Craftsmanship: Tent Pavilions and Model Ts

September 19, 2016

What does this tent pavilion have in common with a 1924 Model T?  The answer lies in the process: both were cast in sand.  Although no longer commonly used in mass production, sand casting is still employed to create custom craftsman pieces, like the supports of the Del Monte tent pavilion, which were expertly fabricated by Peter Rehme of Rehme Steel in Austin, TX.

Happy Birthday John Staub!

September 12, 2016

Happy birthday to one of our favorite local architects, John Staub.  The late John Staub practiced architecture in Houston for over 40 years throughout the early 20th century, producing a legacy of homes that shy from ostentation in their understated elegance.  We build on his legacy throughout Houston and admire his contributions to the built environment.  We are active in the Texas chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, which celebrates the John Staub Awards annually to laud current design and craftsmanship talent that contributes to these traditions in Texas.

Progress: West Main Commercial Building

August 29, 2016

With clean lines and classical proportions, this is a contemporary space that pulls from classical tradition.  Its scale relates well to the scale of its site and surroundings.  Two beautiful oak trees, which are being preserved throughout construction, will shade a private garden.  Outdoor space is further integrated in an upstairs terrace, the perfect place for hosting evening events.

This mixed use building will house offices, meeting rooms, both indoor and outdoor event space, and climate-controlled storage.

View more renderings of the West Main Mixed Commercial building.

Back to School Excitement

August 22, 2016

Everyone understands that feeling of excitement on the first day of school. The students at St. John’s School must enjoy seeing this on their way to class!

 

Inspiration: Bois des Moutiers

August 15, 2016

Bois des Moutiers, in Varengeville-sur-Mer, Haute-Normandie, France, is a quintessential example of the British Arts and Crafts design.  The estate is the work of the famous Arts and Crafts designers, architect, Edwin Lutyens and garden designer, Gertrude Jekyll.  Unique in France, the house and gardens date from circa 1897.   The gardens relate closely to the rooms within the house.

This close relationship between the interior and exterior spaces is an inspiration and a characteristic of the integration of the architecture, landscape and interior disciplines found in the work of Curtis & Windham.  The richness of plant palate of Jekyll’s border gardens has been an inspiration for border gardens in many landscape projects.