reurbanize
10-02-2006, 19:57
One of my favorite places to visit in autumn is The Biltmore Estates outside of Ashville, North Carolina. Surrounding the estate are excellent examples of period homes that fit quite handsomely into Ashville’s landscape. Richard Morris Hunt (Architect), has had quite an impression on me professionally and you wouldn’t be disappointed if you had the opportunity to visit Ashville and experience the architecture. The following b/w photos were taken on the coveted rooftop tour. Not too many people know that this particular tour exists but if you ask, a concierge will whisper quietly when tour begins and advise you to be careful. The tour is risky. My intent was to focus on the gargoyles. It’s impressive how figures were articulated in whimsical manners or poses that seem to hold the structure in place.
We, as Architects, design but the skilled hand of a craftsman enhances the visual experience with their passion and craft. As you’ll see, even stonemasons have a wonderful sense of humor. The rear shot of gargoyle with “butt crack” is centered over grand entry.
History behind Estate:
George Vanderbilt engaged two of the most distinguished designers of the 19th century: architect Richard Morris Hunt (1828-95) and landscape designer Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903) to create a little bit of Eden on some 8,000 acres of land, known as the Biltmore Estate. Hunt modeled the architecture on the richly ornamented style of the French Renaissance and adapted elements, such as the stair tower and the steeply pitched roof, from three famous early-16th-century châteaux in the Loire Valley: Blois, Chenonceau, and Chambord.
What’s not published too often is before the Biltmore was completed, Hunt passed away and Richard Sharp Smith, Architect, supervised the completion of Vanderbilt’s estate.
Enjoy and please add pics of Gargoyles if you wish. I have a large collection of images from many sites. Would appreciate contributions.
We, as Architects, design but the skilled hand of a craftsman enhances the visual experience with their passion and craft. As you’ll see, even stonemasons have a wonderful sense of humor. The rear shot of gargoyle with “butt crack” is centered over grand entry.
History behind Estate:
George Vanderbilt engaged two of the most distinguished designers of the 19th century: architect Richard Morris Hunt (1828-95) and landscape designer Frederick Law Olmsted (1822-1903) to create a little bit of Eden on some 8,000 acres of land, known as the Biltmore Estate. Hunt modeled the architecture on the richly ornamented style of the French Renaissance and adapted elements, such as the stair tower and the steeply pitched roof, from three famous early-16th-century châteaux in the Loire Valley: Blois, Chenonceau, and Chambord.
What’s not published too often is before the Biltmore was completed, Hunt passed away and Richard Sharp Smith, Architect, supervised the completion of Vanderbilt’s estate.
Enjoy and please add pics of Gargoyles if you wish. I have a large collection of images from many sites. Would appreciate contributions.