The annual convention of the American Institute of Architects, this year held in Miami, wrapped up last week after four days of seminars, workshops and exhibitions.

Attendance seemed to down quite a bit from years past however the strong program was welcomed by everyone I spoke with. Many attendees make a point of coming for the continuing education credits available.

Our attendance gave us a great opportunity to get out and about the fashionable South Beach historic district.

Running right through town is Ocean Drive, a hip see and be seen corridor of cool shops, eateries overflowing the sidewalks and super cool hotels.

The coolest by far is the elegant and historic Delano Hotel, originally named in honor of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and renovated in the mid 1990’s with Madonna as a partner.

Entry to the main lobby is gained through archways in the mature topiary which encloses the entire front of the hotel and sets the stage for the magical, surreal interior. Once inside, twenty-foot tall, white sheer drapes divide the cavernous hall in to intimately crafted “stage sets” of elegant variety. Sparsely decorated with the most unusual of pieces, a fantasy atmosphere somewhere between Alice in Wonderland and the Arabian Nights flows through onto to the back patio, down the wide grassy steps to a lawn surrounded by a village of private cabanas and then out to the pool.

Palm-tree lined Ocean Drive is also lined with an amazing concentration of tropical, Art Deco architecture, the largest in the world. The entire Deco District consists of about 800 of these remarkable pastel treasures originally built in the 1920’s through 1940’s.

The entire, wonderfully eclectic concoction of pink, peach, lavender and teal buildings is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Most of the buildings are small to midsized hotels with restaurants and shops at street level.

I noticed an interesting feature on many of the buildings. At first glance, they appeared to be decorated with beautiful, subtly shaded marble panels. However as I got closer, I realized it was actually coral, not marble, I suspect cut from the tropical reefs offshore!

The entire South Beach area is a unique national treasure, so purely American, a must stop on any tour of great Americana.

Alan

Drew Greenblatt, CEO Marlin Steel Wire Products, myself, Greg Moores, Senior Product Designer, DeWalt tools, and Mike Galliazo, Founder of the Regional Manufacturing Institute at our presentation to the Woodworking Industry Conference.

My recent trip to Monterey, California was a huge success. I was invited to participate in the Woodworking Industry Conference as a panelist discussing “Going $ Green; What woodworking companies are doing to become green”.

Conference attendees were interested to hear about Tanglewood’s multifaceted approach to sustainability and green issues. We feel it is important to keep pushing our conservatory company to become better stewards of the environment and the resources we use.

At the conference, I spoke about our efforts to become a completely paperless company, to reuse as much of our scrap material as possible, to utilize raw materials form sustainable sources and to incorporate cutting edge technology into our products and processes.

One of the most exciting aspects of our push towards greater green is the introduction of existing green technologies into our projects. The use of photovoltaic’s is a great example. There are presently glass products on the market that act both as photovoltaic generation panels and semi-transparent panes of glass that can be incorporated into the roof or windows of a “green” conservatory. This technology has been available for several years and is getting better all the time.

One client recently approached us with a request to use such a product in his conservatory design and we were able to locate a source and design it into his conservatory.

At the conference, I also spoke about other opportunities for incorporating green technologies into our conservatories through the inclusion of products already fairly commonplace in buildings such as geothermal heating and cooling, LED lighting and wind turbines for electricity generation. The object of using these products is to lessen the energy impact of a conservatory (or any other type of building) project.

There is already a lot of interest in this kind of inclusive broad based approach to the greening of our projects.

These kinds of specialized solutions fit well with Tanglewood’s design philosophy which values the complete flexibility to respond to each customer’s unique requests whether technological, architectural or functional.

Alan

Our friend, Jae Brown, has a very interesting collection of shoes. In fact, so interesting and unusual, it is going to be on display at the Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh beginning in April 2011.

In the early 1990’s, Jae was in Crete (Greece) during one of her many visits and came upon a small shop in the town of Heraklion. It was the retail outlet of the master shoemaker and extraordinary artist Vasilis Stamatakis. Fascinated by one of the items she saw in the window, she inquired of the owner and over the next five years a friendship between Vasilis and Jae blossomed.

Vasilis was born to a farming family living near Heraklion in 1916. As a boy, he hated farming and at an early age, became fascinated with boot making. He trained under master bootmakers in Crete and later in Athens, an unheard of distance away at the time and learned to cater to the extravagant tastes of extremely wealthy clients.

He learned the trade secrets that included how to make the fabulous wedding and trousseau pumps, exquisite little shoes for babies, and even specially footwear to wear in the coffin for the high society of the time. Little by little, he had worked his way up to full-fledged Master Shoemaker from shop assistant.

The amazing thing about his art work is the absolutely bizarre circumstances under which he worked. Once in business for himself, each painstakingly handmade pair of his exquisite shoes, produced decade after decade, were made completely in secret and never offered for sale. For although he had a retail shoe shop and an extremely well equipped workshop, his high-style handmade pieces were never even displayed but were done entirely for his own pleasure.

His downtown Heraklion shop “The Elite Shoe Shop” displayed and sold only the rigidly-conservative humdrum footwear mass produced by the wholesale shoe manufacturers in Athens. The reason for this is that Vasilis early on realized that the ultra-conservative matrons who were his customers wanted only the inoffensive ordinary brown and black low-heeled pumps or sandals. In 1941 when he opened his shop, Crete was incredibly conservative and there was no market for the stunning pieces of art he would handcraft.

So over the course of a year and a half, Jae purchased thirty five pairs of shoes from his collection (then in storage) all of which he had made by hand in his Heraklion workshop. The work was done between the years 1941 and 1969 when Vasilis retired and handed the shop over to his daughter.

I was first introduced to Jae’s extraordinary collection during a visit to the Riverstone property in Foxburg Pennsylvania. They had just completed a photo shoot using local friends as models and set them against the great backdrop of the Foxburg estate and mansion. The photographer, Dennis Keys also took some photos at his farm.

You can see these extraordinary works at his website.

Jae herself has set up a website devoted to the life and art of Vasilis Stamatakis. Visit the site and learn about ‘REMBETIKA’ – THE MUSIC THAT INSPIRED VASILIS’ FABULOUS DESIGNS

Might be worth a trip to Pittsburgh too.

Alan

I was flying home from a trip last week and picked up the in flight magazine to see an interesting article titled “Handmade in America”. The article was about the resurgence of interest in “old-school” craftsmanship – handmade artisan products which are becoming very “new-school”. Some would include our conservatories in that group.

With the tagline “Out with the new and in with the old, trendsetting artisans look to the past to make goods that stand the test of time”, the article profiles eight individuals and their company’s that have built thriving businesses making extremely high quality products by hand – the “old fashioned” way.

Tadd Meyers, a Dallas photographer, crisscrossed the country and shot more than 10,000 images of these artisans and their work. In the article are some of his photographs of shoemakers, a company that makes handmade baseball gloves, a company that makes pewter artifacts, a custom guitar maker and a company that makes wooden jigsaw puzzles and rocking horses.

The article highlights a few of them including Danner Footwear in Portland Oregon. It’s not uncommon for Danner’s customers to boast they have been wearing their same Danner Footwear for twenty years. The sole aim of the company since its founding in 1932, is to make their boots last just that long. Each piece of leather is individually tested and all stitching is done by hand.

As is Trail Town Boots in Saint Jo Texas. Carl Chappell, owner, says that before he even starts a pair of his custom made boots, he uses a tape measure to size the customers feet and checks how much “meat” is on them so he knows how firm the boots need to be. Each pair of boots takes him about forty hours to craft.

The article interested me because I am a long time proponent of back-to-the-past craftsmanship however, my take has always been to make the utmost use of available technology. I suspect that back in 1932, when Danner Footwear was founded, the owners would have jumped on any opportunities presented by technology to make their boots the very best at that time – AND make their business the most competitive around.

They would have never turned their backs on technology which could give them a competitive advantage, so why should we do that today. Do companies really have that kind of luxury to charge customers for the cost of not employing technology just for the sake of being able to say the product is “hand made” and thereby unique? Being in the manufacturing business, I can assure anyone that anything made “by hand” is not better just because it is hand made. Technology has the potential not just to make things more efficiently, but to make them at a much higher level of quality as well.

So why is it that handcrafting has become so retro-popular? Do people believe that handmade stuff is really better than items made using technology? Is it because of the stigma that mass production has? Does it have something to do with our sense of ourselves as unique individuals? We want something ultra unique to express our inner uniqueness? Or maybe we don’t feel unique enough inside and want something to compensate? I think we all want desperately to be unique individuals ourselves.

I think the real trick is to find a way to produce very individually distinct products, products that are highly customized to a customers unique wishes, yet to produce them in the most efficient technologically-advanced way possible. That is what we try to do at Tanglewood Conservatories. It requires a very high level of technology because it is the antithesis of mass-production. Each job that Tanglewood Conservatories designs and produces is unique, with unique details and sometimes even unique whole building systems that we have to invent as we go.

It is technology that allows us to do this and it is this process that is one of the most exciting parts of the conservatory business for me.

So please do not count me in the ranks for the back-to-the-past purists. I’m looking forward to the future and all the great stuff we can do with it.

Next time, I’ll show everyone some REALLY cool hand made shoes.

Alan

Our friend, Mathew Glover, sent me an email announcing his successful completion of the Cycle India (as in bicycle) event. The purpose of this event which is held every two years is to raise money for Heal, an organization whose flagship project is the Heal Children’s Village in Andhra Pradesh, India. The village is home to more than 200 orphaned or destitute children.

Along with the rest of the group, Mathew rode 190 miles in rough terrain that he likened to the highlands of Scotland in temperatures of 30 degree Celsius (86 deg. F). This is a terrific cause and I’d like to encourage everyone who can, to make a donation. Mathew says that they raised over £80,000 for Heal, “which is an excellent achievement considering the recession”, however they are short by about £20,000. “I would like to thank all those who have sponsored me personally on my Just Giving page. I am still a bit short of my target so if anyone else wishes to sponsor me, then I would be very grateful.”

These are some pictures Mathew sent of the trip.

Heal has been around for 15 years and is a UK based charitable organization committed to providing shelter, support, education and health care for needy children.

They state: “We are committed to expanding over the coming years with further projects, with the aim of helping up to 1,000 children escape the poverty trap by the end of the decade.” Heal stands for Health and Education for All.

Mathew serves as Head of Fundraising for Heal as well as holding down a his full time job as Managing Director of the Conservatory Outlet, a UK company providing high quality UPC conservatories and windows.

Mathew talks about the highlight of the event visiting the Heal Children’s Village after they had completed the cycling, “… and it was great to see the children who performed a wonderful programme of dancing and entertainment to the Cycle India group and local people. For all of the cyclists, being able to see how the hard work they put in during training, fundraising and cycling made it all worthwhile.”

For future events, Mathew says:
“We are hoping to hold Cycle India again in January 2012 (maybe in Kerala) so if anybody is interested in escaping the cold weather in two years, please get in touch. Also, we are thinking about a trekking adventure in the Himalayas for next January potentially, and maybe a MotorCycle India for those wishing to experience India without all the exercise!”

There is something really appealing to me about this cause and the Cycle India event. Maybe it is the allure of the exotic location but I have wondered why a bunch of young, seemingly ordinary working Brits would be so engaged in this. Of course there is the historical connection between India and England, but I think it is more.

Looking at the pictures, no one in the group looks older than their 30’s and as far as I realized, the fascination we all had with things Indian passed with the 1960’s. Nowadays, I’m much more used to hearing about young people’s business exploits and career concerns.

So where does this interest come from? Did the ideals that were born in the 60’s of worldwide peace, love, brotherhood and understanding really take root in the world in some essential way? Could this be or is there some other mundane explanation.

I have a great deal of admiration and respect for anyone who would undertake to participate in such an event. I just might get it together to do it myself at some point.

The motorcycle idea is particularly appealing.

Alan

The cover of DuPont REGISTRY showing the magnificent Foxburg estate now for sale.

The Riverstone estate, with one of our most loved and commented on custom conservatory projects, is up for sale. It is a magnificent 1,200 acre property located in Foxburg Pennsylvania. The beautiful conservatory is attached to a historic mansion dating back to 1828. It is one of the most historic properties in the area, the original house was built by the Fox family, prominent Philadelphians who were descended from George M. Fox, the founder of the Quaker religion. The Tanglewood conservatory was added during a major renovation of the property in 2000 and has won several design awards and has been featured in numerous publications.

The property encompasses an amazing twenty-six outbuildings including extensive equestrian facilities, greenhouses, an aviary and many additional residences. One of the most notable of the buildings on the property is an original carriage house designed by the well known Philadelphia architect Frank Furness 1839 – 1912. The building is a rare example of Furness’ work outside the Philadelphia and surrounding area and speaks to the exceptional importance of the Fox family, the town of Foxburg and this estate in particular.

The current owners pieced the estate back together purchasing the parcels of land that had been sold off over the years and completely rebuilding the historic mansion.

Foxburg is a charming small town about an hour and a half north east of Pittsburgh which has undergone nothing short of a miraculous renaissance in large part due to the efforts of the property’s owners who have invested heavily in the town. An arts center which brings major performances from Pittsburgh, a winery, hotel and restaurants are nestled along the steep banks of the Allegheny river just a stone’s throw from Interstate 80.

I wrote about one of my many visits to the town back in September 2009 when I just happened to be there for an amazing concert by the Harold Betters Quartet.

One of the really unique features of the mansion is that when the owners undertook the renovation, they decided to have each of the major rooms built out in a different species of naturally finished wood.

There is a grand entrance hall with paneling and an amazing staircase made from tiger maple, a library completely finished in Brazilian rosewood, bedrooms of beautifully detailed chestnut and of course the stunning mahogany conservatory. Several Tiffany stained glass panels also grace the home as the owners are avid collectors of art glass and antique lamps.

There are an amazing 17 working fireplaces in the home – all also rebuilt out of different species of woods to match the rooms they are in.

The property itself is more than stunning. Steep wooded banks drop a hundred feet or more to the rivers edge which is completely undeveloped. There is almost ten miles of pristine riverfront as the acreage is bounded by both the Allegheny and the Clarion rivers. Unusual for any private setting east of the Mississippi, from most places along the riverfront, not a sign of human habitation or development is seen.

There are bucolic rolling pastures – evidence of the former fairways of an old golf course, acres of dense woodlands, cool forest glades, gardens and rocky outcroppings overlooking spectacular views up and down the rivers.

You can check out the property which is listed on the market at $25M and view pictures at Riverstone Estate.

There is a page with an amazing aerial photograph of the developed portion of the estate with all the buildings noted with letters. It looks like an entire village somewhere in the French countryside. On the right side of the picture, you can click on the items on the Structures List and see pictures of each of the buildings.

I particularly like the Alpaca Barn and the Dovecote, which is also seen in the picture of the West (alpha) Barn, and the very unusual Aviary (for the peacocks). The aviary was designed and built by the owner and if you look closely you can see he used sawed off end sections of cedar logs set into mortar for the wall structure. It’s really cool.

The Equestrian Complex with its gambrel roofed barns of course takes the cake.

Anyone interested?

Alan

The scene at the International Builder’s Show in Las Vegas.

This is a scene from the show floor, or rather about 15 feet above the floor. I rode up in the elevator on display at the Inclinator Elevator booth to a balcony overlooking the show floor.

This view goes on and on though I understand it is only about half the size of the show three years ago.

So far, the International Builder’s Show in Las Vegas this week is a tremendous success. I understand that attendance has been down substantially for the last two years however, the mood in the hall is quite upbeat. Most people I spoke with report a definite uptick in their business activity and are looking forward to 2010.

I’ve met people from all over the world, Australia, the Middle East, Europe and the Far East all enthusiastic about the new products on display.

One of my favorites was this transparent glass monitor used at the Delta kitchen and bath faucet display. The touch screen displayed phantom-like images much softer than a typical computer screen and was quite captivating.

Another product I liked was a gas fireplace by Napoleon Fireplaces and Grilles that used sparkling Swarovski crystals instead of the usual fake logs in the firebox. It is very smooth and sexy – and expensive at about $12K.

One of the most interesting aspects of a show like this for me is to look at the designs of the actual booth spaces. The design of a show booth presents a unique opportunity for a designer to craft a staged environment that if done well, can powerfully convey a subconscious message about a company or a product. If not done well or not thought of at all in these terms, it will also convey a powerful message.

I think one of the best displays at this show has to be the MASCO building products area. Masco is the corporate parent company for such well known brands as Delta Faucets, Kraftmaid and Merilatt Cabinets, and Milguard Windows and has taken a large presence at the show.

But it is what they have done with the space that is really exciting. Someone imagined that the myriad brands that make up this large corporate entity are like shops lining a narrow winding lane in a small urban village. The path winds past shops and forks at a bench with a large tree reminiscent of a tiny city park.

Shop windows open into inviting interior spaces filled with attractively displayed merchandise, in one case high tech – as with the delta faucets, in another, old-world – as in the kitchen cabinetry. They have done a skillful job in creating an experience that subconsciously implies that Masco is not some big anonymous corporate giant (which of course it is) but a collection of recognizable old friends who just happen to live in the village named Masco. Great job.

Alan

This week I’ll be posting from the International Builder’s Show in Las Vegas.

The show is the largest annual building industry tradeshow in the country. It’s billed as “THE place to see and discuss the hottest products on the market and network with friends and allies.” More than 175 education sessions taught by industry experts as well.

This a huge show with expected attendance of 70,000 from all over the world. The exhibitors go all out to display their latest and greatest products and I am looking forward to seeing the cutting edge of American building technology.

The show begins on Tuesday the 19th and runs through Friday the 22nd. You can get preview information on the show at: http://www.buildersshow.com/Home/Page.aspx?sectionID=1505

I was in the main exhibition hall today and was astounded by the colossal size of the place and the scope of some of the display stands.

I’ll have more on all of it as the week progresses.

Alan

One of our new conservatories that encloses a large indoor swimming pool has made it onto the website LUXIST.COM, a watch listing of all things luxurious. We’re at the top in a section titled “The Classicist”. There’s all kinds of interesting and semi-interesting stuff on this website. The site is:

http://www.luxist.com/2010/01/11/the-classicist-tanglewood-conservatories-turn-of-the-century-s/

Pages from George Acock’s desktop calendar series.

For the second year in a row, a lovely little calendar has shown up at my office, sent to me by our good friend, George Acock, who is an architect.

George’s firm, Acock Associates Architects in Columbus Ohio, designed a new home for a client of ours a few years ago. Acock Associates is a full service architectural firm specializing in custom high end residential as well as commercial and institutional projects. George came to Tanglewood Conservatories searching for a company to design and build the custom conservatory that the owner of the property had envisioned being attached to the new kitchen.

The owners, the general contractor and George visited Nancy and I at Tanglewood to “kick our tires” and to plan the new room. Over the course of the next year, Tanglewood designed, fabricated, installed the room and became friends.

In addition to being a very talented architect, George it turns out, is also an excellent painter who has a very unique way of sharing his exquisite works with friends and associates.

Each year, George and his wife travel someplace interesting for a vacation and George paints watercolor scenes of the notable buildings and landscapes he finds there. Upon his return, he prints the images on small cards that fit into a CD jewel case along with a calendar of each month and sends them out as New Years presents. The plastic CD case folds back and becomes a stand that all the cards sit in and as each month passes, the cards are rotated. Very clever and very beautiful.

Two years ago, George and his wife traveled to Tuscany and last year to Puerto Rico. So I was not surprised when the little gem showed up but I was taken by the quality of the images. George paints with an expressive touch that draws one deeply in.

He has some of his watercolors from years past on his website that I’d like to recommend to everyone. The images are in the Gallery section of his company’s website.
http://www.acock.com/Gallery/tabid/83/Default.aspx

Alan