The Wilton Pool House by Hariri & Hariri Architecture is truly something to behold. I think if I were the lucky owner, I’d take up temporary residency here for the whole summer. I’d never leave!

Project Description:
This 1200 square feet structure was designed as a minimalist sculpture in the landscape. It is part of a 3.5 acre property in Connecticut. The architecture of the pool house hovers over a 48′x20′ pool like a vessel in the water. On the North there is a spa and an outdoor/ indoor shower, and on the south there is a roofed veranda acting as an indoor/ outdoor dinning area with a large opening on the wall framing the landscape beyond. The area around the pool becomes a sunken courtyard paved in Travertine with steps and walls of stone.

The interior of this pool house contains a living/ entertainment room, kitchen and bar area, simple bathroom and variety of terraces and decks. It is enclosed by series of metal and glass sliding panels that would allow the structure to be transparent and open up towards the outside. A wall of green mosaic tiles cover the wet areas (both inside and out side showers) and becomes part of the main composition of the facade bringing color and tactility to the place. The main frame and the ceiling of the structure are in Ipe Wood and make the place warm, nautical and sculptural at the same time. The wood floors stretch out from the interior hovering over the pool and becoming a deck for reflecting or simply sitting around and putting your toes in the water.

See more at www.haririandhariri.com.

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Joseph Eichler may be one of the most well known Mid-Century Modern residential architects developers. In the 50’s and 60’s he was fortunate enough to design and build whole neighborhoods in California. I must admit when it comes to Eichler I’m pretty ignorant, but I’m looking to change that. Next month for my Fiesta Movement mission I’ll be heading to California for a weekend to look at Eichler homes, and hopefully take some good pictures and video. Before I go I need your help!

What are some good websites to learn more about Eichler?

If I could only go to one neighborhood, which one should it be?

The Stage House is a sublimely minimal ‘weekend home’ with a distinct Japanese aesthetic. Every element of the house has such a sense of balanced energy. I especially love the way it relates to the surrounding landscape, its profile nothing but a dark sliver amongst the trees. Completed in 2007, the Stage House is the creation of Japanese architecture firm TNA.

Check out more of their work at tna-arch.com.

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This week for our “Way Back When” spotlight goes to the Utah Heritage Foundation. While many people think of historic preservation as saving a bunch of victorian pioneer houses, Utah Heritage Foundation has set out to prove that they are interested in preserving and promoting education on all historically significant buildings, including MCM ones. UHF has recently added profiles on their website of prominent MCM architects like Dee Wilson and John Sugden who studies under Mies. Head over to their website for some great articles and photo’s. Also make sure you join the Salt Lake Modern facebook page if you want to stay up to date on local events and learn more about MCM homes in Utah.

While the awesome hair of interviewer Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel put this clip in the 80’s the work of Philip Johnson goes much further back. His most notable “modern” project was the glass house built in 1949. The interview is a little dry but if you are interested it is quite fascinating.
Please share you thoughts on architecture, 80’s hair and funky glasses in the comments.

Today I’m taking my dog, Wrigley, into the vet for some ‘issues’ he’s been having. Since I don’t like going anymore than he does, (what with the cramped waiting room and crappy parking situation), it got me to thinking about modern veterinary offices and the fact that I’ve never heard of one. After some serious digging, I found this lovely example in the portfolio of Tuke Manton Architects, a UK-based firm.

The project involved overhauling an old industrial building which was linked to an adjacent office building. By opening up the space and incorporating tons of natural light, a calming and healing environment was created. The timber-clad building, with its barn-like appearance, makes use of openable aluminum windows in order to provide natural ventilation. Overall, I think this project is immensely successful - I especially love the warmth the timber adds to an otherwise industrial-looking building. It’s all very modern and I love it. I suppose there is hope for the world afterall!

See more:
www.tukemanton.co.uk

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Here is an amazing documentary done by the BBC several years ago that covers the lifes work of Mies van der Rohe and the lasting influences that he has had on architecture.

Grab some popcorn, it’s a long one…

Parts 2-7 after the jump.
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Heath makes some of the most beautiful tile I have ever seen. I have been drooling over their tiles for years now but the prices have always kept me from seriously considering them for any project. The seconds and overstocks section on their website has always been a temptation to me, although they state that they are for pick up only and they won’t ship. I wonder if anyone has ever been able to convince them to ship seconds? If not, it looks like I may have to take a road trip to Sausalito one of these days.

Heath overstock and seconds, prices starting at $5 sq/ft

A lovely, 1,800 square foot home tucked away in Los Angeles. I love how the entire focal point of the home, whether you’re indoors or out, is that massive tree! Designed byStandard.  

©2002-2006 standard® | Tree House | Los Angeles, CA
1,800 sq ft | new residence

Project Team: Jeffrey Allsbrook | Silvia Kuhle | Nicholas Hopson | Sylwia Pasciak

Check out the rest of their portfolio at www.standard-la.com

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THE BEN ROSE HOME - To some it may have been the first modern home ever seen. The iconic modern house in Ferris Buellers Day off and the unforgettable scene in which a gorgeous old Ferarri is sent crashing through an equally gorgeous garage wall. If you’ve ever wondered about that house here’s your chance to find out more, or even buy it for a cool 2. 3 million.

Designed by A. James Speyer and David Haid, both notable architects of the 20th Century the home was originally built in 1953. At 5,300 square feet it has 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. For all the nitty gritty details check out the for sale page on Realtor.com.

The Ben Rose Home.

Thanks RP!

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