Decks and Patios

Since I'm working with the guys at StudioBuild on a new deck, I was inspired to check out a few decks and porches on my walk tonight. Not much to choose from, but I suspect this is a consequence of most mid-century homes having more deck or patio space positioned away from the street, presumably for privacy.

But since my house will have a deck out front for all to see, I thought it would be nice to see some other homes with similarly un-private space in front. Benjamin Hills homes here for the most part. The stately black and white image is the deck on a Drummond Home in Kansas City, courtesy of KCModern.com.

First try: Exploration Place

My family and I moved to Wichita, Kansas in June 2008. We purchased a mid-century modern home that had had some unflattering work done to it over the years. We immediately made plans to "restovate" it (our designers' word) to something more consistent with its 1960s roots. In the process of redesigning our home, I've become interested in modern architecture.



As my wife and I looked around town for inspiration for our home, we discovered that Wichita is really a hidden architectural gem, with preserved neighborhoods representing nearly every American architectural movement from the 1880s (or even before) to the present day. I've looked for an archive of Wichita modern architecture (the Wichita equivalent to what you might find at kcmodern.com), but I've come up short. So, I decided to start a blog featuring pictures I've taken of local homes and buildings. I might throw in some history or commentary on the buildings if I know anything about them.



I should issue a couple disclaimers: I know nothing about architecture and design. I've had no formal training in the field. I only know what I think looks pretty. So if I type something wrong, please correct me gently. If you think a building I photograph is ugly, that's ok. Also, if you can't tell, I'm also a beginner at blogging. If I post a picture that you think should be removed because of copyright issues or privacy, please let me know.



Above you see the children's museum Exploration Place, located just west of downtown Wichita on the Arkansas River. I think it is a spectacular building. I know little of it's history, so if anyone can tell me more about it, I'd love to know. The picture is linked from the nice folks at travelks.com.