), stone floors by Walker Zanger (walkerzanger.com) and sofa by Gregorius Pineo (gregoriuspineo.com) with Calvin fabric (calvinfabrics.com).
Dana Point FLEMING DISTINCTIVE HOMES CREATES A RESORT FEEL FOR ORANGE COUNTY HOMEOWNERS by Tricia Despres
So was the case for the Dana Point project by California-based Fleming Distinctive Homes. Located on a cliff in the prestigious southern Orange County town of Dana Point, the home was a new construction project poised to gracefully blend the husband’s passion for the contemporary with the wife’s love of all things traditional. “We talk a lot with our clients about lifestyle and how they live on a daily basis,” says Jodi Fleming, one of the three partners that make up Fleming Distinctive Homes. “When they walk into their home, we want them to feel like they are putting
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on their favorite pair of jeans. It’s about enhancing the lifestyle they are already living.” “I think it’s an important distinction between us and many of the other companies out there,” adds Jon Robinson, another partner alongside remaining partner Bryan Gill. “We design and build homes to give our clients what they want rather than what we would want or have done in the past. It is important for us to get to know our clients and truly understand the way they live.” Working alongside homeowners Frank and Susan Kavanaugh, Fleming Distinctive Homes took on the Dana Point project attempting to create an indoor layout that effortlessly blended with the breathtaking beauty of the outdoors, inviting light from all angles. “We have always believed in gracious space,” says Robinson, whose company’s projects usually run in
Orange Coutny, CA POPULATION: 2,846,293 ATTRACTIONS: Disneyland, Huntington Beach, year-round beaches, surfing, water parks
the million dollar range. “We like to keep things big and open. We don’t want to feel like we are compartmentalizing any rooms within the residence.” Other unforgettable features include oversized mahogany doors, massive skylights and a stunning staircase and library that serve as the project’s focal point.
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It’s a dilemma that comes up often in the life of a design architect. A client has come to you, hoping that you will be able to create their dream home. Yet, after a brief discussion, you realize that the husband and wife are simply not on the same page. One likes traditional, the other contemporary. One likes dark woods, the other stark whites.
Installation & Fabrication of Granite, Marble, Limestone & Tile
LIGHT & AIRY The owners love to lounge in the library (above), which has multiple light exposures. The light is brought into the library and streams down through the house. Another favorite area of the house is the backyard. The house sits on top of the cliff and offers sweeping ocean views.
“I definitely designed the project by starting with the central sky lit staircase and moved outward,” says Fleming. “I wanted to take the elements of the natural landscape of hillsides and the ocean and bring those same elements inside.” Not only does Fleming Distinctive Homes provide full service design and construction services, they are often called to become custom furniture builders. “A lot of the time, rather than spending an exorbitant amount of time searching for that one furniture piece, we find it a lot easier to work with local craftsmen and build it ourselves,” says Fleming, whose work is often concentrated along the coast of Orange County. “Some spaces just require furniture pieces that you’re simply not going to find unless you create it yourself.” The team also manages a comprehensive maintenance program that lasts long after they have handed the keys to the homeowners.
In recent years, one of the most sought-after design elements desired by their clients has been the resort-style home.
All materials and fabrication are handled in our “state of the art” fabrication facility, allowing us to maintain 100% quality control throughout the entire process.
“Our clients have the means to travel anywhere in the world, so they are always asking for a design in their fulltime residence that gives them that same type of resort/spa feel,” explains Fleming. “They want to relax when they come home. Stunning finish materials, such as fossilized limestone combined with soothing natural light, can go far in creating that effect.” “We all share a similar philosophy, to always be honest and fair with each of our clients,” says Robinson, who hopes to expand the use of technology in the company’s overall design process. “Our focus is to provide a complete project from beginning to finish. The term ‘design/build’ is thrown around a lot in this industry, but in our case, it is something we actually do. Our approach encompasses the entire process from the beginning to the next beginning.”
For more information, please contact us at: David Ochoa Installations 1510 Ave. De La Estrella San Clemente, CA 92672
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THE BEST IN SUSTAINABLE LIVING
Douglas Danks Associates SUSTAINABILITY AND AUTHENTICITY IN UNIQUE CONDITIONS
NATURAL INCLINATION Modern, 4,879-square-foot home in North Oaks, Minnesota, is sited in a spectacular landscape. Energy efficiency abounds, through LED lighting, and the use of various sustainable materials. The major living spaces and a master suite are organized over two floor levels along the south side of the house, capturing the lake views and taking advantage of the solar orientation for daylight and passive solar heating in the winter.
by Ruth E. Dávila
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manship and attention to detail, and accomplished all this while staying cost effective,” Danks says. Van Horne worked extensively on finish selections, such as decorative tiles and fixtures, as well as builtins, including bookcases in the restored parlor. “The bookcases frame on both sides and run above a pocketing French door between the front foyer and parlor,” Danks says. “The house is imbued with so many charming details; it’s a joy to walk through and see those on a daily basis.” A project in North Oaks, Minnesota brought Douglas Danks Associates to an expansive, seven-acre property with spectacular lake views. The modern, 4,879-square-foot home nestles comfortably in the forested landscape. Its massing creates a number of outdoor rooms forming a link between the interior and exterior. For example, a wall of operable panels
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PHOTOS: MATT SCHMITT PHOTOGRAPHY
Structure, material, and daylight—these are the priIn a quaint, historic neighborhood in Stillwater, mary tools in Douglas Danks’ architectural toolbox. Minnesota, Douglas Danks Associates led a full resWith them, he designs custom homes in a broad toration of interior designer Suzanne Van Horne’s spectrum of styles, from minimal modernist to au2,186-square-foot Carpenter’s Gothic Revival home. thentic historical restorations and new construction. In addition to creating a master suite and mud“The style of the architecture is not imposed by us,” room addition and several interior features such as says Danks, president of Douglas Danks Associates furniture-like cabinetry and window-seat nooks, in Stillwater, Minnesota. “It comes from each client Danks designed new porches, true to the style of we work with and the unique conditions of their the original structure. During restoration, the crew project.” Operating in the upper Midwest, mainly stumbled across original plaster moldings, still inMinnesota, Douglas Danks Associates respond cretact. “To find them was almost like an archeological atively to challenges regarding the natural elements, discovery,” Danks recalls. Working with the original as well as complicated site conditions and renova1876 masonry exterior and plaster wall surfaces, tions. In fact, the firm’s forte is technical complexity. ceiling surfaces, and intricate wet plaster details reThough flexible in aesthetics, Douglas Danks Associquired specialized expertise to remain authentic to ates holds a steadfast commitment to certain prinand seamless with the original house’s construction. ciples, such as “a well grounded and appropriate “Grandt Builders developed innovative solutions to approach to energy efficiency, good building science the challenging and unique construction conditions practices, and sustainable design strategies.” of this project, provided the highest level of crafts-
MODERN UPDATES Historic restoration of 1876 Gothic Revival in Stillwater, Minnesota, this three-bedroom, two-and-a-half bath house was converted to a duplex in the past, and the restoration brought it back to a single-family house. Elaborate wet plaster crown and ceiling details were restored and replicated, updating and modernization of windows, interior finishes/trim, and mechanical/electrical systems is authentic to the original design.
opens up from the kitchen to a covered exterior grilling patio and larger terrace beyond. “My favorite area is a roof deck located over a portion of the main level, above what was an existing area of the original house, tucked up into the trees and forest that surround the house,” Danks says. “It’s one of the most beautiful spaces, the way it nestles into both the landscape and architecture.” Facing east, toward the lake, the space is accessible from the mezzanine level. Inside, the mezzanine overlooks the twostory major living space. “Essentially, it has a wall of glass on the south side that faces the lake view and pulls in light from two other directions,” Danks says. “The volume of the space, the amount of natural light and the views that are framed by balcony conditions make for something that is spatially very interesting.” The project’s construction used structural insulated panels for the exterior walls and roof, high-performance, triple-glazed windows and doors and a ground source heat pump system for heating, cooling and domestic water heating. The lighting system used LED lighting extensively for aesthetic effect and energy efficiency. Much of the interior finishes, counter surfaces and wood veneers were selected for sustainability.Green-thinking firms abound today, but what differentiates Douglas Danks Associates is ease of use. “We help guide our clients through the jungle of information they are confronted with in trying to pursue a sustainable approach to their project,” Danks says.
New Construction & Remodeling Specializing in: Seamless Additions Historic Restorations “We help guide our clients through the jungle of information they are confronted with, in trying to pursue a sustainable approach to their project.” DOUGLAS DANKS, PRESIDENT
1015 Amery Lane Harris, MN 55032 Ph. 763-268-9160 www.grandtbuilders.com dale@grandtbuilders.com FALL 2011
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EVOLUTIONARY DESIGN The Summit House living room is open to the dining and kitchen area and features breathtaking views to four ski areas. For a clean view, window covers are hidden behind valances.
GRAND WOODWORKS
custom cabinetry
architectural millwork
Manchester Architects, Inc. AN ORGANIC BUT DEEPLY ENGAGED DESIGN PROCESS by David Hudnall
www.grandwoodworks.com 970.726.5320 Karin@grandwoodworks.com 140
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“It’s a little scary in some ways, not knowing where you’ll end up when you start,” says Manchester. “But once the walls are up and framed, you can begin to feel the space in a more real way, and that’s
the best time to start thinking about furniture and cabinetry and the division of spaces. It’s not something they teach in architecture school, but we’ve found that it can produce really great results with an owner that’s willing to take a risk and be highly engaged in the process.” “Highly engaged” is something close to a mantra for Manchester, who’s helmed the firm in the Snowmass Village-Aspen-Carbondale region since founding it in 1984. He describes the firm’s work as intense and complicated; between schematic interior and exterior designs, pricing, bidding, and contracts, the firm pays close attention to evolving interiors and the finalizing of all details—new homes frequently require up to 2,000
luxuryhomequarterly.com
PHOTOS: BRENT MOSS PHOTOGRAPHY
On an ideal project, T. Michael Manchester, the principal and owner of Manchester Architects, Inc., in Snowmass Village, Colorado, prefers to take what he refers to as an “evolutionary design approach.” In practice, this means his firm initially produces a design only for the shell of a home, leaving wide open the options for developing the interior spaces. Cabinetry, windows, materials, and finishings—these are all determined after the building process has begun and the character of the home has begun to reveal itself.
ECO-LUXURY
OPEN HOUSE In the kitchen, the island is the center of activity. The cabinetry is quartersawn, figured anigre with walnut inlays and complemented by the walnut flooring.
man hours. “It’s very technical, a high-control situation,” he says. “But it’s all in the service of keeping owners informed and engaged—helping them make decisions so that, in the end, it’s truly their house.” Manchester points to the recent design of Summit House in Snowmass Village—a town where he served as mayor from 1998 to 2004—as an example of the merits of his firm’s process. The property sits on a hilltop across from a ski area, offering sunshine and tremendous views across the valleys. The clients sought a home with four bedrooms and an office, but the allowable building area for the lot was especially small. The firm found itself tasked with designing a 3,000-squarefoot home in such a way that it would feel like a 4,000-square-foot home. “To make it feel like a nice, small house we had to create psychological spaces where the walls and systems opened things up,” says Manchester. So they doubled up on spaces. For instance, a part
Sustainable Mountain Living In 1976, T. Michael Manchester graduated with a degree in Solar Technology and Architecture from Arizona State University, an education that imparted in Manchester an awareness of the importance of sustainable design. His firm’s homes frequently reflect this mindset, whether through high insulation and air filtration values, or through energy-saving mechanical systems and lighting. Because homes in ski areas are often situated on the shady sides of valleys, solar panels aren’t as prevalent, but Manchester says that Manchester Architects is always taking advantage of solar from a passive standpoint. On remodels—a market trend that’s holding steady in the area—the goal is to preserve as much value from the original house as possible. “There are a lot of ways to reduce your footprint,” he says. “We reuse windows, or we don’t re-pour the foundation. We constantly have an eye toward making houses extremely efficient without necessarily making them look like they are.”
of the dining room/kitchen area also serves as a pathway between the living room and the bedroom, without sacrificing their essence of either. Many dividing walls do not rise all the way to the ceiling, bolstering the sense of connectivity. And every room in the house apart from the garage has a view of the mountains, which gives the Summit House a grand, open feel. “Many of the homes we design aren’t primary residences—or they’re the type of residences that are occupied the majority of the time by two people, who have the occasional desire to accommodate eight or ten family members for a few weeks a year,” Manchester says. “On the Summit House, we responded to this by essentially putting the living room, kitchen, and master bedroom on one level of the house. When it’s just the two of them there, it’s comfortable and they don’t really need to leave that level. When visitors come, the other bedrooms are on another floor, but everyone congregates in the large main living spaces.”
The finishes are varied and creative. The kitchen cabinets are anigre, a heartwood that gives the kitchen a lighter character and picks up the colors from the countertop—“a gorgeous piece of granite,” Manchester says. Walnut cabinets adorn the office and bar areas, and walnut flooring provides an elegant base on the upper level. Downstairs, the floors are a clean, low-impact quartzite tile. A eucalyptus veneer finish gives a cozy polish to a cabinet facing the fireplace, which houses a television and other electronic storage. Completed in 2010, the undeniably gorgeous home is another addition to a portfolio already full of beautiful contemporary mountain homes in Snowmass Village. “We’re in a resort town, and people want certain things from their resort residences,” says the former mayor. “They want to comfortably connect to the outdoors, whether it’s through ski hill access and other mountain lifestyle activities, or through simple outdoor spaces and windows. We understand that mindset, and we can make it happen.”
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Mr. Color: The Greenbrier and Other Decorating Adventures Mr. Color, written by Carleton Varney, features his philosophies on color and takes readers behind the scenes of the interiors and exteriors at The Greenbrier. dorothydraper.com
luxuryhomequarterly.com
Special Advertising Section
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directory
*advertisers in blue
Professional Services & Organizations
ENGINEERING
PHOTOGRAPHY
Autodesk Inc, usa.autodesk.com, 12
Alan Jensen, alanjensen.com.au, 54-59
EVENTS
ARCHITECTURE Alan Greenberg, allangreenberg.com, 42
Albuquerque Home Expo, abqhomeexpo.com, 15
Andrea Martiradonna, mariradonna.it, 16 Bas de Boer, basdeboer.org, 56 Brent Moss Photography, brentmossphoto.com, 140-141
Alvaro Siza, pritzkerprize.com, 12
Art Basel Miami Beach, artbaselmiamibeach.com, 15
Antonio Sofan, antoniosofan.com, 23
BuildEx Express, buildexexpress.com, 15
CJ Walker, cjwalker.com, 107-110
Architecture at Large, architectureatlarge.com, 91
CODE 11, copenhagendesignfair.dk, 15
Carlos Tobon, carlostobon.com, 23
Calvert Wright Architecture PC spatialdiscipline.com, 130
CONSTRUCT, constructshow.com, 14
Casey Dunn, caseydunn.net, 116-117
Design Miami, designmiami.com, 14
Chandler Prude, chandlerprude.com, 113-115
Beyer Blinder Belle, beyerblinderbelle.com, 42
Bullis Photgraphy, bullisphotography.com, 48
Designer’s Open, designersopen.de, 15
Connie Zhou, conniezhou.com, 91
Dan Sater, AIBD, saterdesign.com, 108
Dutch Design Week, dutchdesignweek.nl, 15
Dana Hoff, danahoff.com, 132- 133
Douglas Danks Associates, douglasdanksassociates.com, 128-139
East London Design Show, eastlondondesignshow.co.uk, 15
David Wakely, davidwakely.com, 80-84
Eduardo Souto de Moura, pritzkerprize.com, 12
Feria Habitat Valencia, feriahabitatvalencia.com, 14
Eric Figge, ericfigge.com, 122-123
F9 Productions, f9productions.com, 13 Fusch ARchitects, fuscharchitects.com, 66 Ike Kligerman Barkley Architects PC, ikba.com, 130 Jonathan Lee Architects, jonathanleearchitects.com, 127-128 Ken Tate Architect, kentatearchitect.com, 92-97 Kohn Pedersen Fox, kpf.com, 98-105 Lewis.Tsurumaki.Lewis Architects, ltlwork.net, 130 Manchester Architects, Inc., manchester-architects.com, 140-141 Marcin Jojko, jna.com.pl, 24 Michael McKinley and Associates, LLC, mckinleyarchitects.com, 120-121 Michael Piccirillo Architecture, mpiccirilloarchitect.com, 126-127
Fourisalone, fuorisalone.it/2011, 16 Greenbuild Expo, greenbuildexpo.org, 12, 15
Oval Partnership, ovalpartnership.com, 12
Jeff Rhode, Moving Still LLC movingstill.zenfolio.com, 126
London Design Festival, maison-object.com, 15 Maison & Object, maison-object.com, 14 NeoCon East, neoconeast.com, 15 PLANET Green Industry Conference, landcarenetwork.org, 15
Mercury Air Conditioning & Heating, mercuryac.net, 125
Carleton Varney, dorothydraper.com, 134-135, 142
Ryan Street, rsassoc.com, 45
Catherine Dolen, catherinedolen.com, 50-51
Schill, schillarchitecture.com, 33-35
Christina Porter of Accessories Etc accetc.net, 108 David Mann, mrarch.com, 101 Decorators Unlimited, decoratorsunlimited.com, 110 Design Innovations, designinnovations.org, 48-49
Turnbull Griffin Haesloop, tgharchitects.com, 80-84
Dorothy Draper & Company, Inc. dorothydraper.com, 134-135
CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN-BUILD
From the Desk of Lola, thedeskoflola.com, 52-53
CG&S Design-Build, cgsdb.com, 28-29 Charles Morgan and Company, charles-morgan.com, 34
Kent Alen Kiesey, kentkiesey.com, 67-73
Grandt Builders, grandtbuilders.com, 138, 139 Grassi & Associates, Inc. grassiconstruction.com, 35-37
Merrick Ales, merrickales.com, 44-46 Michael Moran, moranstudio.com, 101, 104-105 Michel Arnaud, michelarnaud.com, 134-135 Ngoc Minh Ngo, minhwass.com, 146 Patrick Wong, atelierwong.com, 116-119 Paul Rivera, archphoto.com, 101-104 Raimund Koch, raimundkoch.com, 98-101 Rene Mueller, rene-mueller.com, 124 Roger Davies, rogerdaviesphotography.com, 85-87 Sean Gallagher, seangallagherphoto.com, 63-65 Terry Weir, terrywier.com, 60 Thomas McConnell, mcconnellphoto.net, 28 Tim Barber, tim-barber.com, 91 Timothy Dunford, dunford.co, 92-97 Weil Studio, weilstudio.com, 66 William Waldron, williamwaldron.com, 146 PLUMBING
Passione, passioneinc.com, 2
Stewart Plumbing Inc., stewartplumbinginc.net, 30
YL Design, yldesign.nl, 54-59
Flower Construction, flowcon.net, 42
Matt Schmitt Photography mattschmittphotography.com, 138-139
Laura Kirar, trudesign.com, 61, 65-66 Rober Allen Design, robertallendesign.com, 48
Fleming Distinctive Homes, fleming-homes.com, 136- 137
Juliusz Sokolowski, juliuszsokolowski.pl, 24 Kindra Clineff, kindraclineff.com, 120-121
Robert Konieczny, kwkpromes.pl, 24
CE Construction, 718-359-6198, 131
Jordan Kleinman, jordankleinman.com, 88-90 Justin Bernhaut, bernhaut.com, 52
Bulhon Design Associates, bulhon.com, 44-46
The Warner Group Architects, Inc., wgarch.com, 122-123
Jim Westphalen, westphalenphotography.com, 143
World Architecture Festival, worldarchitecturefestival.com, 15
Rene Robert Mueller, rene-mueller.com, 124-125
Tang Kawasaki Studio, tangkawasaki.com, 129-130
Jeri Koegel, jerikoegel.com, 136-137
Vienna Design Week, viennadesignweek.at, 14
INTERIOR DESIGN
Stofft Cooney Architects, stofft.com, 110
Gordon Beall, gordonbeall.com, 67-73
IDSwest, ideswest.com, 14
Patkau Architects, patkau.ca, 130
Stelle Architects, stelleco.com, 74-79
Ezio Manciucca, eziomanciucca.it, 16 Jeff Heatley, 74-75, 79
Conditioned Air, conditionedair.com, 111
Ogawa/Depardon Architects, oda-ny.com, 130
Eric Piasecki, ericpiasecki.com,6, 76-79
Helsinki Design Week, helsinkidesignweek.com, 14
HVAC
Michael Upwall Design Architects, upwalldesign.com, 132-133
Douglas Friedman, douglasfriedman.net, 146
KITCHENS & BATHS Downsview Kitchens, downsviewkitchens.com, 9
PUBLISHING Assouline Publishing, assouline.com, 25 Die Gestalten Verlag, gestalten.com, 25 SPECIALTY
Hess Construction LLC., hessconstructionllc.com, 133
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
CADE Winery, cadewinery.com, 38
Jimmy Jacobs Custom Homes, jacobshomes.com, 11
Earthform Design, earthform.com, 123
Castle Services of Southwest Florida, Inc., castleservices.net, 111
Felt Tip Design Group, felt-tip-design.com, 111
KRDB, krdb.com, 113-119 Kurtz Homes, kurtzhomes.com, 107-110 Lowell Construction, lowellconstruction.com, 132 Michael Deane Homes, mdh.com, 45
McCaren Desings Inc., greenwalls.com, 142 Midwest Tropical Inc, midwest-tropical.com, 135 Superior Design, superiordesignlandscapes.com, 30
Ocean Quest Pools, oceanquest.com, 47
LIGHTING DESIGN
Platinum Series Homes by Mark Molthan, markmolthanhomes.com, 60-66
Jason Miller, 13
Conditioned Air, conditionedair.com, 111 The Greenbrier Resort, greenbrier.com, 134 Mercury, mercuryac.com, 125 WALL TREATMENTS Jitner Painting Inc., 707-945-0420, 35 McCaren Designs Inc., greenwalls.com, 142
Shell Contractors, neoconcrete.net, 106 Stonewood LLC, stonewood.com, 31-32 Tom Buxton Ltd., tfbuxton.com, 120 U.S. Green Building Council, USGBC.org,12 ZMK Group, Inc., zmkgroup.com, 40, 41
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Products
Intersource, intersourcecorp.com, 45
Steinway and Sons, steinway.com, 73
JSPR, jspr.eu, 20
Waterford, na.wwrd.com, 69
ACCESSORIES & DÉCOR
Johnson Trading Gallery, johnsontradinggallery.com, 91
Calvin Klein, calvinklein.com, 86
Jon Arlen, jonarlen.com, 48
Calypso, calypsostbarth.com, 85
Kisabeth Furniture, kisabethfurniture.com 44
Christie Cutstone Company, christiecutstone.com, 96
Cowtan & Tout, cowtan.com, 71
Maison Martin Margiela maisonmartinmargiela.com/en, 16
David Ochoa Installations, davidochoainstallation.com, 137
Marcello Ziliani, marcelloziliani.com, 56-57
Dotolo Brothers Custom Masonry, dotolobros.com, 120
F&B Specialty Linen, fblinen.com, 43
STONE & TILE
Louise Hederström, louisehederstrom.com, 58
Mark Moskovitz, fiftytwothousand.com, 22
Granite Masters, granitemasterusa.com, 65
Matilda Design, matilda-design.com, 20
Merit Metal, meritmetal.com, 128
Mieke Meijer, miekedingen.nl, 13
Walstad Surfaces & The Stone Company, 763-262-220, 30
Ralph Lauren, ralphlauren.com, 73
Minzner & Company, minzner.com, 41
Yvette Laduk, yldesign.nl, 54-59
New Contemporary Designs of Minneapolis, 612-339-2170, 49
TEXTILES,
ART Johnson Trading Gallery, johnsontradinggallery.com, 90 Laura Rathe Gallery, laurarathe.com, 46 Weil Studio, Photographic Art Glass Installations, weilstudio.com, 66
Brunschwig & Fils, brunschwig.com, 69,72
Pindler & Pindler, pindler.com, 49
Calvin Fabric, calvinfabrics.com, 136
Restoration Hardware, restorationhardware.com, 45
Samuel & Sons, samuelandsons.com, 69, 71-73
Robert Kelly Home Gallery, robertkellygallery.com, 19
Cowtan and Tout, cowtan.com, 72 Scalamandré, scalamandre.com, 69, 73
S&L Designs, s-ldesigns.com, 51
WALLCOVERINGS & PAINT
BOOKS & AUTHORS
Saba Italia, sabaitalia.it, 20
AMOS, amosdesign.eu, 17
American Fashion Designers At Home, assouline.com, 25, 146
Scholten & Baijings, scholtenbaijings.com, 10, 26-27
Bisazza, bisazza.com, 53
Sika Design, sika-design.com, 20
IVANKA, ivanka.hu, 17
Jack Delashmet, delashmet.com, 25
Sur&Plus, sur-plus.be, 54
Second Hand Rose, secondhandrose.com, 85,87
Rima Suqi, rimasuqi.com, 146
TW Senders, twsenders.com, 48,49
TBC Plaster Artisans Inc., tbcplaster.com, 38
Sight Unseen Magazine, sightunseen.com, 86
Ted Boerner, tedboerner.com, 46
Villeroy & Boch, villeroy-bach.com/en,17
BUILDING MATERIALS PureBond, columbiaforestproducts.com 9 CABINETRY Ayr Custom Cabinetry, ayrcabinet.com, 148 The Closet Company, theclosetcompanynaples.com, 106 Elite Cabinetry, 239-262-1144, 106 The Miller Cabinet, 800-983-6455, 33
Z Gallerie, zgallerie.com, 48 HARDWARE Baldwin, baldwinhardware.com, 21 Merit, 215-343-2500, 128
WINDOWS & DOORS All-Purpose Windows and Doors, 801-430-1889, 131 Artistic Doors and Windows, artisticdoorsandwindows.com, 43
Pierce, piercehardware.com, 21
Castle Service, castleservices.net, 111
KITCHEN & BATH SYSTEMS
Florida Wood Window and Door, Inc. fwwdinc.com, 112
Bulthaup, bulthaup.com, 123
Gerkin Windows & Doors, gerkin.com, 112
Kohler, kohler.com, 18, 121, 143
Marvin, marvin.com, 35
CARPETS & RUGS
Miele, miele.com, 101
Wilson, wilsonplywood.com, 64
David Alan Rugs, davidalanrugs.com, 44
Molteni, molteni.com, 101
WindowPro, windowpro.com, 35
Matt Cameron Rugs and Tapestries, mattcameron.com, 50
Rimadesio, rimadesio.it, 123
Schroeder, schroedercarpet.com, 29 Stark Carpets, starkcarpets.com, 87 COUNTERTOPS Armourcoat, armourcoat.com, 37 FIREPLACES Berthold Haas, bertholdhaasdesign.com, 46 Decorum Architectural Stone decorumstone.com, 45 EcoSmart Fire, ecosmartfire.com, 142
Sub-Zero, su-zero-wolf.com, 101 LIGHTING
Grand Woodworks, grandwoodworks.com, 140 NorthStar WoodWorks, northstarww.com, 39
Established and Sons, establishedandsons.com, 22 Flos, flos.com, 46 Foscarini, foscarini.com, 143 Habitat, n-d.be, 20 moooi, moooi.com, 22
FLOORING
William and Wesley, williamwesley.com 50,51
ProSource, prosourcefloors.com/stpaul, 47
FURNITURE Artecnica, artecnicainc.com, 20 Cerruti Baleri, cerrutibaleri.com, 16 Decode London, decodelondon.com, 20
Roll&Hill, rollandhill.com, 13
METALS Decorative Metals by Mike Roy, 239-992-2222, 112 Murray’s Iron Works, murraysiw.com, 93 PLUMBING FIXTURES Elegant Editions, eleganteditions.net, 50 The Rubinet Faucet Company, rubinet.com, 147
Eames, eamesgallery.com, 78
Vola, vola.com, 53
Ebanista, ebanista.com, 50
RETAILERS, DISTRIBUTORS, & SUPPLIERS,
Edelman Leather, edelmanleather.com, 136
Origines, origines.fr, 95-96
Ellouise Abbott Showrooms, ellouisabbott.com, 50,51
SINKS & TUBS
Fornasarig, fornasarig.it, 20
INAX, global.inax.lixil.co.jp, 18
George Nakashima, nakashimawoodworker.com, 78, 82 Gregorius Pineo, gregoriuspineo.com, 136 Harry Bertoia, harrybertoia.org, 78
Creative Woodworks Inc., creativeww.com, 131
Decode, decodelondon.com, 142
PepeHeykoop, pepeheykoop.nl, 21
Walker Zanger, walkerzanger.com, 136
Breg Hanssen, breghanssen.nl, 13
Alexander Marchant, alexandermarchant.com, 46
Kees Marcelis, studiokeesmarcelis.nl, 54, 56
Anso Nylon, ansonylon.com, 47
WOODWORK
SPECIALTY, The Closet Company, theclosetcompanynaples.com, 106 Crestron, crestron.com, 64, 66
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AT HOME WITH
$65, ASSOULINE PUBLISHING, ASSOULINE.COM. AUTHOR: RIMA SUQI
American Fashion Designers at Home IN HER LATEST BOOK, WORLD-RENOWNED FASHION GURU AND COLUMNIST RIMA SUQI PRESENTS AN INTIMATE LOOK INSIDE THE CREATIVE AND EXTRAVAGANT HOMES OF FASHION’S FINEST
Authored by fashion insider Rima Suqi and noted as “the ultimate voyeuristic journey,” American Fashion Designers at Home offers readers a look inside the homes of the world’s most beloved trendsetters. Fashion pioneers like Betsey Johnson, Max Azria, Nanette Lepore, Ralph Lauren, and Kate Spade effortlessly blend style and comfort beyond their clothing legacies.
1
Many of the homes are easily identifiable, as each designer’s personal style is reflected through their spaces. The book goes to show that clothing, shoes, and accessories aren’t the only outlets that these designers use to express their art—their homes are just as reflective of all the things they love.
2
The designer’s homes are aesthetically attractive, but the designers do not forgo functionality. Instead, readers get a real view of utility in each space, offering a more valuable look into the lives of their owners.
3
From Ralph Lauren’s rustic Americana-themed Telluride ranch, to Oscar de la Renta’s palatial Connecticut estate, the book takes a coast-tocoast journey through each designer’s opulent (yet personal) abodes. Suqi makes brief annotations throughout the book, noting, “every turn of the page brings another revelation or unexpected tableau.”
Hardcover, 280 pages, 325 images, 9x12”
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1. Betsey Johnson inside her regal yet playful New York City flat. The designer’s whimsical taste in clothing and jewelry reflects throughout her home.
2. Max Azria explores bold patterns and colors in his cheerfully colored sitting room. 3. Nanette Lepore’s warm and inviting library.
Outside of the A-list names featured here, including the flush digs of CFDA president Diane von Furstenberg, some of the fashion world’s most respected newcomers are also given space, providing a well-rounded sampling of some truly inspirational design from across the spectrum. Although industry professionals adorned many of the luxury pads themselves, fascination doesn’t fade as readers see the translation from the designer’s professional point of view to the spaces they call home. –MOLLY LYNCH
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BETSEY JOHNSON PHOTOS : NGOC MINH NGO; MAX AZRIA PHOTO: DOUGLAS FRIEDMAN; NANNETTE LEPORE PHOTO: WILLIAM WALDRON
This classic coffee-table book, made in collaboration with the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), contains more than 100 exclusive home tours of its members including some of the most notable names in fashion.
Piece of Art Add a dramatic dash of contemporary flair to your bathroom with the new R10 Series from the Rubinet Faucet Company. The crisp, clean lines of the design create a simple yet dynamic presence. Each faucet, and accessories feature a beautiful, textured brass accent for a unique touch of sophistication. Choose from over 20 of Rubinet’s famous range of finishes, or take your originality one step further and create a custom split-finish combination. The R10 Series leaves no doubt--the opportunity for s e l f - expression is almost limitless.
Perfect Solution No more shampoo bottles crammed in the corners of the tub. Rubinet has solved this space problem with its new Wall Niche, a one-piece shelving unit that recesses into the wall of the bathtub or shower area. Formed from stainless steel the Wall Niche is built to resist rust and leaks. Available in most Rubinet finishes, the Wall Niche integrates beautifully into the design scheme of any bathroom.
www.rubinet.com
Your vision. Your home. Ayr can make it happen. From contemporary to traditional, get the look that fits your
style and the functionality that fits your life. Customize your space with cabinets that are built just for you.
Experience the Difference.
574-773-7973 | www.ayrcabinet.com 148
LUXURY HOME QUARTERLY
FALL 2011
luxuryhomequarterly.com