First and Second floor are nearing completion

I have been working VERY hard on this project over the last 2 weeks.  In fact, at times it has completely consumed me.  I thank each and every one of you who have expressed interest in this project over the last year, as the interest has provided an inspiration for me to continue.

I wanted to share with you an image of, again, the southwest facade.  I have made numerous changes to the west wing, which I think work much better.  I have continued work on the Mansard roof, which has taken an incredible amount of time to design, but suits the mansion aesthetically, and provides a great deal of function in terms of allowing the addition of the third floor.

I love the way this project is coming together, and am truly proud of how things have come along since April of 2010. 

As always, comments are more than welcome!  Maybe one day this house will see reality!  One can only dream!

Jonathan

The Beaux Arts Facade

I am obsessed with the Beaux-Arts style.  In fact I often seek out examples of it on my travels. It appeals to some, and is considered vile by others.  But I thought it was absolutely fitting for an estate of this scale.

I have been busy working on the Mansard roof, which I think is paramount to the exterior detail of this project.  I have exaggerated the slope of the Mansard, which gives the impression of a triad of domes.  Again, symmetry is maintained.  The heavy balusters and pilasters actually appear to provide an appropriate balance to an otherwise gigantic structure. The delicate dormers provide a fitting contrast to the heaviness of the other millwork. 

The height of the Mansard roof allows for an additional storey which will primarily house the servants' quarters.  In fact with the addition of this storey (and including the basement level) the house will near 90,000 square feet on completion.  I know some of you say 90,000 square feet is ludicrous, "unrealistic," etc.  But, to put it in perspective, at 828,818 square feet, Buckingham Palace is almost 10 times larger, making this place look like a humble abode.  And, maybe I'm a dreamer, but I think there is a market for a place like this.  It may be a small market, but it is a market nonetheless.  I can assure you that every square foot in this residence is carefully thought out, and the overall design flows seamlessly.

Please let me know what you think.  Your comments inspire me to continue this project.  You can click on the picture for a larger view.

Jonathan

Mansion Project - Formal Dining Room

Hi everyone.  It's been a while since my last post, but I have continued to work on the mansion.  I have just finished some initial renderings of the formal dining room.  The formal dining room is situated centrally in the home, near the grand staircase and reception hall.  The dining room itself has its own reception area, separated from the dining room by a pair of large columns.  The large central fireplace is the focal point of the room, flanked by a set of arches, one of which leads to the hall of china and family kitchen, and the other to the morning room.  I have used a warm wood floor in this room, which complements the wall colour. 

The dining room will be serviced as well by the catering kitchen located on the lower level, which is accessed by the nearby east staircase and service elevator. 

The ceiling detail is yet to be completed, so stay tuned for details.  Specifications to follow.  I have included the chair to give an appreciation of the scale. 

Your thoughts are most welcomed!  As always, click the image for a larger view.

Jonathan

My own "mini" Mansion

Hi everyone

While I continue to work on the "mega" mansion project, I thought I'd share with you my own "mini" mansion. It is small in comparison to the Mansion Project, but in reality it's not that "mini" at all.  It measures approximately 18,000 square feet on three floors.  It is a design that I hope to build for myself one day (hopefully sooner rather than later).

Your comments would be greatly appreciated.

Introducing the "Mini" Mansion Project

The Front Exterior Elevation (watercolor effect)

The front entry is adorned by Tuscan columns.  The garage is in a sideways configuration, which allows it to be concealed from this viewing angle.  Symmetry is largely maintained, with some minor variation.

 The Rear Exterior Elevation (watercolor effect)

The rear of the home exposes the third (lower) floor.  Twin staircases rise to the large entertaining area at the rear of the home.  The bottom floor contains the entertaining areas, including wet bar/billiards area, spa, indoor pool, exercise room, change rooms, wet and dry sauna, cigar lounge, wine cellar.

The Formal Dining Room

The formal dining room is immediately entered from the reception hall/main foyer.  The circular shape of the table is reflected in what I coin the "Las Vegas style" ceiling (as it is similar to the ceiling found in a local casino near my home).  The dining room has direct access to a butler's pantry/wet bar which leads into the kitchen.

The Formal Living/Music Room

As a musician myself, no mansion is complete without an adequate space for a beautiful grand piano.  Warm woods envelop the living room, and each of the pilasters is topped with a fleur de lys motif.

The Formal Living/Music Room (2)

Another surprise regarding the living room/music room is the spiral staircase which leads up to a viewing area, overlooking the piano, and a private office.  

The Family Kitchen/Breakfast Nook

This kitchen was meant to be a family gathering spot.  It features a breakfast nook/family dining area, and is directly open to the two storey family room.  A set of stairs leads up to the bedroom quarters.

Rear Exterior Rendering

Again, the exterior of the home demonstrating symmetry.

Thanks for all who have been supporting me on my endeavours so far.  Help this site grow by telling others to check it out!

Jonathan

Exterior Rendering - The two-storey Great Library

Here is more detail of the exterior.  This is a rendering of the exterior of the two storey great library.

I have made some modifications, including changing the overall colour of the exterior to a lighter colour.  I have also replaced the fluted pilasters with plain ones.  Let me know what you think of the changes! 

I was having "out of memory problems" with my old computer, and so purchased a new one to be able to continue with the project.  Talk about dedication!

As always, I am eager to hear your feedback.  More will be coming in the very near future so stay tuned to the "Mansion Project."

Exterior Facade - Additional renderings

I will update this post as new additional renderings of the exterior facade are created.

2. Southwest Corner (Conservatory)

Here's another rendering of the southwest corner of the mega-mansion.  In the centre is the conservatory, which is flanked by the central and west wings of the mansion.  It gives an impression of the scale, with the width of the central wing approximately equal to that of each of the two wings (east and west).  This would be the view as one approaches the west entrance of the mansion, en route to the grand ballroom.

West Facade - Initial Rendering

Continuing with the exterior of the ground and second floor I have created an initial rendering of the West Facade.

 

(Click image above for larger view)

I have done some shuffling, and have essentially created a mirror image of my original plans.  As such, the ground floor of the west wing now houses the business suite (oval office with private bathroom, reception hall, conference centre, executive guest suite), portrait hall, as well as the modified two storey ballroom and two storey conservatory (as requested by readers of the blog).  I really enjoy incorporating readers' suggestions into the project, which is why feedback is always appreciated!

The second floor of the west wing features the master suite, which has master sitting room, private kitchen, bedroom, separate his and her closets, dressing rooms, and ensuites bathrooms.  To finish off the "upper" west wing, There is a viewing gallery (with a private terrace) that overlooks the ballroom.

The west wing also houses a staircase and service elevator, which services all floors of the mansion.  There is also a secret passageway which traverses the master bedroom and oval office (bathroom) leading to a panic room and escape tunnel in the basement.

I have continued the limestone cladding on the exterior facade.  The "oval office" inspiration is carried through to the exterior, with the west facade of this mega mansion resembling the south facade of the white house.  The two storey columns allow for private terraces off of both the oval office and the master bedroom suite above.

The west entrance leads to the portrait hall which serves as a place to welcome guests and provides direct access to the ballroom and conservatory. Vehicles will be able to pull up to west entrance, which could be adorned with a red carpet for the most "distinguished" of parties.  

Again, this is the initial rendering, and much work is left to be done with the mill work and of course the roof and basement elevation.  I just wanted to again share with you the mansion's progress!

Thanks to those of you who have been following the mansion project.  It gives me inspiration to keep creating!  As always, your comments are always welcomed!