Merry Christmas, 2013

Best wishes for a very

Merry Christmas

and a happy New Year!

My special thoughts go out this time of year to my Devoted Readers and those who just happen upon The Devoted Classicist blog.  2013 has been a year to remember, with as many ups as well as downs.  But that is life.  Although there is still a lot in store for me during the remainder of the year, I can hardly wait for what 2014 will bring.

The sketch for this year's card is from studies done for a series of new house designs for 'Empty Nesters' and those wanting a smaller residence but still one with architectural features to coordinate with their artwork and furnishings.  Sizes would range from about 1800 square feet to 2800 square feet.  Although the project has yet to really get off the ground, I feel that there is still great potential in many parts of the country.

Again, many thanks for your readership.  You are all greatly appreciated.

__ John J. Tackett

Merry Christmas

Classic residential design knows no minimum size at the studio of John Tackett Design.  This new villa, currently in the planning stage for Miami-Dade County, Florida, is less than 2,000 square feet.  My new houses are not reproductions of specific traditional buildings, but a particular historic model might be an inspiration for an element of the new design;  it might be the general massing and scale, or it might be a particular feature such as the entrance that is reinterpreted for the new house.  Proportion and harmony of materials are two factors missing from so many of today's new houses, so I strive to achieve perfection in those two areas, especially.  And my houses are not just facades, but all elevations (i.e., all sides of the house) are important and each hold their own, visually.  Another important feature is the floor plan, logical in progression and spatially interesting, but meeting contemporary needs.

One of the inspirations for this free-standing single family home is the Pavillion Saint-Vigor by Gabriel in the village of Viroflay (near Versailles), France, built circa 1770.  But this house will be fully equipped for today's technology and LEED certified, environmentally responsible, and a healthy, livable home.  It will be suitable for even the most devoted classicist.

The drawing currently used for the banner was the cover for last year's holiday card, and the drawing above is this year's card.  Best wishes for all my readers, and I send hopes for peace and a very merry Christmas to all.