Interview with Scott Huebner

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The Architectural firm Samsel Architects was founded in 1985 by Jim Samsel in Asheville. From their informative and recently updated website one will find that the firm's mission: "stewardship for the environment, community and client's dreams" is what inspires their work.  On first impression, many of Samsel Architects' projects have a pleasing assured quality - a quiet, respectful connection to their surrounding site. In talking with Scott Huebner, a project architect at Samsel Architects' office, one discovers that these qualities often encompass larger efforts in attaining the right balance "between a strong connection to their Appalachian roots and a modern interpretation for today's contemporary lifestyles.” One finds that the efforts behind many of Samsel Architect's designs, both commercial and residential, are frequently the result a subtle and integrated layering of history, an understanding of place, and a progressive approach to sustainability.Believing that technology is one key element in the design of efficiently operated and inhabited buildings, a current residential project on the boards at Samsel is slated to include a green roof and solar hot water panels."  As clients begin to embrace these technologies, architects must take up the challenge to fully integrate them into our designs and still maintain our highest aesthetic standards." says Huebner.  Samsel Architects believes the technology should not rule or drive the aesthetics of the projects, but they should be integrated, and allowing passive aspects such as solar heating and air cooling, natural daylighting, shading and proper building siting define the architectural or aesthetic qualities of their buildings.Whereas we have a rich legacy of traditional building in the area, one finds that not all of Samsel Architects' work simply relies on direct facsimile of this legacy.  Their projects' connection to an Appalachian past can be seen in more innovative ways such as a strong integration of the local legacy of craftsmanship and the use of rich and earthen colors, and recognizable forms. “We have a great deal of respect for the craft and traditional building heritage of the Appalachian region, we view our work as a modern extension of this as seen in our use of timbers, stone, and other natural materials” says Huebner.  These elements are among the many which evoke a good sense of the richness of history without actually replicating that history. Each project  walks a fine line between that of the local vernacular and a modernism that is warm and inviting.  This successful approach gives a sense of  forward momentum coupled with an appreciation of the past on which they build for the future.  We look forward to seeing Samsel Architects' next project come to fruition.Interview and article by Nicolaas Wilkens, photos courtesy of Samsel Architects

121 Stoney - Main

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MLS#466034   $298,0004 bedrooms   2.5 bathrooms3860sqft (3200 finished)Listed by: Troy Winterrowd of Real LivingUrban meets the country in this perfect artist's or musician's live/work retreat.  Totaling 3860sqft this warehouse has been converted into loft style living on a bubbling trout stream.  Consists of a 2600sqft living space with 4 bedrooms/offices & 2 1/2 baths.  Also, it has a 600sqft garage/workshop space plus a heated studio of 660sqft.  The space is finished with rustic concrete floors, wood paneling, skylights, anderson casement windows.  The shop area is powered by 3 Phase electric for all your creative needs.  The kitchen contains sleek vintage sub-zero refrigerator and freezer.All of this on a 1 acre private lot with the relaxing sound of the bubbling stream.For more information on this property Click Here!

Bob Pazden captures Hoss Haley’s “Radius” show at Blue Spiral

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Photographer Bob Pazden’s eye is drawn to graphic elements such as pattern, color, line, shape and form.  Which is the reason artist Hoss Haley calls Bob when he wants his work professionally documented.  Hoss’s creations have a quiet, graphic strength to them while Bob likes to quietly connect with what he is photographing.  Bob says, “Whether he is photographing architecture or people he is drawn to details and intimate experiences.”Hoss Haley currently has a one man show at the Blue Spiral gallery on Biltmore Ave. in Asheville.  In his artwork he uses concrete, steel and bronze to create two and three-dimensional artworks.  Favoring industrial materials and fabrication methods reminiscent of his past working on machinery in the west, his paintings and sculptures explore the use of forms, lines, surfaces and textures.

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Hoss says, “We strive to bring our vision of order and progress to the world; but as quickly as our monuments beginning to dot the landscape, they are reclaimed by the forces of nature that we can never control.  I find great beauty in this inevitable contrast.  That is why I like to use steel.  It rusts; it shows age; it deteriorates.”  Bob took notice of the rich rust color and how it radiates off of the white walls of the gallery space.One of my personal favorite pieces at the show was Hoss’s version of a big spiral-graph machine that etched through enamel coated steel to leave a pattern that is both geometric and organic.Hoss was one of the select artists whose work went public in Pack Square.  This rhythmic trellis that helps tie together the two government buildings reflects the mountains scene behind. Below are a few detail shots of the trellis at night.  While photographing Hoss Haley's artist constructions Bob captures graphic compositions and creates new pieces of art with his camera.Photographs by Bob Pazden (www.bobpazden.com), Article by Troy Winterrowd

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An apartment in historic Parc Vendome gets a modern makeover SWITCH style.I recently spent a few fun days in NYC visiting friends and catching up on the latest trends in the city.  One of my hosts was Roy Otwell, co-owner of SWITCH Modern in Atlanta.  He is a big supporter of Modern Asheville and a thoughtful interior designer.  I spent a couple of evenings in his condo in the well known Park Vendome on West 57th a few blocks from Columbus Circle.  He originally liked the building and its proximity to Central Park and the subway lines.Park Vendome was built in the 1930s and has a old world air about it.  Most of the apartments are quite grand with fireplaces and double height living rooms.  With 570 sqft his smaller and shorter studio apartment provided him all the space he needed to live efficiently in the city.  Roy cleverly took what was one open space and built walls to divide it into zones including a kitchen, bath and dressing area, bedroom and combined living space.  His living and working stage rests on honed absolute granite flooring and all the functional cabinetry is Poliform which he sells through his shop in Atlanta.

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Overall, I was struck by the efficiency and thoughtfulness that Roy designed into the space.  Everything was very purposeful and there was no waste.  I was left wishing to see this level of thought and quality products in Asheville downtown condos.In his bathroom I admired the catalano sink and toilet.  However, it was the Dornbracht hardware that I was drawn to the most.  It was all very simple, elegant and functional with out excess mechanical components.  In otherwords, perfect.  It is sometimes the little things that bring elegance to a space.Article and photos by Troy Winterrowd