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14 h o u s e t r e n d s Ipl spring2005

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Casa Siena's Old World style

creates a luxurious sense of privacy

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By Rosanne Knorr

Photos by Robert Stein

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tale. You can

glimpse the massive front entrance through decoratrve

gates set into an arcade. Arched wlndows echo the
curves, as does a rounded tower. Blossoming bougainvillea climbs the stucco walls and jasmine sends out a h~ntof
soft fragrance. The tranquility calls to you, but for most
people, the mystery IS just beyond reach, unless the gate
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opens and the courtyard welcomes you home.

continued

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spring2005 lpl h o u s e t r e n d s 15

Casa Siena incorporates this courtyard into the dramatic new home design
built by Gordon Homes in Playa Rienta. The unique home combines Old
World style with amenities that provide every comfort for the contemporary
homeowner.
It began with a grand scheme. Mitch Kunik, President of Affiniti Architects,
wanted to create something in the Mirasol community that has "great architectural presence." His goal was not merely size, though with 7,483 square feet
of indoor living space, this home is large by most standards. It features five
bedroom suites, six full baths and powder room, plus a library, game room,
media room, three garage spaces and golf cart garage, as well as an additional
1,791square feet of open air space.

16 h o u s e t r e n d s Ipl spring2005

"The house is straight forward as far as a floor plan is concerned," says

Kunik, "but the way the house addresses the street is very different."
Kunick points out the grand entrance and decorative gate, which lead to
the large courtyard designed in Old Chicago brick and surrounded by
walls festooned with vines.
The Spanish-influenced arcade and gated entry were a first for Kunik,
who developed Casa Siena's plan based on the fact that "people in a gated
country club community enjoy their privacy and I could provide even
more privacy by means of the architecture." Driving into the peaceful
courtyard, with the gate snapping softly dosed behind you, proves
Kunik accomplished his goal.
A grand entry foyer with a 25-foot coffered ceiling and marble floor
welcomes homeowners and guests in royal style. The interiors have
been created to enhance the scale and match the European elegance of
the architecture. Arches and decorative columns echo the exterior's
arcade effect. "We kept it in traditional Old World feel," notes interior
designer Jennifer Clark. However, the furnishings and accessories
change in theme throughout the home in order to provide interest and
variety. "Formal areas are elegant and transitional in flavor to maintain
a general appeal, but each bedroom is its own entity with a personality
of its own."
The formal entertainment areas, including the foyer, living room and
dining room are done in jewel tones of burgundy, sage and gold. The
family room and kitchen are more casual and decorated in comforting
shades of yellow, terra cotta and green.
In the artistic tradition of great homes and palaces, interesting
shapes, faux effects and ceilings create a spectacular background. The
octagonal living room features two-story windows that reach toward a
custom-designed ceiling and fully display the sparkling pool outside.
The natural gas fireplace with a cast stone diamond design is flanked
by short columns, which are a recurring theme throughout the home. It
faces a full bar with under-counter sink, a Scotsman icemaker and a Sub
Zero 24-inch under-counter refrigerator. The bar and appliances are integrated into the living room furnishings through custom cabinetry trim.
The casual areas of the home may be less formal but the design details
have a beauty all their own. Look up in the family room and note the
box-beamed ceiling that features a faux stencil design within each
square. The entrance to the breakfast room features pecky cypress
beams supported by corbels. And the kitchen has a barrel vault ceiling
of brick.
continued >

Far left: The octagonal living room features two-story windows that provide a
spectacular view of the pool outside.
Left: The gas fireplace features a cast stone diamond design. It is flanked by short
columns, which are a constant theme throughout the house.

spring2005 lpl h o u s e t r e n d s 1 7

Under that vaulted ceiling is a kitchen fit for a gourmet chef. Granite countertops spmad across three sides plus the spacious center
island. Two sinks include a large stainless steel under-mount design
and a veeetable
sink at the island. Dinner ~ a r t i e sare made easier
"
thanks to a Wolf 48-inch natural gas range that includes six burners
and a griddle. The Sub Zero 48-inch built-in refrigerator features cabinet panels, as does the Asko dishwasher, which is fully integrated to
blend seamlessly into the background. AGE microwave in black with
stainless steel trim completes the appliance package.

18 h o u s e t r e n d s Ipl spring2005

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Above: The architect

wanted each room to
showcase different
design techniques. The
entrance to the breakfast
room features wdo,
,
cmress beams

Top and bottom right:

connected to the kitchen

featuring a stencil design

The master bedroom has all the elegance of a fine

hotel with a dramatic gold and black monochromatic
color scheme that is close to neo-classic. The walls
are painted in a soothing soft yellow and cream faux
finish and serve as the base of the room. His and her
baths feature spa-like amenities and fine details
including marble floors, tub deck and shower walls.
Her bath consists of a Jacuzzi Milano whirlpool tub
with matching jets and a water closet with a bidet.
His bath features a Sigma System 30 shower with
two volume controls plus three body sprays. A wet
bar and sink provide just the right spot for a nightcap
before turning in for the evening.
continued

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spring2005 lpl h o u s e t r e n d s 19

Just outside the bedroom's

French doors is the pool terrace. The 16x32-foot heated
pool incorporates a fountain
and raised spa with four jets.
A second bedroom on the
first floor accommodates farnily or guests. Of all the bedrooms in Casa Siena, it's the
most contemporary in a
sophisticated color scheme of
sea foam, silver and off white.

The grand staircase leading from the foyer is palatial

in lustrous marble with a filigree iron baluster and
s,$air d.
From the second level, the landing overlooks the living room and leads to the media and bil- ;
liard rooms, two additional family bedrooms, and a
guest suite.
Both family bedrooms have individual bathrooms
and their own unique design. One features an oriental theme; the other is done in a nautical Ralph Lauren design. The guest adte is situated at one end of
the second floor above the courtyard. This enables
e a private vestibule.
visitors to enter ~ the h ~ m or
The staircase is created from red oak with oil rubbed
Lxonze attachments. Guests arrive to discover a
serene West Indies theme, carried out by means of-a
bamboo vaulted ceiling with bamboo inlays and%$
bambao chair rail. Underneath the stairs leading to
the guest suite is a seating area with a writing desk
where guests can relax or set up a laptop computer.
Entertainment is the name of the game in the
media and billiard rooms. The billiard room is reminiscent of a h g h - s t men's dub with paneled
4 walls, leatber embossed ceiling, and faam finish
details. For snacks chqg.&e game, it includes a wet
bar with granite countertop. The me&a room is
adorned with silk upholstered walls and a ten-foot
coffered ceiling. A sectional sofa, rather than chairs,
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encourages comfort.
POTmusic throughout the home, &;wiring has
already been laid for stereo speakers, Volume controls in the famiiy room, media room, living room,
master bedroom and loggia enable the homeowner
to create the ambiance to fit the mood. An elevator
outside the media room provides convenient access
to the second floor.
a

continued

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Far left: The dining room is decorated in rich colon of sage

and gold. It features a stenciled dome ceiling.

Left: The gourmet kitchen continues the trend of unique

designs, featuring a barrel vault ceiling made of brick.
Bottom left: The palatial staircase leading from the foyer
consists of marble flooring and an ornate filigree iron
baluster and stair rail. From the second level, the landing
overlooks the living room.

spring2005 lpl h o u s e t r e n d s 21

22 h o u s e t r e n d s

E 1,'

h - * ~ h European
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influence carries through to the exterior appoint2.1:
.,..-ments. Landscape architect John Lang has worked all over the
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!. -.;world, from Turkey to California, and his specialty of 'hardscapes' has been put to full use in details ranging from patio to
pool, fountains to drives. Casa Siena's design is simple and classic with an emphasis on careful craftsmanship, such as the herringbone pattern of the Old Chicago brick hand set in sand. The
pattern extends throughout, including the front drive, motor
court, front and rear walkways, covered entry, loggia and patio.
"This house has a more European feel to it than most houses
in the area. It uses the design of exterior spaces for a much higher impact, adding more amenities on the outside."
The landscaping is a mix between subtropical and hardier
plants. "They look as though they've been there for years but it's
only been six months." Among them are bougainvillea, confederate jasmine, Rangoon creeper, and creeping fig. Specimen date
palms, cliff date palms and medjool date palms add a tropical
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ambiance. . .
continued >
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Far left: The first floor master

bedroom mimics a fine hotel suite,
blending the gold and black color
scheme with the soft yellow and
cream faux finished walls.
Top: The home boasts six full
bathrooms, including his and her
master baths, and a powder room.
Left: The second floor guest suite
features a West lndies theme, with
a bamboo-vaulted ceiling. The suite
has a private entrance, allowing guests
to come and go without disturbing
their hosts.

spring2005 lpl h o u s e t r e n d s 23

* .

A guest suite on the second floor includes a

seating area where v~sitorscan work or relax.

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24 h o u s e t r e n d s Ipl spring2005

' RESOURCES
Designer:
JenniferClark,

The Decorators Unlimited

AKhltect.
M k h Kunik, Mniti Architects

Gordon Homes

buiners and griddle; Sub Zero

refrigerators, GE microwave,
Scotsman icemaker, k k o dishwasher
Jerusalemstone on main floor
Maittand Smith

Kitchen cabinKitchen Craft Regency

Kitchen countertops:
Granite with I fi inch ogee edge

There was as much thought put into the outdoor cooking and entertainment area as
the kitchen. An avid gnller would be in heaven amid the 36-inch g d set within a concrete block and stucco entertainment bar with stainless sink and doors and a Saturnia
marble slab countertop. A: fireplace adds a romantic touch and Iights the night for entertaining or a quiet evening at home.
European flair and attention to every detail set Casa Siena apart. Through unique
design it creates a serene haven suitable for a king - or the Palm Beach homeowner who
craves privacy and pampering. @

Franke stainless steel (kitchen);

Franke FF200 kitchen sink faucet;

Franke FF2OO vegetable sink faucet
The Decorators Unlimited

spring2005 lpl h o u s e t r e n d s 25