I know if FLW was alive, and knew me (not an architect), he would be furious I would be questioning him at all. All true, however I am a practicing “home designer” and am confronted by the “facts” a budget presents. I was confronting a jealousy I have had toward architects. The fact AIA carries so much credibility.

Budget follows beauty.

I was gracious that PrairieMod joined the conversation. In fact they made me think, and I realized, a budget is just a number. The customers hired Frank Lloyd Wright to create something great. They believed in his abilities, and if that requires more money, then they trusted the new direction. For me question the budget, not being the customer, is petty.

My favorite Wright Home, The Pope-Leighey House, because it was the start of his Usonian designs. Which were created to provide an affordable alternative to the rambling ranch. This inspires me to create affordable alternatives to the cookie cutters we all live in.

Post from: Blisstree

Wright Wednesday: Reflection

The firm was founded in 1991 but I had not learned of them until 2003 when they designed the Dwell Home. Resolution 4 is a 10 person firm founded by Robert Tanney and Robert Luntz. When I saw what they were creating I was excited.

What if you broke down living spaces into simple spaces and shapes. I wanted to meet with customers and throw a bunch of boxes on the table. Each box is labeled with a room name. They would choose those need in their home. We would discuss the best arrangements of the blocks as they related to their lot and how they lived. Giving them a since of ownership. I was never able to implement the idea. I over analyzed whether the blocks should be “blocks” or virtual 3D blocks. What if people could go online and create their own custom home online by arranging the boxes they wanted and needed? Besides, when you see it already done, and done well, what is the point.

If you look at Resolutions 4 “current preoccupation”, you’d see the “modern modules”.

Post from: Blisstree

Weds Arch: Resolution 4

Well, I’m fascinated. I have no idea what’s going on in this house, but I’m intrigued by the ladder, the scaffolding, the tin sheets …

Did anyone else see the movie, Lunatics: A Love Story? If a sequel were ever to be made (and really, what would sound cooler than Lunatics: A Love Story II?), I believe this house would be the setting.

/me adjusts tin foil hat and sits in a corner

Via | Anti Pixel

Post from: Blisstree

Tin Sheets, the new Concrete

At the highest point above sea level in Britain, rests a vineyard owned by Doreen Hiller-Bird and her partner. At the vineyard is a 200-year-old windmill, where the two make their home.

Inside the windmill, everything is custom made to fit the curved walls of the home.

From the top of the windmill you can see five different countries! Talk about a nice view.

I wish they’d invite me over…

Bugger.

Via | BBC

Post from: Blisstree

A Mill, a Vineyard, and Britain

Let’s not forget Man’s Best Friend when thinking of homes! Watch as MSN takes a tour of different Dog Houses with interesting architecture.

Note: the video requires IE6 to play.

Watch the Video!

Post from: Blisstree

Pet Architecture: Dog Houses

Pre-fab designs in Chile have never looked better thanks to architects Francisco Vergara and Alejandro Dumay of F3 Arquitectos whom, in conjunction with Espacio Minga, have created the Minga prototype; the very essence of pre-fab idealism: elegant, modern, and taking up minimal space.

The Minga comes in seven configurations to meet your differing needs and construction can occur between one and thirty days.

Via | MoCo Loco

Post from: Blisstree

Chilean Pre-Fab: Minga

Otherwise, you might end up like a guy named Kirk, who came home to find his home and all of his belongings covered in aluminum foil.

Floor to ceiling:

Even the chairs!

And who can forget …

No detail was too small or too time-consuming. The toilet paper was unrolled, wrapped in foil, then rolled back up again. The friends covered Kirk’s book and compact disc collections but made sure each CD case could open and shut normally. They even used foil on each coin in Kirk’s spare change.

April Fools!

(source)

Post from: Blisstree

Aluminum Foil: Tres Chic

The storybook home features five stone fireplaces, custom ceilings, custom windows and calls. In 2004, the cottage made the cover of the Storybook Homes calendar and has appeared in Country Living & Evening Magazine.

I believe it was last owned by Snow White’s great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandson.

(But don’t quote me on that).

Via | Seattle Dream Homes

Post from: Blisstree

Hansel & Gretyl Cottage

Based in England, ecoSpace ltd. brings nature and luxury together with their Garden Studios. The green studios are constructed using ecologically friendly materials and features a pre-built low-maintenance green roof that includes mosses, succulents and grasses, all of which provide “high insulation performance”.

A simple studio of 3.6 x 3m will set you back £15,850. Prices rise from there, depending on your preferences. Optional additions include a cloak room with wc and basin, a shower pod, kitchenette, low energy under floor heating, roof light, and additional glazing.

More info: ecoSpace ltd.

Post from: Blisstree

EcoSpace Garden Studio

Behold, a Seattle house(boat), perched upon the beautiful shores of Mercer Island.

The once-boat, called the USS Manzanita was built in 1908, and features two levels, three bedrooms, two fireplaces, a modern kitchen, a family room, a deck, and even a hot tub.

Absolutely lovely.

Via | Unusual Life

Post from: Blisstree

It’s a Houseboat … Really!