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

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."

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!

The Great Room - Fireplaces

What mansion would be complete without fireplaces.  In fact, the Great Room has two!

These are no ordinary fireplaces.  The mantel ledge sits at five-feet, four-inches tall (5'4"), with an overall width of eight-feet, four-inches (8'4").  A set of fluted pilasters sit atop the fireplace, topped with a rounded lintel, transforming the fireplace ensemble into a two story structure.  A large mirror (which itself is over 10 feet tall!) reflects light, contributing to the sense of vastness of this room.

When designing fireplaces, it is important to consider the scale of the room.  Fireplaces that are too small make the room look awkward and paradoxically "stick out like a sore thumb."  The great room, with its thirty-five-foot width (35') requires a large fireplace as a complement.  In fact, this room is on such a large scale that two fireplaces (one at each end of the room) have been included. 

The days of using fireplaces as a primary source of heat may be gone, but preserved is the function of providing a venue for engaging conversation.