Comments on the style saloniste: Architect I Admire: Andrew Batey

It has been such a long time since I had heard abo...

2012-02-10T18:39:52.120-08:00

It has been such a long time since I had heard about Andrew Batey and I am fascinated to see that he is still active in the field of design. We were good friends back in the 80's and we lost track of each other. Thank you for your wonderful blog and posting

Doug Wittnebel

Great post Diane. I admire Batey's architectur...

2010-08-31T10:25:45.267-07:00

Great post Diane. I admire Batey's architecture designs, especially his classical romantic houses made of rocks.

The pools are beautiful, as well as the white stov...

2010-08-18T06:01:42.341-07:00

The pools are beautiful, as well as the white stove ~ so unusual.
Have a marvelous day ~
Alexandra

Wonderful post Diane. I love hearing about other d...

2010-08-09T13:38:25.574-07:00

Wonderful post Diane. I love hearing about other designers and architects especially their early professional days. Henry Segerstrom was fascinated with Barragan too and tried to use him on a home he was building in Newport Beach, CA. Unfortunatly Barragan was ill at the time and unable to take on the project. I love that Batey is more interested in classicism than fads. This is why I love my own home so much...timeless beauty wins the long haul. Shiree'

Hi Diane, Thank you for your kind remarks regardi...

2010-08-08T18:34:52.013-07:00

Hi Diane,

Thank you for your kind remarks regarding my post on Pietro Annigoni and Sonja Bata. That is a valued compliment. The interview was an interesting and memorable experience.

I’ve noted some comments left on your blog about the length of your articles. I personally find so much being done that is too brief, insubstantial, and really not covering any new ground. It is because your articles have depth and new material that they are so enjoyable and worthwhile.

I agree with your recent statement that a blog must offer something that is not found in a magazine. Apart from the quality and content of your posts, it is pleasant to read your courteous comments; this is encountered so rarely nowadays. A lot of what you write about has to do with making life better and living graciously. The way one responds to others during daily interaction is sometimes forgotten, and you've set an example of how much more pleasant conversation can be. How admirable and personal that you thoughtfully respond to comments by your readers. In doing so, a dialogue is created that enhances the article that much more. Any work of design or creativity becomes more interesting when one can see the impression it has left on others.

I keep reviewing your posts on the Chateau de Haroué. Your clear observations and photos give an excellent overview, and I can experience the setting and exhibition that I would have loved to visit.

Square with Flair

Hi Greet--I love your blog, also. Thank you so muc...

2010-08-07T22:25:33.523-07:00

Hi Greet--I love your blog, also. Thank you so much for your kind remarks. I agree with you that a blog must be about new ideas, new revelations. A blog must be about discovery. It has to show readers something they have not seen before in a magazine. It has to be more than just clippings from publications (some bloggers commit the sin of showing pictures without attribution or credits. Naughty).
Greet--stay in touch. There will be many more 'discoveries' on this journey. I love the way you have grown your blog--and attracted a world-wide following.

Hi Joan-So sorry the red socks upset your aesthetic soul. I've had a lot of comments from readers that they loved them because they were not the usual architects' classic black. I like his dog, too.
Thanks...and I am so pleased you stuck with it. In a way, the interview is like a tutorial on how to be a good architect or designer--and how to train your eye away from gimmicks and trends and frou-frou.

Hi Square with Flair! Thank you for insight and comment. I love to hear from my Canadian friends. I remarked lightly to a colleague, joking, that 'I am big in Canada' (I've have a lively discourse with Canadian readers from the start) and he said, 'well, no wonder. Canadians are very literate.' Well, that is correct. You are.
I love your erudition here--and must tell Andrew to get working on a chapel or mediation hall. You are right that he would be brilliant.
You were concerned about the trees. Don't forget that California is a desert! We have no rain between April and November! yes, true. Hard to believe...we have long sunny hot and dry summers. So these trees will not be lavish and will stay quite small. Note the lavender and grasses that were planted there also..for the warm dry weather. It is arid on that hilltop--and for the other two houses as well. Note that all three houses in this story are about 15 miles or so apart...and they share that hot dry summer, temperate winter, rains from around Dec-March only. Do stay in touch--I loved your Annigoni post--interesting to see Mrs Bata's portrait.
cheers to all, DIANE

What a fascinating article and what a gifted archi...

2010-08-06T18:08:27.354-07:00

What a fascinating article and what a gifted architect. The purity and discipline of the designs is impressive. I particularly like the image of the garden steps and the pyramid capped garden pavilion. The exterior images left me wanting to see the interior. The architecture is restrained and discreet. It doesn’t try to be a star attraction like so many bizarre buildings by the so called celebrity architects of today. The texture and colour of the rustic stone areas prevent the building from looking too stark or minimalist.

I am curious about the trees planted in a row between the pavilion and the pool. Unless these are small, slow growing trees, I would be concerned about them heaving the beautiful stone surface and also damaging the walls/ foundation of the pool. Perhaps part of maintenance will be to replace them with new, smaller ones every decade or so before there could be a problem. I think that maintenance and long term care are important aspects of building design that more architects need to give attention to. Many modern buildings are not of durable materials and they end up costing more to have cladding repaired or replaced than if something lasting like concrete or stone had been used, as in this residence.

I am wondering what type of furniture and art would best suit such an interior. I can see Rothko and Twombly…works that are dreamy and serene. For furniture I see the plainest, generously scaled Italian, French, or Spanish country furniture, or mid century modern classics such as Breuer did. And of course some very large potted plants.

I agree that it is important for architects, in fact any artists, to take the grand tour (preferably several throughout life) of Europe and be exposed to the classical and antique precedents. It gives one a feel for proportion and balance, and what is enduring, qualities often lacking in modern architecture. I think the décor, architecture, and gardens of David Hicks convey, in a similar way, this sense of experience and exposure to the best of the classical past, applied to how we live today.

I would love to attend a mass or service in a chapel or church designed by Mr. Batey. I know I would leave feeling calm and spiritually refreshed.

I have greatly enjoyed the post and being introduced to Mr. Batey’s superb work.
Thank you.

Wow, just gorgeous. I wasn't even going to rea...

2010-08-06T11:02:58.353-07:00

Wow, just gorgeous. I wasn't even going to read your whole post because of those red socks, but so glad I did. Beautiful architecture!

Diane, Visiting your blog is always surprising! I ...

2010-08-06T00:35:33.525-07:00

Diane,
Visiting your blog is always surprising! I am always looking forward to read your new post!
I love to be introduced to all these great architects and designers! Discovering the houses of Andrew Batey is a delight to me! I love these gorgeous houses! All of them! The work of architects and designers as Mr Andrew Batey and Mr Andrew Skurman, are such a source of inspiration to me! And I both discovered on your inspirational blog!
Thank you heartily Diane!
xx
Greet

Hi Dear Friends- Thank you for taking the time to ...

2010-08-04T11:11:25.117-07:00

Hi Dear Friends-
Thank you for taking the time to send comments. I love them and so appreciate your insights.

HI KARENA-Yes, you are right that Andrew Batey is sensitive to the site, the location, the terroir--and sits the house into it rather than imposing it like a giant on the landscape. In many ways, his houses, when new, look as if they have been there for many years and have lived a rich life.

HI ASD--Dear Floppy-Yes, I agree about de Botton. I have a signed copy of this book and love to read about his wanders through the ages of architecture. You are correct that these 3 houses by Batey have a pared-down and unpretentious and somewhat low-key and monastic look. In person, they exude the sun and light and fresh air and brightness of the Napa Valley and Northern California. Summers the doors are open and life is lived outdoors or around the pool in the afternoon. Note that each of these houses has a pool--parties and entertaining and guests are a happy part of the summer. I love to see them in the late afternoon--bliss. Andrew brings his 3 decades of experience. Important point: while each house is strict and pure, each is totally different. There is no 'theme' design or 'signature' here.

HI MARY--Thank you. Yes, I think architecture does have a responsibility to make people's lives better! Education can be part of architecture. That does not preclude comfort, pleasure and joy, really. I know each of these 3 families who live in these houses love them...and have learned a lot.
cheers, DIANE

These are beautiful homes, clearly intended to edu...

2010-08-04T06:45:38.737-07:00

These are beautiful homes, clearly intended to educate and uplift everyone who listens to their message. Thanks. Mary

My dear, while I was looking at the images and rea...

2010-08-04T04:09:36.108-07:00

My dear, while I was looking at the images and reading your words - the simplicity and purity of his design came into my mind. Sometimes we often feel like we have just had it enough with the pace of life in the urban life. We need somewhere to nourish our soul and find spirituality not only in churches but also in our immediate surrounding. I inspire the monastic way of living. I've been reading a book by the philosopher, Alain de Botton called "The Architecture of Happiness". And I thought of you. Because it is what your blog and writing is about.

Diane thank you so much for sharing the works of t...

2010-08-03T21:41:09.977-07:00

Diane thank you so much for sharing the works of this amazing architect. Fabulous homes that do ineed take in the surroundings and natural elements!

Karena
Art by Karena

HI TERRI--I love your observations. You are right ...

2010-08-03T21:29:49.467-07:00

HI TERRI--I love your observations. You are right that Andrew pares down the lines and proportions and the frippery. It is pure. When you visit Cistercian monasteries and forts and farm buildings--especially in the South of France and Sardinia and Corsica--you see these same uncompromising pared-down lines, stone, and angles and symmetry. It is especially refreshing in the Napa Valley where faux 'Tuscan villa' style was rampant, and often so ornamented it looked nothing like Italy.

HI GWEN----Glad to hear from you. I am really pleased to introduce California architects and designers to everyone. Some designers here have been published quite a lot (like Steve Shubel) but residential architects are less known. I hope this feature results in Andrew getting lots of great clients--and better known to the world. His thinking is inspiring and provocative. Makes me want to take off on another Grand Tour of all the great architecture. I've seen most of it..but could always delve back in. How worthwhile and rewarding.
cheers, DIANE

Such beautiful images. thank you for the introduc...

2010-08-03T20:14:15.392-07:00

Such beautiful images. thank you for the introduction. i've been so out of touch this summer and have missed the world of blog. hope you are well.

What beautiful work! I love the juxtaposed rock w...

2010-08-03T18:55:11.014-07:00

What beautiful work! I love the juxtaposed rock walls with the smooth walls, and the omission of ornamentation and simplicity which makes a clear reference to the monastery influences.

I was not familiar with his work before, but I will certainly make note of it... really stunning! ~Terri

HI ANNE- Lovely to hear from you. I agree with you...

2010-08-03T17:14:10.089-07:00

HI ANNE- Lovely to hear from you. I agree with you that the Neimann house is particularly successful. It is on a dramatic site, certainly, and the array of buildings and pool and terraces is particularly attractive and pleasing.
Batey understands site, materials, dimensions and appropriateness--so the houses he designs 'fit' into the site, whatever it might be. These 3 sites are particularly desirable. Caliornia wine country. You are right...his work would look at home in Texas.

Batey's works are very well thinked of. Every...

2010-08-03T15:11:57.696-07:00

Batey's works are very well thinked of. Every project has it's own identity and making it as unique as possible. This is a wonderful post. Check out also 3D Rendering

I am crazy about the Niemann house. It is stunning...

2010-08-03T12:26:49.099-07:00

I am crazy about the Niemann house. It is stunning with it's clean, simple lines mixed of incredible stonework...I absolutely love it. Some of his work reminds me of the designs of Texas modernists that I am drawn to. Thank you for the exposure to such talent.