Chimney Effects

August 13th 2015 Comments: 1

Take the elemental act of building a fire – necessary warmth produces unnecessary smoke. A simple pipe or hole in the roof is all that is needed to provide escape for sooty pollutants. Problem solved. Over time, however, the once-humble smokestack has evolved into a lauded architectural element. The chimney … [read more]

McAlpine Journal: Chimney Effect

Pre-Writing History

August 6th 2015 Comments: 1

I’d like to expand on that because it’s something we like to call “built-in history”. In other words, we’ll create deliberate situations in our design where it appears a house has been renovated over time or added onto. This immediately gives a spanking brand new building an artificially curated history. … [read more]

McAlpine Journal: Pre-Writing History

Open House: Under the Carolina Sun

July 16th 2015 Comments: 8

In Frances Mayes’ book Under The Tuscan Sun, the protagonist of the story finds herself renewed after the impulsive act of purchasing and restoring a villa in Italy. This house’s story was not one of wanderlust but of roots; our particular hero built this home with his deep roots in … [read more]

McAlpine Journal: Open House

American Idyll

July 2nd 2015 Comments: 6

Scores of bucolic lakes pepper the landscape of this great country so once the pilgrims figured out how to survive (thanks Native Americans), the next step in American evolution was kicking it back lakeside.  We dragged along with us tents and then erected meager huts, simple places to shelter us … [read more]

McAlpine Journal: Holidays

Support Groupings

June 4th 2015 Comments: 3

Houses are no different. When a design calls for a cantilevered appendage (such as a porch, bay or balcony) to be projected, bracketing is a structural necessity. These can be rejoiced and celebrated – underpinnings are certainly functional defiances of physics but they can also be decorative as well, some … [read more]

McAlpine Journal: Porch

Open House: Chicago Tribute

February 26th 2015 Comments: 8

Occasionally we’re offered a grand invitation – to design a house for another designer. This type of commission is one we always take with great gratitude and honor. Having another designer ask us to help create their own home always makes us step up our game; this is a unique … [read more]

McAlpine Journal: Exterior

welcome home

February 12th 2015 Comments: 6

Often, knowing the inhabitants as cordial and convivial folk will make you at once feel welcome; their inner warmth transcends any surroundings. But suppose you don’t know who lives behind the facade you’ve just approached. Can architecture be as welcoming as a warm-hearted host? I assert it can be – … [read more]

McAlpine Journal: Entry

available: mcalpine mod manse

January 15th 2015 Comments: 1

Now’s your chance. A few years ago, Bobby relocated from Nashville to Atlanta and his discerning eye landed upon this unique modern cottage. Originally built by the iconic Atlanta architect Henri Jova as a home for his beloved mother, this two story contemporary nest has been re-featherd in Bobby’s one-of-a-kind … [read more]

McAlpine Journal: Living

the (digitally) printed works: TRADhome fall 2012

December 11th 2014 Comments: 1

A Tale of Two Styles:  Country When most people think of design in the Music City, contemporary rarely comes to mind.  Enter a new style in the New South, where country and city looks often meld. Case in point is the latest project from designer Ray Booth and the team … [read more]

the printed works: traditional home october 2014

November 20th 2014 Comments: 4

 And not just any issue but their 25th Silver Anniversary issue! We are reprinting it with their kind permission. As a bonus for our blog readers, I’ve included some of our original design drawings of the house. The article was written by Eleanor Lynn Nesmith and photographed by Emily Jenkins Followill.  David Baker … [read more]

McAlpine Journal: Entry
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