Wing House Detail - Architect, David Hertz
Above: Zauschneria & Below: Ceanothus (Photos: Wikipedia)
Countless indigenous wildflowers rise up in the Santa Monica Mountains. While exploring the Wing Ranch landscape with horticulturist Aaron Landworth, I spied a host of blue varieties of California Lilacs appearing alongside the pathways, and white-blooming species, as well.
Ceanothus crassifolius
Having talked with Patrick Blanc only last week about his inclusion of the hummingbird magnet, Zauschneria (Epilobium canum) for the design of the new Drew School Vertical Garden, it was exhilarating to find myself in a natural habitat where this and so many native species prosper.
Francie Rehwald's incredible Wing House is nearing completion. Driving up to the house's hilltop site, one is struck by the breathtaking 360-degree views: The use of a 747 jet in the construction sets these buildings apart. Such an amazing project!
You're about to enter a totally unique setting with a noteworthy history, associated with the artist/designer, Tony Duquette.
Collection of tumbled glass fragments & abalone shells to be used in
decorative mosaic elements.
Stone boulders serve as impressive garden seating.
Interesting achitecture - but what took my attention most was the glass and abalone shells to use for mosaics - on a grand scale no doubt. I would love to see the finished product.
ReplyDeletelike those stone seats!
ReplyDeleteMissy
ReplyDeleteThose bins turn one's imagination into overdrive: I love mosaic work, too, and know that something truly spectacular will evolve at Wing Ranch!
Stone Art,
You're my kinda guy;-)
I am familiar with this project, but you have shown me much more. Thanks for the tour. I love the naturalness too.The stone seats are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteVery nice architecture. I wonder what is the view from that wing house
ReplyDeletehi alice, my favourite architecture is when it blends with nature. thx for showcasing this. cheers, cm
ReplyDeleteAlice, That wing house must truly be a sight to behold.
ReplyDeleteHow did they get hold of the plane? You don't see many on E-bay. I hope you can update us when it's finished. At the moment I'm not sure I like it. I can see it's unique and very, very clever but it seems more imposed on, than married to, the environment. Perhaps that will change when the project is finished.
ReplyDeleteHi Yan
ReplyDeleteThere's a long story connected with the aircraft, and if you visit my web site and link to the architect, you'll find more background. Arguably, when someone undertakes a project of this magnitude, they truly take on the role of stewardship - of and for the land. It will be fascinating to see the landscape as time goes by, since there is now an active owner/caretaker.
How unique. I want some of those stone boulders for myself. Okay, heading over to AGTB now to read some more . . .
ReplyDelete