Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Italian Tuscan Villas in East Texas

This is a concept project that is going to be the theme of a new development at Hempsted, Texas.
I was assigned to overview all the italian concept to bring the real Tuscan Experience on the different projects that this development will offer, bringing the richness of the Mediterranean culture not only on the project but also putting together authentic materials that provoke the genuine atmosphere.

This are the starting concept Villas on the residential aspect




Villa IL Torrione

This great tower is a Tuscan-style estate, rich in its combination of old-world materials and Italian feel. The estate features curved vertical walls with a rough stucco finish and small wrought iron guarded windows up above-elements that reinforce the inspired tower-style design.

As you enter the foyer, be sure to notice the soft glow created by indirect lighting coming from the beautiful, tall, domed stone ceiling.

Moving on, you’ll come to the living room, boasting a tall, sloped ceiling with exposed beams, a spectacular hand-carved stone fire place and a direct view into the kitchen, where guests will enjoy the fine cuisine atmosphere under a great herring bone brick barrel vault ceiling.

Off of the kitchen is a sunken wine room with a tall, tower ceiling effect and small windows above that create a mystic, natural light.

On the other side of the house, you’ll find the master suites wing—a magical place to stay with its tall cathedral ceilings, indirect light, and stone arches on the bed wall that mirror those in the sitting area in the opposite side.

The master bathroom features barrel vault ceilings in the dressing area, and a round dome over the magnificent master tub that creates an aura reminiscent of opulent roman baths. In this room, you’ll also find a spectacular, open view of a private courtyard. In the courtyard, enjoy the relaxing sound of the water fountain and take in the intoxicating aroma given off by a variety of flower planters.

Finally, on the back porch, you’ll discover an outdoor living space with a rustic fire place, fire pit, and a spa that will add charm to any romantic evening, even as a spectacular swimming pool refreshes the younger visitors.




Villa IL Podere

True to its name, Villa IL Podere is inspired by a grand Italian farm. Rustic, Tuscan materials, rural stone walls, old world stucco, hand-carved stone accents, tiled roof, wood shutter details, and wrought iron forge work are strong elements throughout the project.

The prosperity of the farm house is portrayed throughout the entry with its hand-carved stone columns, guarded see through openings and forged, gated main door. Don’t miss this project’s most unique architectonic feature… the juxtaposition of the opulent entrance and the relaxed interior of the rest of the villa.

The inviting main courtyard is peaceful and quiet, with a fire place and wall fountain forging a background in harmonic scenery. Potted plants and red cobble stone floor enrich this open space.

Upon entering the foyer you’ll notice the original Tuscan style. Look up to see exposed wood beams on the tall, cathedral ceilings and look down as your feet pass over beautiful pasta tile floors.

Further inside, an open kitchen and dining concept complements the spacious living room. Together, the rooms are a statement in good design, from the hand-carved stone fireplace in the living room to the stylish yet functional vent hood in the kitchen.

From the kitchen, descend into a hidden wine cave, full of fine-tasting beverages.

A breathtaking bathroom features a barrel-vaulted ceiling in the vanity, a door-less shower and a deep tub for lounging. The bathroom overlooks a private courtyard, which features a water fountain and garden view that will transport you to centuries past relax lifestyles.

Two well-equipped master suites with sitting areas, cathedral ceilings, pasta floors, and indirect lighting will provide a more-than-comfortable end to your day.

The covered back porch can be enjoyed all year around. Features such as a great fire place, outdoor living space, fire pit and beach entrance swimming pool with hand-carved stone columns emit such a fraternal feeling that you might even want to wear a toga! It is the perfect setting to enjoy the Italian-style garden and water view at the end of the lake.

Villa IL Borgo

As its Italian name implies, this “little great villa” displays a rustic combination of traditional Italian materials that makes you feel as if you’ve traveled back in time. The “little great villa” has a big heart: its central courtyard.

As you cross the threshold of the stone arched entry, be sure to look through the handmade wrought iron doors and windows to discover the hand-carved stone columns on the inside patio area.

On one side of the open, inside patio is a sitting area featuring a great fireplace with a presence so strong it may leave you with a Mediterranean tan (enjoy!). On the opposite side, a free-standing stone fountain, surrounded by planters, frames the entrance to the main house. The combination of wrought iron and aged wood on the main door is a sample of the style that will dominate throughout the project.

Inside, a spacious living room with a tall cathedral ceiling and exposed beams creates an open atmosphere that complements the view to the kitchen on the other side. The living room and kitchen together create a large social gathering room that is sure to accommodate any event.

The villa’s wine room is centrally located, allowing you to serve beverages swiftly and easily from a special elegant place.

Hallways to the master suites are accented with stone groin vaults that give off a true sense of the old world. Inside the master suites, you are sure to enjoy a sitting space designed to make you feel as if time is standing still.

The master bathroom features self-standing vanities, a door-less shower and a rounded tub surrounded by hand-carved stone columns supporting a barrel vault ceiling. From the bathroom, catch a view of the waterfall in your own private courtyard. A direct connection from the bathroom to the courtyard allows you to decide whether to keep this mystical, secluded space to yourself, or share with a friend.

On the back porch, experience the tranquility of the fireplace and fire pit overlooking a spectacular landscape. And head over to the swimming pool with hand-carved stone columns that descend into the water like an ancient roman bath. Its spa feel is the perfect end to any day.