Dirty Pool

Courtesy Modular House by ArzLan

Far From Prying Eyes - (BTT) This lovely little vacation home has all the necessities, as well as a few luxuries. Although simply detailed, the large windows let in tons of light and open up onto a pool terrace, making it easy to go and take a (skinny) dip.

Inspiration of the Day - 9/16/11

Courtesy Forest Hills Gardens by Joe Shlabotnik

Forest Hills Gardens, Queens, New York - (BTT) Yes, you read that right - this is not some sleepy town in Europe but a planned community right in New York City. Architect Grosvenor Atterbury, along with landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Jr., began planning the 142 acre neighborhood around 1908, and just a few years later the streets were in place and landmark buildings like the Forest Hills Inn above were proving that a 10 minute train ride out of Manhattan could transport a person to a completely different world.

Any Way the Wind Blows

Courtesy Hurricane Irene by Blake's Baericks

Atlantic Coast - (BTT) So maybe Hurricane Irene didn't cause quite the destruction as originally feared, thank goodness, but not everyone was able to come away unharmed. This vacation home has nearly been split in two, and based on the wild waves and way the palm trees are getting blown around, there is no real relief in sight.

A Fistful of Details

Courtesy 1908 Western by marshal banana

The American West - (BTT) The person who first coined the phrase "This town ain't big enough for the two of us" clearly wasn't residing here at the time - this town is huge! Five distinct buildings make up this street, with a general store and saloon on one side and the sheriff and gun store on the other, each with their own exterior character and interior details.

Mod and Trad

Courtesy Brown and Grey Modulars by alex54

Clermont-Ferrand, France - (BTT) The 1970s brought the world a few things that are probably better left in the past: disco, bell-bottoms, 8-Tracks. Many of the architecture from the era also gets clumped into this category, but this wonderful brown and tan apartment proves that a few architectural gems did manage to see the light. Playing off of the detailing and massing of its more classical blue and white neighbor, this pair proves that new and old can coexist in perfect harmony. Please feel free to join the discussion on these buildings at the Eurobricks forums.

Black and Tan

Courtesy Citibrick Building 2.0 by anupehr

Residential District - (BTT) Having just undergone a bit of a face lift, the Citibrick Building has seen a renewed interest among people in the neighborhood. The high level of contrast on this handsome facade really makes it stand out from the crowd.

Inspiration of the Day - 9/9/11

Courtesy Villa Capra "La Rotunda" by Sebastià Giralt

Vicenza, Italy - (BTT) Despite working exclusively in a relatively small part of Italy, Andrea Palladio is considered the most influential person in the history of Western architecture. Appropriately done in the Palladian Style, Villa Capra, completed after the architect's death around 1590, has possibly influenced the design of more buildings than any other project.

Making Waves

Courtesy Day at the Docks by Outer Rim Emperor

Harbor Town, USA - (BTT) Sometimes you just need a little break from the hustle and bustle of city life and take a moment to enjoy the briny smell and soothing sound of the ocean. Feel free to try your luck at catching your own dinner, but know that there is no shame in letting others do the hard work by ordering up a white clam pizza to go.

Pretty, Pretty Dresses

Courtesy Lady Agatha's Victorian House & Dress Boutique by lgorlando

Historic Main Street - (BTT) For multiple generations, Lady Agatha and her descendants have been providing the locals with the very best in fashion from their American Queen Anne home. Despite the pastel color scheme, the ornate details and pink accents give this building some pop and make it as distinctive as their dresses.

Inspiration of the Day - 9/2/11

Courtesy National and University Library by piotrsmolnicki

Ljubljana, Slovenia - (BTT) Architect Jože Plečnik spent much of his life in his home town of Ljubljana, making a lasting impression as both a designer and educator. Completed in 1941, the National and University Library of Slovenia remains the most monumental of his contributions to the city and one of the best examples of his unique style in a time when such Classical ideals were sadly falling out of favor.