Creating Interesting Architecture

Kitchen shows a lot of interesting elements

When creating a space, it's hard for a lot of people to visualize  in advance and even just consider everything in the room.  You can hire help for that hourly, or clip photos and web pages of different things you find to create truly interesting and unique architecture.  When I was thinking about this topic today, I was drawn to this picture of a home that is getting ready to be published in the coming months.  At first glance, you may wonder why I selected it and here is why:

• The ceiling- exposed, stained for warmth and visual impact.  
• The wall- 1X6" custom tongue and groove ship lap construction giving visual depth on the wall and drawing your eye to it through visual shadow lines created by grooves.
• Cabinets-custom veneer selections over plywood construction to create a consistent pattern and unique pattern not found commonly in any cabinetry.
• Island-custom color with interesting shape and maple top.  This was selected for warmth and because of the sheer size.  All natural stone countertops would have had a seam.
• Floating bamboo floors- not a common color and designed to feel fantastic on the feet.  Easy maintenance, cost effective and as durable as you can get being bamboo.  
• Lighting-cool light fixture made better by addition of rope around the body of the fixture.
• Windows- top trapezoid window follows roof line.  This is a little thing but I replaced the once rectangular window in lieu of the trapezoid for visual interest.
• Backsplash- the theory being that most people look horizontally when entering a home, not down at the floors.  We opted for Ann Sacks tile which is expensive but worth it in areas that receive so much attention.  If opting between floors or wall, we lean towards the walls most times.

There is a lot to consider in a home, I just wanted to walk you through some quick thoughts in this room.  Best of luck when creating interesting architecture for your home.

Construction Renovating and Giving Back

Last week I got to do something incredible that I highly recommend.  Blueprint Ministries www.blueprintministry.com is a San Antonio-based ministry that has the goal of making as many homes in San Antonio "warm, safe & dry" as they possibly can..  They do this through volunteer efforts, and have an incredible facility located on South Presa downtown near I-37& Loop 410.  You have a team leader and a representative from Blueprint who lines out the work for the day at the home for your group.  All materials are provided and you get to show up, meet the families and be a witness of faith through your trying to help improve their lives.  There were many highlights, but my favorite was bonding with the family, bonding with the other team members and sharing Christ as best I could.  We actually stayed at the Blueprint facility which was awesome because we could free ourselves from distraction and focus on the family.  If you have a free day or are looking for some way to give back and enjoy working on houses regardless of skill level, please contact them for more information and a life-changing experience.

Swish, Me & Family having dinner

Outside of home

Reid & Mason demo-ing wall



Summit Awards for San Antonio Builders 2012

Some of M&F Staff and Spouses

Still humbled from the 2012 Summit Awards Ceremonies held at the Omni Hotel last Saturday evening.  Mattern & FitzGerald won a company record 9 Eagles for outstanding builder achievement.  We are so blessed to have such an incredible team of people, as well as support from our better halves.  Special thanks goes out to the Greater San Antonio Builder's Association, the staff and our families.