Client: Private Client

Overview

Our mission was to enliven a beautiful Italianate residence remodel and tie together architecture and site with historically accurate but originally designed ceramic detail. We created handmade, hand painted 8″x8″ tiles for the front soffit, porte cochere and balcony from a Renaissance design. We added detail with 4″x4″ tiles in colors drawn from that design. 20′ above the door way we clad a new groin vault with diamond tiles edged in handmade hand painted ceramic rope, ending in 12″ ceramic tassels. For the water side patio we created a fountain with handmade and hand painted relief tiles edged in the said ceramic rope. The pool water line and steps were set with handmade 4″x4″ tiles using the same colors as the soffit and entry arch.

Goals

Our aim was to transform the original character and setting of this large but unassuming home into a historically accurate Italianate residence with enduring elegance. Architectural Ceramics' challenge was to add color and beautiful detail to the new design and make it look as though it had been built in the 17th century.

Process

We were called into the project by Wm Thorning Little Arch’t, who we have worked with on several residences. It’s always a pleasure to work with Thorning. He is an artist himself with a vast knowledge of architectural history and in this instance, the Renaissance style. This effort was to be a major renovation of a private home executed by B.W. Saba Builders in that motif. Thorning's all new exterior call for several thousand tiles to be located throughout. Regular collaborative, in-person meetings and site visits were required as we decided on tile designs and colors for the all over feel for the home. We worked with Saba superintendent - Patrick McManus on details and delivered our finished ceramic pieces per area as construction was completed in those areas. Tony Rochette of Southwest Rock, Inc. did an excellent tile installation and we have worked together several times since then. Overall, multi-discipline collaboration was the key to success. Nothing was taken for granted and we all supported each other's needs.