Found materials

It is not uncommon for architects to receive samples of windows, stone, brick, etc. for their review, and then to turn around and use these materials in their home. For example, we get a lot of carpet samples, and they are great for using as car floor mats or next to the cat's litter tray. So I wasn't surprised when a former coworker contacted me to see if I wanted some granite.

Evidently, he has a job where they wanted a sample of a certain black granite in a certain finish. The supplier sent it, but the sample went through a series of mishaps before arriving late - and broken - to the final destination. It arrived so late, they had already ordered and received another sample which arrived intact. That left them with what had been a fairly good size piece of granite, 2' x 3' or something, now in about 4-5 pieces.

I, of course, jumped at the chance to get some granite like he was describing. All I need to do is pick it up, which I'm doing tonight. (it would be more appropriate to say that my husband is doing the picking up, of course; I'm 4-1/2 months pregnant and not in a condition to pick up heavy stone just now!)

What to do with it, though?

Well, I have had this idea of building a little meditation hut, or tea house, in our backyard. My idea so far is to build a butterfly roof held up by wood columns, with a rain chain to channel the water to a copper basin, over a concrete pad with a built-in fire place (irori) and colorful cushions for sitting, and bamboo screens on two sides for privacy. Simple but elegant, big enough for just 4 people to sit, looking over our moss-covered boulders and what will eventually be a koi pond. I figure that this stone, fitted together to make a 'table' riser within the concrete pad, would be a little wabi-sabi touch to the space, a place you could set a hot kettle for tea perhaps. It may not get built this summer, but maybe next...

Meanwhile, I'll happily store the stone. Mmmmm, pretty.

Comments

[archipunk]

I trust you were able to pick it up without any problems (and by you, I mean Jack, since, as you said, you aren't doing any heavy lifting yourself).

Add to your list the windows I built (but haven't yet installed) for my garage, which are made from architectural double-pane glass samples.

[Architectress]

Yes, we got it. Walked in, walked out, without really checking with anyone, but no one stopped us either. :-) I did pick up the small pieces but left the largest chunk for him.

I explained to J what I wanted to do with it, and he gave me the same look I probably give him whenever he starts talking about making his 8' Cthulu costume...

[jenn]

Ooo. Beauty in your backyard. That would sit most perfectly.

Let me know when you need an extra hand - I'd be honored to say I helped you build that.

[Ava Venson]

You're painting a picture of a really peaceful haven here. How did it go? Wonderful ideas like that are sometimes difficult to follow through. It would be a good idea to post some pictures of it here, so we may be inspired, too.