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

The Formal Library - Initial Sketches

Across from the central staircase sits the enormous two story library, accessed from the grand staircase by three arched entryways.  It measures approximately twenty-eight-feet (28') by twenty-six-feet (26').  The focal point of the room is the huge fireplace, which is six-feet high.  Above the fireplace sits a mirror which reflects a view of the grand staircase.  The mirror is flanked by round columns, and capped with an arched lintel.  I have added a side chair in the sketch to demonstrate the scale of the space.

The room is surrounded by bookcases on both floors, with ample storage for a huge collection of books.  A balcony wraps around the second floor of the room, and will be accessible from the first floor of the library via a spiral staircase.  

There are many details left to add, so stay tuned for further sketches and renderings.

The Mansion's Grand Stair Hall

Arguably one of the most important impressions that a mansion can make is with what lies immediately beyond the front door.

I have been working on the preliminary design for the grand stair hall, which is central to the house and the first room that guests will encounter after entering through the massive front doors.  Its overall dimensions are thirty-five-feet (35') by twenty-eight-feet (28'), including the stair space.

To explain the preliminary sketch, the view of the grand stair hall is taken from the formal library, which is immediately adjacent (The camera is positioned at the entrance to the formal library, which is accessible from the stair hall by three large archways). Hard to describe in words so I have included the floor plan. The large doorway to the right (flanked with fluted pilasters) leads to the front vestibule with attached powder room and cloak room.  The doorway to the left (also with its fluted pilasters) leads to the central gallery which overlooks the massive two story great room.  

I have kept the theme very traditional.  Upon entering the room, attention is immediately drawn to the large staircase (which is six-feet wide its entire length, and fans out to approximately ten-feet at its base).  The central staircase extends upward to a landing, with matching curved extensions rising fully to the second floor.  Large two-story columns extend the line of sight upwards (and measure a massive three-feet at their base).  The concavity of the upper portion of the stairs (and the wall behind) is mirrored by the convexity of the landing above.  Underneath each balcony behind the doors is additional storage space (alternatively leading to a passage to access the floor below).  The entire staircase is mirrored again by a balcony on the opposite side of the room.

The room is not complete but I wanted to share the preliminary sketch with you.  In the future, the room will be topped by a third floor dome.

The inspiration for the grand stair hall?  Buckingham Palace and Carlton House (see the pictures below).  I particularly like the "sideways" configuration of the staircase in both of these residences.

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!

Family Kitchen - Update

Thanks to Grrrowler/David for their comments...this is the "updated" family kitchen.

I really appreciate that a sink/dishwasher across from the double range/oven could be a conflict.  As a result, I have placed a prep sink in close proximity to the double refrigerator and the double-range/oven, but now positioned at the end of the island (out of the way of kitchen traffic).  Adjacent to the prep sink is a trash compactor and ice-maker.  This leaves the bulk of the central island unobstructed for meal preparation and baking. 

I have moved the dish sink to the 'other island' (the "eating island") and have added two dishwashers adjacent to the sink. 

I have also decided to add a built-in-microwave oven to the left of the wet bar, as well as an espresso machine.  I have decided to keep the wet-bar as is (with some modification from the previous sketch), and have added space for wine bottle storage.  On the central island I have also placed ample space for plate storage, but the breakfast room will be surrounded by cabinets for china. 

There will be a catering kitchen, on the lower level, with access to the butler's pantry, which connects the family area (kitchen, family room, breakfast room) to the main (formal) dining room.  There will be a staircase leading to the catering kitchen, as well as a dumbwaiter which will allow easy passage of food to the formal dining room.

Please check back soon for updates! Thank you for all of your architectural expertise and comments.  It is extremely useful!  Please continue to provide feedback.

Once I have completed the ceiling detail for the family kitchen, I will begin to provide renderings of the family kitchen.

Family Kitchen - Initial Sketches

Just to make sure you know that I am still diligently working on this project:

Here are some initial sketches of the family kitchen.  At the rear of the room sits a double-wide range/oven.  The right door leads to a pantry, while the left leads to the west (front) gallery of the home. 

On the left wall is a double refrigerator, a wet bar, and storage cabinets.

There are two islands: the central island with a fully equipped sink, and housing the dishwasher and numerous cabinets.  The other island features an area for family dining and an expansive workspace for meal preparation.

The ceiling detail is yet to be completed.  The kitchen overlooks the family room and the informal family dining (breakfast) area.

Details will be finalized soon!  Please check back!

Family Kitchen - A Teaser

Thank you to all of you who have supported this project so far. 

I wanted to share with you the initial workings for the family kitchen.  I spent the last several hours on this bit of cabinetry.  The colours and exact specifications are subject to change, as the project will evolve over the next several days.

Kitchens are not only meant to be functional, but if designed properly can also be considered a work of art.  The craftsmanship in the cabinetry defines the space.  In my part of the world, kitchens are often the place where company gathers, making it even more important that the space is aesthetically pleasing. 

Please feel free to send me your comments.  I realize this is but one bit of cabinetry, but more will follow in the very near future.  Just wanted to keep you sufficiently interested!

The Great Room Ceiling - Don't forget to look up!

Never neglect what's above your head, or the power and statement that a well crafted ceiling can make.  It screams, "these people thought of everything."  It's one of those details that separates exquisite from ordinary.

In this case, you'll have to look WAY up, as the Great Room boasts a twenty-three foot (23') ceiling height. 

Recessed lighting sets the mood.  The circular pattern in the center of the ceiling is meant to be a reflection of the circular windows above the french doors as well as the curved balconies (providing a vantage point from the second floor gallery).  This could be home to a magnificent chandelier or left as is for a more simple, elegant statement.