Category Archives: Construction

On Recent Proposals for Rebuilding the Roof and Spire of Notre Dame

Posted on May 12, 2019 by

Within a month of the destruction by fire of the roof and flèche (crossing spire) of Notre Dame in Paris, proposals by architects for their replacement abound. Why are these designs so awful? The answer is simple: they lack respect. … Continue reading →

Posted in All Posts, Architecture, Art, Comment, Construction, Design, Restoration and Conservation, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Gateway at Montacute Pavilion and the Palazzo del Te

Posted on December 5, 2018 by

Although the gateway arch was initially intended to have been based on Serlio’s Libro Estraordinario, as it has unfolded it has become the Mannerist Gateway. The inside façade is based on Michelangelo’s Porta Pia, the outside one on Giulio Romano’s … Continue reading →

Posted in All Posts, Architecture, Art, Baroque architecture, Baroque Gardens, Construction, Design, Garden History, Montacute, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

On Natural Timber Finishes

Posted on February 6, 2018 by

My experience with using natural timber finishes on the Montacute carport and other projects. Continue reading →

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Silvertop Ash Cladding on Montacute

Posted on February 6, 2018 by

On cladding Montacute. How to handle silvertop ash shiplap cladding. Continue reading →

Posted in All Posts, Architecture, Construction, Daylesford, Montacute, Uncategorized, Villa Castagna | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

A Curious Impost Block at Iford Manor

Posted on February 29, 2012 by

At Harold Peto’s Iford Manor by there is a neo-Romanesque pavilion called the Casita on the upper terrace. Its wonderfully weathered architrave is supported on double stone columns with fused capitals (apparently pink Verona marble dating from c. 1200) with … Continue reading →

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