As an ongoing series, we will be exploring the concept of the art of architecture and how it comes into play when designing a home. The art of architecture refers to visuals, such as shadow, reflection, color, texture and light. They are the qualities and effects created by detailing, material selection, and placement. These qualities support and enhance the overall design concept of a building or space. They add life, art, strength, variety, fun, and composition, and the manipulation of them can completely change the character of a space.

The first concept we will be exploring is contrast. Contrasting components in architecture can often add elements of surprise and delight.  In this photo the metal mesh is used as a movable screening device to provide privacy when desired. The idea behind a metal fabric is a contrast of terms in itself – a soft, flexible and sheer textile made from a hard, sharp material.  The contrast continues into the fabrication of the mesh. On one side smooth, small, octagon-shaped pieces of metal appear soft and touchable. On the backside, thousands of tiny tabs linking the individual pieces together create a visually rich texture. Even as a screening device the contrast continues.  While an effective screen when viewed from the smooth side (the direction of the light source) once behind the screen the mesh becomes quite transparent, allowing for wonderful views out to the San Francisco Bay. The contrast wraps up as the soft metal mesh pools onto the clefted surface of the bluestone floor.  More of the Sausalito Ridge Home remodel can be seen here.