It’s been about a month since my last site visit / update for my little modernist house going up in Hillsborough. So this morning, Julie, Erynn, and I hopped into the car and went for a little drive. (Coffee in hand) The site was busy, with electricians, painters, and flooring guys all working. That’s a good sign, when the subs are all out on a Saturday, things are moving at a good clip, and completion is near.
East Entrance
First Baptist Church of Cary - photo by Rusty Long
… and just as seldom. ~Ayn Rand
I read this piece by Roger Ebert, tearing apart modernism. Was drawn to it, courtesy of this Architizer article.
Ebert says what so many Americans feel when they see modernism. Is this because of the idea of modernism itself, or poor followthrough on the part of mediocre architects? Continued reading >
Julie and I had our first opportunity in a very long time to take a vacation, so we decided to take it. After a half day (more like a 3/4 day if we’re really counting hours) we hit the road, GPS running, tank half-full, and Erynn freshly awakened from her morning nap.
Traffic was stopped on I-95 South.
Unfortunately, this is how most of our ride looked. From the split onto 40, through Benson, all the way to Fayetteville, and then past Fayetteville, lots of bumper to bumper, with no apparent cause. It was a relatively quiet ride, though Julie had to hop from the front to the back more than a couple times to entertain our little monkey.
Traffic was finally clear on I-74 however...
After splitting off 95, the ride on 74 was clear and scenic. There’s a part of me that never tires of driving down country roads. The old farm houses have an egalitarian quality that is difficult to to quantify… there is a feeling of quiet pride, and silent humility. These structures, much like the people who inhabit them, know just where they belong, and they’re comfortable with that.
This was the fantastic view from the Ocean Creek condo (10th floor)
After four and a half hours on the road, this was the view that greeted us from the balcony. A moments walk to the Atlantic, which I have every intention of thoroughly abusing, and more than likely, getting burnt beyond recognition.
The 'Little Italy' was delicious.
Across the street from our place we grabbed a quick, late bite for dinner… Yuengling on tap never disappoints.
The wifi signal was strong on the porch...
Finally, here I am. Sitting on the balcony, listening to the quiet roar of the ocean, with Erynn sleeping in our room and the rest of the family inside. I’d say it was a pretty good day, and with any luck, I’ll have a ton of pictures tomorrow.
Cheers everybody, and if I don’t get another moment tomorrow, Happy Independence Day.
I have had the opportunity to work with a client on this amazing house out in Hillsborough, NC. It’s currently under construction, and site inspection issues notwithstanding, it ought to be complete later this summer. This has been the first modernist residence that I have personally undertaken while at Davenport Architecture, and it makes me crave more.
I’ve only got six photos here, but many more are to come.
SouthEast Exterior View
South Facing Elevation, note the properly proportioned overhangs to prevent summer solar gain.
Northwest Exterior view with outdoor shower
The North elevation, faces a power substation, and will be clad entirely of galvanized aluminum.
Inside the master bedroom looking through framing into the master closet.
Skylight, centrally located to wash the work area in the kitchen with natural light.
This is the funnest thing I've ever done.
I absolutely love being a father, and a husband. Things have been so crazy, and busy that I haven’t even found the time to blog about it. I hope to find the time over the weekend to write something extensive on the last nine months. In the meantime, I had to share this image.
Here are the previous babyBlogs for your perusal: Arrival, Visitation & Recovery, and Acclimation. Much love.