The client has a strong affinity to living life in accordance with the principles of Feng Shui.
Feng Shui (in Chinese thought) is a system of laws considered to govern spatial arrangement and orientation in relation to the flow of energy (chi), and whose effects are taken into account when siting and designing buildings.
So that thinking was woven into every design element. We made sure we had clear pathways and balanced elements.
We also designed a two-sided fireplace, so that this powerful symbolic element could be enjoyed from both the living room and the home office.
Fireplaces are often the center of attention for any room, and this is not just because our ties to the fire element go back to the beginning of time. Fire energy adds a strong presence to any room and is beautiful in its’ coloring and changing shapes.
Not only do fireplaces radiate heat, they blanket an atmosphere with feelings of stillness and comfort and the crackling sounds are peaceful and relaxing.
The wood on the walls that surround this feature is Sapele. Sapele, which comes from a large, African tree, has a reddish-brown nature color.
One of the most remarkable features of Sapele is that the grain is interlocked and changes direction in frequent, irregular intervals. You could consider it very harmonious with a fire element because fire changes shape as an inherent property of what it is.
The praying Buddha was added by the client with the intention of serving as a symbolic reminder to practice meditation so it’s easier to live a life of balance and harmony.
Buddha literally translates to “enlightened one” and the higher off the ground a Buddha statue is placed, the more reverence it holds in the life of the owner.