MainGate

Don Francois Roban architect N.C.A.R.B.

The bronze and copper gates reflect the dividing point between the inner sanctuary of the estate and the frantic pace of the real world. Copper lamp posts complement the materials used in the fabrication of the gates. Walls facing the street are made of block with a stucco finish scored to simulate the wood exterior of the main house. With these durable materials maintenance is kept to a minimum. Earth colored brick is used for the driveway. Concrete borders and cross bands set off the beautiful pattern of the brick.

Special patinas were used on the copper to add an ageless quality which is usually obtained only after years of weathering.

Main entry gates of Gabled Oaks...

The jogging gate

My clients lifestyle is one of exercise and physical fitness. Although the estate covers a large parcel of ground he wanted to be able to take extended jogging trips outside the property every evening in, what is undeniably, a wonderful area of our country. With this in mind, I built in a small exit next to the main gates for an easy way out for this evening run.

A word of caution, don't try to keep up with your client on these nightly jaunts if your main form of exercise
is working at a computer.

Montage of trip from Front Gates to Car Bridge

Above is a view of the foot bridge going over to a small island. The water from the upper lake flows around the island and drops with rapids on either side. Sitting here you are surrounded by the the sound of the falling waters. Even the herons and birds visit this sanctuary for meditation in this man-made environment.

Specimen Oaks Driving under these oak trees gives the visitor a feeling of time. There exact age is still unknown although they probably were here when our founding fathers wrote the constitution. Each tree has a span of over one hundred feet. The trees grew outward, rather than up, due to the heavy growth of vines which covered everything on the site for many years. The planting beds of perennials add color and are changed with the seasons. The guest cottage is barely visible through the trees.

When looking at a building site it is necessary to look past the present and see into the future. This picture was taken before any construction on the waterfall area began.

The land here is a canvas to be drawn upon. In this case it was my resolve to reclaim it from neglect and make it into an area so inviting that the birds would call it home and my client would see his dream fulfilled.

photography by Don Roban