Masters of Organic Architecture: Jacques Couëlle

How I managed to miss Jacques Couëlle in my travels through organic architecture is a mystery. Possibly because his most famous houses are located in the most expensive places in the world (his reported nickname "the architect of billionaires" says it all). His son Savin also became an architect and continued his father's work building ridiculously expensive sculptural houses across France and Italy. 

Jacques Couëlle Monte Mano, Sardinia, Italy

Jacques Couëlle home, Sardinia, Italy

Jacques Couëlle home, Cannes, France

Davidson House - James Hubbell, Designer

I first visited this house in 2004 on a fundraising tour of Hubbell built homes to rebuild their Julian home after the 2003 Cedar Fire. Actually, this story starts earlier. I first HEARD about this house in 1997 when it was highlighted in San Diego Union Tribune, at the time I had never heard of James Hubbell but I clipped the article because I was enchanted with the artistry.

It's interesting that every time I come into contact with Hubbell's work I can tell - even if there's no credit, I know. I know because I'm drawn to the shapes and materials. His style speaks to me in a way that no other artist ever has.

This house is now available on AirBnB (look for The Shire in Alpine) so I just HAD to stay here, because of course. It's a tinier house than it looks because so much of the space isn't usable. The location is wonderful; on an angled lot with the creek just below you. I also have to note that the noisiest frogs in the universe live down at that creek.

It's worth the drive, do it.

Davidson House, Alpine, CA - James Hubbell, Designer

Davidson House, Alpine, CA - James Hubbell, Designer

Davidson House, Alpine, CA - James Hubbell, Designer

Davidson House, Alpine, CA - James Hubbell, Designer

Davidson House, Alpine, CA - James Hubbell, Designer

Melogranoblu 'Maelström' Light Installation

A lighting installation AND a floor show, what could be better? I saw a picture of this with just the blue illuminated and was sold. Then I found video and...ooooh, it changes colors! Double sold. Designed by light and glass artists Melogranoblu.

 'Maelström'  Designed by Melogranoblu

'Maelström'  Designed by Melogranoblu

'Maelström'  Designed by Melogranoblu

'Maelström'  Designed by Melogranoblu

Art Lighting by Bruce Munro

When last we visited the masterworks of Bruce Munro, he was planting lights in fields. He's hanging them from ceilings as well, which delights me to no end.

Everyone knows by know that Pinterest is a rabbit hole that will suck up vast amounts of your time clicking on pretty picture after pretty picture. That was, of course, how I ran across the first of these installations by Mr. Munro and went "Hey, I know that name. Wasn't that the guy...."  And here we are.

Bruce Munro website.

Viva Tree, Texas Tech University. Lubbock, TX - Bruce Munro

Light Shower, London Zoo, London - Bruce Munro

Light Shower, Cheekwood Gardens, TN - Bruce Munro

Light Shower, Longwood Gardens, PA - Bruce Munro

Light Shower, Franklin Park Conservatory, Columbus, Ohio - Bruce Munro

Sea Ranch Chapel - James Hubbell, Designer

I have started this post literally 7 times and never finished it. I keep falling more and more behind and the open tabs of interesting stuff to blog about just pile up...

Last year I finally had the opportunity to drive up the California coast to the little town of Sea Ranch to see a Hubbell structure that I've loved in pictures and wanted to experience in the real.

The chapel was MUCH smaller than I expected, which I probably shouldn't have been surprised since Hubbell clearly prefers snug quarters, that is a consistency throughout all of his buildings. No wasted space. You might (and I do stress might) get 20 people into this building. If they were friendly.

The glass work is, of course, exquisite. This is one of the finest examples of James' work that you'll find outside of his home in Santa Ysabel. It's a long drive from the Bay area but absolutely worth it.

Go. Pack a lunch.

Sea Ranch Chapel, James Hubbell Architect 

Sea Ranch Chapel, James Hubbell Architect 

Sea Ranch Chapel, James Hubbell Architect 

Sea Ranch Chapel, James Hubbell Architect 

Sea Ranch Chapel, James Hubbell Architect 

Sea Ranch Chapel, James Hubbell Architect

Ferrocement - Flying Concrete

Now that I'm getting more back into the blogging groove, I've had this tab open Chrome for FAR TOO LONG meaning to blog about Ferrocement.

This building material has to be the patron saint of organic builders everywhere. There are a few notable artists, we will start with Steve Kornher of FlyingConcrete.com.

These make me giddy and I have visions of how I would use Ferrocement building my own Gaudiesque palace somewhere quiet and with lots of elbow room.

Ferrocement House - Steve Kornher

Ferrocement House - Steve Kornher

Ferrocement House - Steve Kornher

Ferrocement House - Steve Kornher

Ferrocement House - Steve Kornher

Rock House - Laguna Beach (Brion Jeannette, Architect)

My, it has been a long time. I have to stop letting work overtake my life and supersede doing creative things for myself.

So, I've been meaning to do this post for a while on one of my favorite California art properties. I'm not necessarily a fan of beaches but I love the fact that the architect worked with the landscape and built into it rather than just bulldozing over it. All of the detailing just makes me sigh.

I also give Brion Jeannette, the Architect, full props for all the energy efficiency measures.

A few images below, but watch the video....

Rock House, Laguna. Brion Jeannette, Architect

Rock House, Laguna. Brion Jeannette, Architect

Rock House, Laguna. Brion Jeannette, Architect