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

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!

Coming soon! Grand Ball Room, Conference Center

Hey guys:  It's been a while since I last posted.  Thanks for your patience and continued support.  I HAVE been working on a few projects.  

The conference room is in its final stages (which is adjacent to the oval office).  I have also been working on exterior views of the private oval office terrace (which is "south facade" white house inspired).  One difference is that there are four columns (as opposed to six at the white house), allowing unobstructed views from the large windows in the mega-mansion's oval office.  This house is so huge that the east elevation resembles that of the entire south facade of the white house!

For your information, the "width" of the east wing of the mega-mansion is a mere (sarcasm) 208' (two-hundred-and-eight-feet) wide!

Here's a taste (technical illustration):

Technical Illustration:  Centrally sits the oval office.  To the (facing) left of the oval office is the passageway to the conference centre, complete with wet bar.  To the (facing) right is a "presidential-worthy" bathroom.  The private terrace is wrapped with large newels and wrought iron balusters, accentuated by enormous 2+ story columns.

Currently in the works is a "fit-for-royalty" ball room situated in the east wing of the house (main floor).  This ballroom features two fireplaces and access to a brilliant glass conservatory.  The conservatory pays homage to the Winter Garden of Biltmore Estate.  The ballroom itself is inspired by the Hall of Mirrors, Versailles, and measures approximately 45' (fourty-five-feet) by 28' (twenty-eight-feet).

(left) Versaille's Hall of Mirrors.  (above) Biltmore Estate's "Winter Garden"

I promise to have some more images of the mega-mansion up in the next few days. 

Oval Office - Initial Sketches

It has been a busy weekend, but I wanted to share with you an initial technical illustration of the mega-mansion's oval office.  The ceiling detail is yet to be completed (stay tuned).

The room is truly "White House oval office" inspired.  At the far end of the room sits the executive desk.  A massive set of windows frames the desk, providing ample natural light.  Maintaining symmetry in the room, a pair of french doors provides access to the private terrace.  Bookcases (foreground) match the symmetry of the french doors.  A set of doors lead to the private (executive) bathroom, and on the opposite side of the room a set of doors lead to a wet bar leading into the conference room. 

There is also a sitting area, complete with sofa, and chairs to make the room more comfortable and inviting.

The trim work in the room is rich and "heavy" giving a sense of power and authority. This is softened to some degree by the curved trim above the french doors and around the bookshelves.

I am undecided about what direction I will go with respect to materials in the room.  I do like the soft, pale colours used in the White House Oval Office, but also think dark wood panelling would make a bold statement (I am wondering if I should reserve the wood panelling for the library/study).

Perhaps I'll try to set up a poll.  Let me know what you think of the project thus far!

Inspiration - The Oval Office

Arguably the most recognizable office in the world, the oval office represents the epicenter of world power, yet has an elegant, welcoming feel.  Sitting at the "head" of the room is a magnificent desk, framed by the large windows behind.  An inviting sitting area in the foreground  provides a venue for more intimate conversations.

What mega mansion would be complete without its own oval office?

I have begun work on the "business center" of the home.  As opposed to the white house's "west wing," the business center in this mega-mansion occupies a large part of the "east wing" (ground floor). 

The crowning glory of the business center will be the mansion's very own "oval office," which lies outside a generous reception hall.  The office will have its own private bathroom.  Doors lead to a private terrace, perfect for entertaining business guests.  There is a passage way (containing a wet bar) leading from the office to a large, fully equipped conference room, complete with motorized projection screen to deliver multimedia presentations. 

"Public" lavatories and an informal lounge finish off the business suite.

The nearby east wing staircase will allow access to entertainment features on the lower level (as well as the catering kitchen) and the guest suites on the upper floor.  Adjacent to the business suite on the ground floor is a large apartment suite suitable for the most distinguished of business guests.

I am still finalizing the design.  Preliminary sketches will come soon!  Stay tuned!

As always, comments are more than welcome!