OCTOPUS — PROJECT 851

May 14, 2018 a reminder -- Octopus drone shot -- Oct. 16th 2017 by Eesmayl Santos-Brault (love these unique views)

February 12, 2018

We're not quite ready to throw a roofing party for the Octopus but it's getting close! Thanks so much to Reece from Terris Lightfoot Contracting for taking this and sharing with me and Marianne (MAA Studio - architect). Know I wouldn't be brave enough to take this shot!!

December 18th, 2017

As mentioned in the Big House section things have evolved since last posting in October. This little Octopus is growing and the tentacles are surprisingly exquisite -- it's awesome to see Mom's future home taking form. Note: October 16th post in the Blog heading has a spectacular drone shot of the back before the Octopus took off. (hoping to get Eesmyal back for another part of history in progress)

October 9th, 2017

Happy Thanksgiving Octopus! -- thankful for so many and to so much.

September 18th, 2017

Marianne, the amazing architect of "D" Village; Big House & Octopus, on site.

September 4th, 2017

Further to today's blog post it's time to share more layers of learning. Learning about what I joke is "the money pitt/wishing well" that now exists for all to see.

Here you'll see the original concept of the Octopus, infill behind the Big House, that Marianne Amodio, the architect, presented to my Mom, niece and myself some time ago along with images of what it takes to get there. The original concept drawings pull in structures based on community and respect of the present surrounding architecture. Little did I know at that time it would require this kind of digging to make it happen. In fact, when Reece Terris, the contractor, explained it to me on site when it was marked out on the ground did it actually hit me. Wow! That hit of "wow" really was impactful. I then realized not only how special these people are but also how competent and masterful.

Learning in the layers of the land I now understand that there is glacial soil here. Everything under the lighter colored dirt in the images of this dig in the pitt is glacial! This also explains why we found a number of boulders in the land during the digging process -- how cool is this to be able to use them in the landscape? Not only will things be aging in place and old to new but also from below to above.

Moving from nature's markings to construction markings; for a safe work place and what is required for foundation to come. It now becomes a marked and wrapped pitt.

Flashback to the team, architecture and contracting, to check in with each other we progress. This happens on a regular basis to update each other and make sure all is on track. I love these guys on so many levels; professionalism, experience, knowledge, insight, problem solving, human quality and values...

Tossed these into the mix just because they're fun and beautiful! -- hope you enjoy.

Yes the door is open and I'm happy to share the view from the old chair left in the house as I look out on what is yet to come; the Octopus. As I walk home I think about the central nervous system and extended tentacles of the project hoping all the intended love going into this will be captured.

Feb 6th, 2017

To the Building Permit, yet to come, we return to celebrating the Development Permit we have.

DP down, yeah. ... one day our BP (Building permit) will come, one day soon...

POST Jan 9th, 2017

Happy New Year!! -- just a little Octopus fun.

Art work by Dennis Miranda Zamorano (an intervention on 1800's Spanish illustration)  -- Mexican artist practicing in Mexico City — Art work by Dennis Miranda Zamorano (an intervention on 1800's Spanish illustration) -- Mexican artist practicing in Mexico City

IN THE BEGINNING.....

As you can see in the image there's been a lot of thought and planning that's gone into Project 851 -- the infill, OCTOPUS (named by my Mother -- god love her), was worked on extensively by Marianne and her team. Our meetings with Marianne and Harley have been fun and adventurous -- teasing ideas out and taking into consideration so many elements!!

Strathcona.........The Site, The Idea......... and the documents mount!!!!