Chateau in the Tropics
I designed this primary home for a couple with a true passion for and
intimate understanding of French-period homes. We drew much of the
influence from the works of "François Mansart," the forefather of classical
French Baroque architecture.
The clients have an extensive art and sculpture collection, therefore
it was important to create dedicated interior gallery space throughout
the walls without restricting the flow of the house. The intention was to
let certain spaces flow out to the exterior sculptural gardens to maintain
therelationship with the "interior" space beyond—the outdoors. I feel the
sculptural quality of the home takes on a museum-like superiority, which
draws one through each room.
The symmetrical façade with Rococo detailing sits back nicely from its
corner street location, which affords passersby the opportunity to enjoy
the home from its many interesting angles.
To create an even more authentic-looking appearance, I added cast
stone quoins to form pilasters at all corners, and a semi-circular frieze is
used to highlight the entry. Charcoal rustic slate clads the mansard roof
which contains a series of dormer windows. It is all these materials—even
the small details—which ultimately formed their dream getaway.
