Blackberry Inspired

My sister-in-law Leslie works for Blackberry Farm, a luxury resort in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains of Tennessee. Last time I was there we toured some of the resort properties and I found the FarmHouse to be insanely cool. One of my favorite things about it was how they used painted pine instead of traditional drywall throughout the interior of the house. This is an alternative for drywall that really adds some amazing character.

Here is a shot of the Master Suite on the first floor of the Farmhouse. You can get a good look at the various widths of pine (which they painted dark brown). Simple and so clean.

They even used one width of pine on the ceiling throughout the whole house (6" planks)

Another good shot of the random plank widths of 4", 6", 8" and 10". I love how they use a 6" horizontal piece to break up the verticals in a chair rail layout.

Just a Cabin in Idaho

Chicken Point Hayden, Idaho

This caught my eye not just because of the name Chicken Point Cabin or out of control 30 foot window-wall but just the simplicity of the design elements. When I think of a cabin, I envision a low maintenance, rustic type structure. They did exactly just that with these 3 low maintenance materials, concrete block, plywood and steel. This article in Residential Architect magazine talks a little bit more about the architects ideas behind the design.

If you follow this link to the architects site you can also play some videos and see exactly how this window wall works.

Craft 1945

M. Fred Capaldi (on the right) May 20, 1936 working as a wrecker.

This is the beginning. This is where it all began. The hard work. The perseverance. The passion for a craft. My Grandfather, M. Fred Capaldi, started Capaldi Building Company in 1945 after working as a wrecker and mason. He started the company because he was passionate about the craft of building. When you sign up to continue on a tradition and become a part of a family business, not only do you have to be passionate about the industry you are in, but you have to also be passionate about the history. Winston Churchill wrote that "we shape our buildings, and afterwards our buildings shape us." My roots have created a foundation for inspiration. I am inspired by the the craft of building and the history of our family business. It was instilled in me at a young age that well crafted structures are those that tell the best stories. I'm looking forward to sharing this inspiration through this blog.