We are officially announcing our new Instagram page. Hop on over to Instagram to check out some of the things the office is up to. We will be regularly posting content, including new drawings, photographs and conceptual images. Click the link below to follow or follow us @mjl_a.
Gordon River II Shortlisted on the International Design and Architecture Awards
“design et al are delighted to announce that Mark J. Leonardi Architect PA have been shortlisted for the Luxury Residence – Americas Award, and Residential Architectural Property Award, in The International Design & Architecture Awards 2019.“
Driven by the need to create an oasis away from the harsh winter up north- the home welcomes with warm embrace. Sophisticated in its execution, the project accentuates nonpareil craftsmanship throughout. Capturing its site, the residence is situated along Gordon River with views to the mangroves on Keewaydin Island and Gordon Pass to the west. The residence functions as a series of pavilions sprawled throughout the landscape. These pavilions are tethered to one another through glass and stone corridors which act as the connective tissue of the design. Following contextual cues from its environment the intervention exudes a sense of simplicity and elegance. Its materiality reinforces this critical aspect of the design. Mahogany and Spanish limestone envelop the exteriors creating a natural contrast. Whilst teak screens are utilized to create ephemeral light conditions within. The home revels in superb interior touches including fumed white-oak floors, Zepsa cabinetry and Tischler mahogany windows and doors with brushed stainless-steel accents. Abstract-expressionist pieces by Lee Krasner and Elaine De Kooning as well as antique pieces from around the world not only create provocative statements but add a level of refinement to the home’s leisurely ambiance. While lush tropical landscaping frames views to the outside. The living spaces open to calming pools of water, clad in ciena-azul limestone with granite basins. This diaphanous play between interior and exterior highlights the attained lifestyle desired by its owners.
Key Aspects
The serene pools of water which delineate circulation are integral to the design. Dotted with sculptural follies of flowing water these pools become dynamic focal pieces. Complimenting these water features within the home are custom commissioned glass sculptures by Studio Bel Vetro and Lino Tagliapietra. Working in a similar way as the reflecting pools, the sculptures pull the eye and direct circulation. More than just conversation pieces- the brilliant and playful sculptures juxtapose the grounded aesthetics of the home.
Design Sensitivity
From the very beginning the design was conceived with a sensitive approach to not only its surroundings but to the needs of the clients. The residence works as a retreat for an intimate stay or may also easily function as the stage for an evening of entertaining. Its timeless design ensures these functions for decades to come. While environmentally the home responds to natural stimuli such as, sun and rain, as a design catalyst rather than a hinderance. Teak screens, brise-soleil and canopies create opportunities for comfortable outdoor living without compromising aesthetics.
Relevance
Mark J. Leonardi Architect PA strives for design excellence independent of current regional trends conceiving design that integrates to the design field at large. Our mission is to create relevant design through a process-oriented mindset. This home is a product of our philosophy.
Artistry
Mark J. Leonardi Architect PA utilized a diverse set of artisans and craftsmen in the execution of the design. All wood and stone details were meticulously installed and crafted by master trim carpenters and stone masons. Glass-sculptor Lino Tagliapietra’s pieces adorn the interior living spaces. The centerpiece of the dining room is a custom designed glass chandelier crafted by Studio Bel Vetro. Its undulating design and coloration adds visual complexity and texture to the space. Below it a custom designed rich mahogany table completes the space.
Morgan Cove II Winner of the International Design and Architecture Award
Completed in 2016, Morgan Cove II by Mark J. Leonardi Architect, Studio C New York, and Newberry North Associates are the recipients of the 2018 Residential Award; awarded by Design et al. Follow this link for more information.
4 Reasons why Tesla’s New Solar Products Are Worth A Look
The video included in this Bloomberg Technology article does a nice job summarizing the new products that make up the sun-to-vehicle energy plans resulting from Tesla’s acquisition of SolarCity, just approved by Tesla’s shareholders last month. This is the last piece of Tesla’s puzzle, creating a complete stand-alone renewable energy solution for modern homes. A few thoughts on impacts for the Naples community:
1. A Giant Step Forward Aesthetically
For good reason, the focus of Tesla’s announcement has been on the new solar cellular tiles that look remarkably like the traditional versions of terracotta, slate, asphalt shingles as well as an interesting modern glass tile. If Tesla is able to follow through on its pricing projections and offer this product at a comparable price to traditional high-end roofing materials, with electricity as a bonus, it becomes worth considering for all our new construction. This would be a natural addition to the sophisticated electronic controls installed in many of our homes. Of course, we’ll also be watching to see if their durability claims hold up, an important consideration during hurricane season.
2. Powerful Battery Enables Backup Coverage During Power Outages
The new Tesla Powerwall 2 battery hasn’t received as much attention as the solar roof, but is nonetheless just as important an advancement. The Powerwall 2 has double the energy density of the previous version, to 14 kilowatt-hours of energy storage, a capacity much better suited to the needs of a typical American household; TreeHugger.com’s graphic of the amount of energy typically used by appliances puts that 14kWh in perspective.
The Powerwall 2 also includes a Tesla-made inverter, which allows for a more streamlined, less-expensive installation. As Electrek reports “At $5,500 including a ‘Tesla inverter’, it could easily end up being a game changer in the industry. Most residential systems today are offered for a similar price, but either have about half the energy capacity or they don’t have an integrated inverter.” They also agree that “The new Powerwall will also make a significant dent in the generator industry. It will be used in regions prone to power outages.”
We expect that the ability to replace a noisy, fossil-fuel generator with a slick, clean-energy solution for Naples’ many storm-driven power outages will be quite intriguing to many of our clients.
3. Integrated Energy System Offers New Zero Energy and Possibly Off Grid Options
Getting through the night or through a power outage is one goal, but what about those that strive to be truly energy neutral, or even off the grid? In a recent post about our Zero Energy Home prototype, we described a variety of energy, landscape, and water capture systems we could employ to reach this ZEH ideal. At first glance, Tesla’s integrated solar + storage system looks to be a promising new option. In particular, we’ll be watching to see if this system, possibly with multiple Powerwalls, can produce and store enough energy to be sufficient as a completely off the grid solution where necessary, like for those on Keewaydin Island.
If the delivered products match what’s been announced, especially in price, MJLA clients will have some nice new choices beginning in 2017.
Our Web Site Refresh
Late summer felt like the right time to revisit our Web site design and determine what was working and what could be improved. We think the overall structure, look and feel of the site still work very well. That said, we’ve spent the past few months gathering project photos to incorporate more, larger images, and we’ve given our blog a substantial facelift. And of course we’ve taken this opportunity to update the site with all of our recently completed projects, as well as new ones in progress. We hope you take the time to click around and view our most recent work.
In particular, we have recently completed our second project on Morgan Cove in Port Royal. The client’s vision of a “jewel box” required exacting attention to every detail and material choice, executed flawlessly. Such precise work requires great collaboration, and we couldn’t have asked for a better team than general contractor Dave Rogers with Newbury North Associates, interior designer Cate Caruso from Studio C, and landscape architect Koby Kirwin.
The site has many photos of this project from conception to completion.
We’re also excited to have recently broken ground on another project with Newbury North: Gordon River II, which sits on a beautiful site with views to the mangroves on Keewaydin Island. Stay tuned to the site for updates.
MJL Architect began their dream over 20 years ago and have remained strongly focused on maintaining true artistic integrity by collaborating, designing, and bringing to fruition the highest level of design for their clients.
MJLA Designs a Prototype Zero Energy Project
In each project it undertakes, Mark J. Leonardi Architect strives to incorporate creative, ecologically savvy components. Recently, we took our energy-conscious ideals a step further, developing a prototype of a Zero Energy Home. Our goal was to demonstrate that it’s possible to create a net zero, sustainable house design with the aesthetics and livability expected by those in the residential market of Naples.
Designed for a typical lot in the Downtown section of Olde Naples, this new home design features net zero energy consumption through the use of geothermal heating and cooling for both the residence and pool, photovoltaic energy production, solar hot water and energy recovery technologies. Additional features include rainwater collection cisterns for irrigation, xeriscape plantings, reclaimed and sustainable materials, as well as state-of-the-art insulation and ventilation systems.
This single family home exemplifies a flexible, current approach to living by combining everyday functions such as living, dining, office and media spaces. Dividing elements, such as bi-fold or pivoting doors, can transform smaller spaces into larger gathering areas, and connect indoors to outdoors – as shown above between the master bedroom (7) and the terrace/pool (15/16) area. Overall, this residence is a performance-oriented building taking into consideration function, livability, and aesthetics.
Although only conceptual at this time, this prototype serves as a example for future sustainable, residential projects within the area, demonstrating what is possible with in the confines – and expectations – of the Naples community.
The Space In Between
Residual Space
MJLA challenges the conventional idea of the residence as one building and conceptually pulls it apart making it unique as well as site and client specific; resulting in a new, more dynamic home site with multiple, faceted buildings collected to bring meaning to typically neglected space. Utilizing residual space, or the spaces in between, for programmatic components such as entry, light transfer, circulation, and garden is how this is realized. This both creates and places transitions in between areas of a home that at one point could have been bland, block-like, and very front-to-back. Instead, these areas are seen as opportunities.
The choice of materials strengthens the seamless perception of the space between, thus making the interior and exterior residual spaces an integral part of the residence. Taking these residual spaces and giving them life, transforms the residence into a much more open, place to place, room to room feeling that is evoked while living, walking through, and simply being a part of a home environment.
Architect’s Statement
There are alternatives to the dominant trend of Interior Design and Architecture that could add significant value to the profession. These alternatives are an attempt to redefine an attitude that re-engages one into the process of design. We feel this attitude has been lost and become more about “building” VS “designing.” It is our ambition to educate people on this premise and bring back the sense of professionalism that has been lacking over the past decade. Our intention is not to reinvent but rather re-establish an attitude in South Florida that is both eminent and relevant.
MARK J. LEONARDI ARCHITECT 