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WoodWing...
Although this residence was constructed about thirty years ago,
it still remains current. Architecture designed in wood and stone appeals to
the inner spirit. There is something about living in a home built of natural materials
which has a strong affect on many people. The trendy houses being
built today have their place in the contemporary world, catering to a society that
changes their place of residence on an average of every seven years. My designs
have become collector's items as they have quality and fine craftsmanship that are
ageless. The men who built these houses and the attention they gave to detail,
is now giving way to a new era of mass production and the demise of
originality.
A featured house in Florida Arcitecture®
You enter this residence through two copper and bronze metal gates.
Passing through a garden patio with a small pond you arrive at the front
door. Post lanterns light the way at night to softly light the entrance to this
tropical garden. The inner patio area has a fish pond and a place to sit, relax and
enjoy a moment before entering the home. Stone used throughout the residence is a
local product known as keystone. All flashing and trim metal was copper.
Exterior lanterns are made of copper with bronze glass inserts. Every effort has
been made to choose materials that would stand the test of time.
Florida
Room:
Here is a spacious area overlooking the waterway. The materials used are
mahogany and have a hand rubbed oil wax finish. The doors and bar front are inlayed with
wood carvings to add an elegance to the design. The balustrades of the stairs and the
hanging wood lantern were completed from models I made in miniature and supplied to the
mill for fabrication. The keystone wall from which the stairs project is the backside of
the main fireplace.
I have long known why Frank Lloyd Wright insisted in designing the chairs
and tables to complement his work. My detailing of interiors are finished and
require little in the way of accessories but sometimes these items, supplied by
others, fall far short of being in harmony with the architecture. |
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The large wood bar in the picture above is
opposite this section of the Florida room. Here windows afford an unobstructed view of the
swimming pool and patio deck. The seating arrangement was determined by the life
style of the family. This is the perfect setting for informal conversations or to
play board games if the occasion arises. The wood ceiling lights were designed to
complement the large wood lantern shown in the picture above. The three children in
the family made the installation of tile floors in traffic areas of the house a
necessity as well as being very practical. |
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Below is a view of the swimming
pool as seen from the balcony of the Master Suite.
All photos by Yuichi Idaka
The pool deck is cantilevered out
towards the waterway to achieve the effect of the bow of a boat. Wide wood seats of
tidewater cypress are made part of this vantage point. The geometric shape of the pool, shown here, provides areas of planting to
soften the effect of a man made structure.
My clients,
in this case, were excellent cooks in their own right. Providing them with a
kitchen, which would have the proper layout for the preparation of gourmet dinners,
was certainly at the top of the list of requirements for this residence.
Actually there are two kitchens
located in the same room. A cooking center in the foreground is for the preparation
of breakfast. A special table was designed to fit into this area. There is also
another range at the rear of the kitchen for the staff cook who assists at regular
meals. The butler's pantry can be seen through the doors at the far end of the
kitchen.
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Here is a kitchen to delight the heart of a
grommet cook.
 A large desk and work
place is provided for the lady of the house. Here she can keep her notes and
manage the details of everyday living.
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