Rainbow Hill II - James Hubbell, Architect

Today, some more of my personal pictures from Rainbow Hill in Julian, CA. A former Bed and Breakfast now privately owned. James Hubbell worked on this residence for 10 years in the process of completing it.  For me, the master bedroom on the 2nd floor is the crowning jewel of the residence. The windows on the 2nd floor are located so that the sun wakes you up at sunrise with light pouring into the room (the preference of the previous owner - certainly not mine, I like to sleep in!)

There is a small fireplace in the master, as well as a bathroom and sitting area.

The master bedroom at Rainbow Hill - James Hubbell, Architect

Morning sun streams through these windows to start the day

The upstairs fireplace at Rainbow Hill

Previous James Hubbell post: http://www.eclectitude.com/2011/12/rainbow-hill-james-hubbell-architect.html

Hubbell and Hubbell website.

Vertical Gardens - Replay Store, Barcelona

As if all the Gaudi in the vicinity wasn't enough temptation, I'm ready to pack my bags for Barcelona so I can ogle this vertical garden installation by Michael Hellgren for Replay Stores in person.

The artist/designer notes that this vertical garden installation was a little more challenging because the top half of the wall receives lots of direct sun while the bottom half receives none, requiring a whole different set of plants in each area.

Visit Michael Hellgren's website for more lushness.

Bathtub Mosaic Art from SICIS

Not only am I sucker for art glass, I'm a sucker for a beautiful mosaic as well. Combine mosaic with normally boring plumbing fixtures -- well, now we're talking!

It should be no surprise that these mosaic tubs send me into a fit of WANT! Actually, the entire SICIS catalog lures me into Covet mode -- the marriage of art and functionality has never produced such stunning results. SICIS is headquartered in Milan, Italy and calls their company The Art Factory, which seems rather fitting.

There are multiple designs for each fixture, which you view at the SICIS website.

SICIS Shoe Bathtub "Audrey" Art Mosaic

SICIS Bathtub "Alba" Art Mosaic

SICIS Bathtub "Denver" Art Mosaic

Wood Sculpture - Henrique Oliveira, Artist

Today we venture into the world of organic art displays - with a "green" element.  This wood sculpture is created using sections of weathered fence from around Henrique Oliveira's native Sao Paulo. The artist (originally a painter) uses the peeling wood as brush strokes to add color and depth to his sculpture.  The pieces erupt from walls and ceilings.

I've always loved vines and the look of creative entanglement that is a hallmark of Art Nouveau style, so this wood sculpture really caught my eye.

Tridimensional Wood Sculpture - Henrique Oliveira

Tridimensional Wood Sculpture - Henrique Oliveira

Tridimensional Wood Sculpture - Henrique Oliveira

Artist website here.

Art Lighting FIxture - Phillippe Malouin, Designer

I find myself really visually jazzed by this artistic lighting fixture by Philippe Malouin, part of an entire set using brass grids and concrete.  It has an architectural/structural quality that would make it a perfect sconce for modern applications.  Rather a bit of a departure from my usual taste that leans toward organic curves, but beauty comes in many forms!

I imagine this on a darker background wall as a focal point to define a space.

Lighting sconce by Phillipe Malouin

Designer website.
Reblogged from Dezeen.

Vertical Gardens - Yoyogi Village, Tokyo

I think what I find so intriguing about vertical gardens is that they appeal to my desire for 360 degree immersion.  Creating spaces is, for me, about ambiance.  What I want out of a space (especially a creative one) is the attention to detail that a designer thought about more than just what was at eye level.  I want the sounds, lighting, textiles and entire design sensibility to take me someplace, to define a moment/experience for me.

The vertical garden designed for Yoyogi Village defines a lush and peaceful space and also provides a scenic backdrop from the Code Kurrku restaurant and conference spaces. Not only does the vertical garden provide fresher, moister air to the facility, it also creates a noise buffer to make the space more relaxing.

Vertical Garden - Yoyogi Village

Vertical Garden - Yoyogi Village

Vertical Garden - Yoyogi Village

Mushroom House - James Johnson, Architect

More commonly known as the Mushroom House, the original inspiration for the design of this residence came from stalks of Queen Anne's Lace plucked by architect James H. Johnson and handed to clients Robert and Marguerite Antell with the announcement "this is your home."

The 5 pods that make up the home include 2 sleeping area pods, a kitchen/sitting room pod, a living/dining room pod, and an outdoor living space pod.  The interiors are full of beautiful local artisan works such as tiles, creative ironwork, custom doors and cabinetry.

To borrow my favorite James Hubbell quote: "a house is a piece of sculpture that you can live in" the Mushroom House certainly qualifies.

Mushroom House - Rochester, NY

Mushroom House - Rochester, NY

Mushroom House - Rochester, NY

Mushroom House - Rochester, NY

Mushroom House - Rochester, NY

More photos here.

Architect website here.