Jim Olson Houses
"
The sixteen houses and apartments featured here respond to
different needs and sites, but all share a common DNA. They are the
product of a singular vision and a collaborative process. ―Michael Webb
Seattle-based architect Jim Olson, the founding partner of Olson
Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects, is particularly known for his subtly
elegant residences, from a glass farmhouse in eastern Oregon to a
Balinese-inspired retreat in Hawaii, from a diminutive waterfront cabin
for his own family to two grand art-filled residences on the shores of
Lake Washington in Seattle. Modern in spirit, the luxurious houses are
characterized by intangible qualities of light and space. Olson balances
a deep knowledge of architectural history, from the temples of Egypt to
the great buildings of the modern era, with a sensitivity to art and
nature. Each work is carefully calibrated to site and client. Olson is
fascinated by the relationship between art and architecture, and many
of his houses and apartments have been designed for major art
collectors. The sixteen residences in this volume―in Washington, Oregon,
California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, and Hong Kong―explore that
interplay as well as the correspondences between light, space, and mood.
The finely proportioned interior spaces are distinguished by a striking
use of both natural and highly refined materials, masterful modulation
of light, sophisticated details, sleek furnishings, and a careful
balance between monumentality and intimacy. In natural settings, his
buildings often weave into their surroundings as if they had always been
there; in urban environments, his designs create and enhance a sense of
community. The introduction, by noted design writer Michael Webb,
emphasizes context and process, vital factors in Jim Olson’s work."
The Monacelli Press; 1. Edition (17. November 2009), 256 pages
Condition: perfect condition - beautiful condition!