here are some sketchup ideas of the "wonder wall"  scheme.  first drafts - client loves the clean and modern architectural styles.  the idea with the wall is to create the strength of the wall, and leaning, penetrating and juxtaposing space through it to create the dynamics needed for the clients' personality types.  lots of fun.   client does not like the wood doors in such repetitive pattern - so i'll try to work on the elevations to tune up the window compositions. still under development!

the other project i'm still working on is modern farm.  this one is on a 1 acre lot outside of kaneohe.  the scheme uses the quonset hut structure in a modern use.  these prefabricated structures are affordable and have tons of historic references from roman barrel vaults to industrial uses from the WWII era ( a product of innovation out of depression-era necessity).

working on a project that not only has the typical logistical component, but also a wonderful design component.  the music to inspire the design is wonderwall a remake of the oasis hit by Ryan Adams.  here are the adjectives that were generated from this song by my clients and what came to me:


soulful, clean, smooth.  i get the impression of a light rain on a sunny day where the drips reflect the light as it drips from fresh leaves.  light, and warm.  encouraging, enclosing, haunting (in a good way), and continuing.  the lyrics and words seem to imply strength, security, and a soft-strong spirit.  something that is always there, always interesting, and always surrounding, engulfing and besides me to lean on.


the song really matches my clients.  really amazing.  most of the song is smooth, clean and full of a refreshing spirit.  but there is a hint of feisty-ness in the song... just a touch.  and the architecture will have the same feeling.  


how to translate adjectives, feeling into brick and mortar?  the literal solution for "wonderwall" would be to start with a wall scheme.  the parti will have a wall in it.  the music, the lyrics, and the site all point to this feeling of strength, solidity, security, and timelessness.  the wall in most of my designs will show itself more as a solid "zone"  where functions like stairs, closets, and other small tight parts of the home will be concentrated.  carving holes and openings in the wall is the fun part, so it will most likely have some of this too!  after all, the song wonderwall was inspired by a movie from the 60's about poking holes in a wall...  i won't say why here.  but let's just say it laid the groundwork for love and untiring interest and devotion.

based on this, a language of architecture is beginning to show itself:  stone walls, thin poles, warm woods, and all types of wall penetrations.  my clients like clean lines, so we'll keep it looking more contemporary.  a good connection to a well developed out door garden is really important to bring about the feelings evoked by "wonderwall".  so we'll need to focus on that outdoor "room" which will be connected to the main living room.  


stone is a must:  it holds spirit and soulfulness
wood is a must:  it brings warmth
metals:  will have some of this - not sure if stainless steel is what i'm feeling, though... maybe copper and bronze in accents will be more appropriate.
glass:  only in accents... unless the feng shui master clarence lau tells me to use more in certain areas.  there will be alot of it as the architecture needs to connect to the outdoor context in a major way
light:  will bring this by lifting the roof off the stone walls where possible.  should give a floating roof effect, and thin vertical members will help this.  


will post up the parti as soon as i can swing it!