Perhaps the most internationally renown home ever constructed lies just outside paris, about a forty five minute trip westward, a journey made more enjoyable by bringing along a fresh pastry from the patisseries near a train station that runs directly from the city of lights to the erstwhile home of KIng Louis. the Chateau de versailles was originally constructed as a hunting lodge but became the site that transformed architecture and fashion throughout europe and later in the revolution became the ultimate symbol of wealth and corruption. the designers and general contractor here at macoyosh traveled to france to explore this legendary edifice and glean understanding from the wisdom of the armies of architects that made this palace unforgettable in order to better serve our clients throughout the design process. here’s what we learned.
Versailles embodies the principle of starting with a centralized idea and designing around it, creating a seamless flow and conveying an idea of absolute power to any traversing its grounds. power hungry King louis dubbed himself the sun king to support his assertion of superhuman authority over his people, and situated the building in line with the rising sun, as well as employing windows and mirrors throughout the royal apartments to create a striking and sometimes blinding effect, tying into his central idea of being a master of daylight. Today, we may not go to such extremes but we can learn from his use of openness to place large windows to make a room appear larger, utilizing mirrors in smaller areas to create an illusion of more space, and maintaining a flow and central theme throughout.
We also found that the main structure itself stands in a U-shape, similar to many spanish style homes that residents of tucson find so appealing. While not the least expensive design option, it lends itself to a sense of grandeur without tremendous difficulty in construction as opposed to more rounded structures that require added work and thus a larger investment.
King Louis and his designers continue The central theme of ultimate power to the grounds outside the palace, where human made lakes and severely cut verdure remind us who the boss is and that anything short of hyperperfection would not be tolerated. the theme of power here reminds us that louis considered himself not only master of his people but of water and the earth itself, contorting vegetation and luxurious fountains far out of their natural spheres.
Principle Takeaway:
While our own residences or our investment properties may not carry the same motif, we can learn from the continuity of what the designers and builders of versailles illustrated for us. We can perhaps choose a feeling of comfort for our own home and use that as the principle framework to ensure every corner and cabinet is at a height and organization that serves our personal preferences. Or if our main theme is a nod to all things organic, we can utilize color schemes and stained wood, natural stone, and softer outlines to create that effect, perhaps with a grotto of sorts incorporated into a landscape plan. As it is often said, there are no straight lines in nature, and curvature in our base design can support a home melding into its wider environment.
whatever your passion, choosing the focal point first and designing around it can make your personal palace a cohesive masterwork that, like versailles, inspires all who are blessed enough to find themselves invited in.
Macoyosh Journal 
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