When I wrote the original Cullen House article I never imagined it would gain the popularity it did. As promised, I have been in contact with Jeff Kovel from Skylab Architecture and have prepared the following interview/bio along with a few more images for all the mad fans!
“I am in architecture, development, and rock and roll.”
– Jeff Kovel
Jeff Kovel grew up just outside of New York City and lived there until he attended Cornell University’s Architecture school. Since then he has made his way to the West Coast and in 1996 he finally settled down in Portland, Oregon. However, it was while growing up in New York that Jeff realised he wished to become an architect. His family had begun work on a new home and a young Jeff thus developed a new fascination for both building and design.
It was three years after arriving in Portland when 26 year old Jeff founded his own architecture firm, Skylab architecture. He admits that he started his practice at a very young age and wishes that he’d worked under other architects beforehand. Nevertheless, Skylab Architecture has grown into a fully fledged successful firm. When asked what the most rewarding aspect of practicing architecture is, Kovel explains “We [architects] have carved out a niche that allows us to explore and innovate. The most rewarding part of this career is the work which we are able to create with this open format.”
Kovel likens his own design philosophies to storytelling. “We bring concepts to life, each of these concepts is a story,” he says. “The paragraphs are like spaces, the words, materials. Each project is a unique deep investigation into this story telling…
Our process is research based, and iterative. We look for authentic meaning and relationships. We do not rush aesthetic conclusions.”
Kovel explains that his inspiration comes from many different architectural sources. “I love many progressive architects from all eras of modernism, I appreciate the periods prior as well. There isn’t a subject I would rather talk about.”
As I’m sure many of you can relate, Jeff Kovel and Skylab architecture became known to me through the film Twilight; what many of us have come to know as the Cullen residence is actually the ‘Hoke Residence’, so I asked Jeff about how the house came to be.
“The Hoke residence was originally built as a ‘spec’ house [This simply means it was built, with the speculation of finding a suitable buyer], or a project built without a client as a development for sale.
After two days on the market, the house was purchased by the director of footwear design at Nike, John Hoke. Following a cover story in a northwest architecture publication, The Hoke’s were approached by a film location scout, a little film called Twilight.”
“We designed the house in 2006, completed construction in 2007. We have designed an additional residence next door that will begin construction once we locate another vampire”
“This December, we took our staff to see the movie to start our holiday party. We all loved it. We have been receiving fan mail from all over the world, including many inquiries for the house plans – contacts from Croatia, The Philippines, Buenos Aires, and Melbourne Australia among others.”
There is more to Skylab architecture beyond the Hoke House – amoungst Skylab’s impressive folio is also the following..
Montgomery residence
Nau Webfront
‘North’
12 + Alder
More images on these projects and more can be found at Skylab Architecture’s website.
I just want to tell you that I am newbie to blogging and absolutely liked your web site. Most likely I’m likely to bookmark your website . You actually have fabulous well written articles. Kudos for sharing with us your website page.
Hello there, I found your site via Google even as searching for a comparable subject, your website got here up, it appears good. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.
Good information. Lucky me I recently found your blog by accident (stumbleupon). I have saved as a favorite for later!|
Hi there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this blog before but after checking through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back frequently!|
That is a great tip especially to those fresh to the blogosphere. Brief but very precise info… Thanks for sharing this one. A must read article!|
May I simply just say what a comfort to find a person that really knows what they are talking about on the web. You certainly realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people ought to look at this and understand this side of the story. I can’t believe you’re not more popular because you certainly have the gift.|
Pretty great post. I simply stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I’ve truly loved surfing around your blog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing on your rss feed and I’m hoping you write once more very soon!|
Yesterday, while I was at work, my sister stole my apple ipad and tested to see if it can survive a thirty foot drop, just so she can be a youtube sensation. My iPad is now broken and she has 83 views. I know this is totally off topic but I had to share it with someone!|
please take a look at the websites we stick to, including this a single, because it represents our picks through the web
The Silverback 20 mil liner was the proper fit.
Wow, wonderful weblog layout! How lengthy have you been blogging for? you make blogging look easy. The whole glance of your website is excellent, let alone the content!
very couple of internet sites that take place to be in depth below, from our point of view are undoubtedly effectively really worth checking out
These are all symptoms of basis issues needing restore.
Fine way of explaining, and good article to
obtain information about my presentation topic, which i am going to convey in college.
Admiring the persistence you put into your blog and detailed information you offer. It’s nice to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same unwanted rehashed information. Great read! I’ve saved your site and I’m including your RSS feeds to my Google account.
Hiya! Quick question that’s completely off topic. Do you know how to make your site mobile friendly? My weblog looks weird when viewing from my iphone. I’m trying to find a theme or plugin that might be able to resolve this issue. If you have any suggestions, please share. Many thanks!
Incredible points. Great arguments. Keep up the amazing spirit.|
Great post. I was checking continuously this weblog and I am impressed! Extremely helpful info specially the closing part :) I maintain such info a lot. I was looking for this certain information for a very long time. Thanks and good luck. |
Hi i am kavin, its my first occasion to commenting anywhere, when i read this post i thought i could also make comment due to this good post.|
Hi there would you mind letting me know which web host you’re working with? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 different browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot quicker then most. Can you suggest a good web hosting provider at a reasonable price? Thanks a lot, I appreciate it!|
Hello there, just became aware of your blog through Google, and found that it is truly informative. I am gonna watch out for brussels. I will appreciate if you continue this in future. Numerous people will be benefited from your writing. Cheers!|
My relatives always say that I am wasting my time here at web, but I know I am getting familiarity daily by reading thes nice articles or reviews.|
Thanks for another informative web site. Where else could I get that kind of info written in such a perfect way? I have a project that I am just now working on, and I’ve been on the look out for such info.
Hi there! This is my 1st comment here so I just wanted to give a quick shout out and say I truly enjoy reading your posts. Can you suggest any other blogs/websites/forums that deal with the same topics? Thank you so much!|
It’s going to be ending of mine day, however before finish I am reading this enormous article to improve my know-how.|
Hi to all, how is all, I think every one is getting more from this web site, and your views are good for new people.|
Hello, i think that i saw you visited my blog so i came to “return the favor”.I am trying to find things to enhance my web site!I suppose its ok to use some of your ideas!!|
You ought to be a part of a contest for one of the greatest blogs on the net. I’m going to recommend this web site!|
What i don’t understood is if truth be told how you are now not really much more well-preferred than you may be now. You’re so intelligent. You understand therefore significantly relating to this topic, produced me individually imagine it from a lot of varied angles. Its like women and men don’t seem to be fascinated except it is something to accomplish with Girl gaga! Your individual stuffs outstanding. At all times deal with it up!|
always a significant fan of linking to bloggers that I enjoy but really don’t get quite a bit of link love from
HVAC restore in Dallas Fort Price – serving DFW.
Your method of explaining all in this paragraph is actually fastidious, every one can effortlessly know it, Thanks a lot.|
I’d like to find out more? I’d love to find out some additional information.|
First of all I would like to say awesome blog! I had a quick question that I’d like to ask if you don’t mind. I was curious to know how you center yourself and clear your head before writing. I have had a difficult time clearing my thoughts in getting my ideas out there. I truly do take pleasure in writing but it just seems like the first 10 to 15 minutes are lost simply just trying to figure out how to begin. Any suggestions or tips? Appreciate it!|
Very energetic article, I liked that a lot. Will there be a part 2?|
It’s an remarkable article designed for all the web people; they will take benefit from it I am sure.|
I am extremely impressed along with your writing skills and also with the layout on your blog. Is that this a paid subject matter or did you customize it your self? Either way stay up the nice high quality writing, it’s uncommon to see a great blog like this one today..
The facts talked about inside the article are a few of the most beneficial available
Unquestionably believe that which you stated. Your favorite reason appeared to be at the internet the easiest factor to bear in mind of. I say to you, I certainly get irked at the same time as other people think about issues that they just don’t know about. You managed to hit the nail upon the highest and outlined out the whole thing with no need side effect , other people could take a signal. Will probably be again to get more. Thank you
Thanks for your publication. One other thing is always that individual American states have their very own laws in which affect people, which makes it very hard for the the nation’s lawmakers to come up with a brand new set of recommendations concerning foreclosed on people. The problem is that each state offers own legal guidelines which may interact in an unfavorable manner on the subject of foreclosure guidelines.
$30.00 off any Service Call with repairs.
please visit the internet sites we comply with, including this a single, because it represents our picks in the web
You are so awesome! I don’t think I’ve truly read through something like that before. So wonderful to discover someone with some genuine thoughts on this subject matter. Really.. thanks for starting this up. This site is something that is needed on the web, someone with a bit of originality!|
Good day! I know this is kinda off topic nevertheless I’d figured I’d ask. Would you be interested in exchanging links or maybe guest authoring a blog article or vice-versa? My site addresses a lot of the same subjects as yours and I believe we could greatly benefit from each other. If you are interested feel free to send me an e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you! Great blog by the way!|
Hello. remarkable job. I did not expect this. This is a impressive story. Thanks!
Hey I am so grateful I found your web site, I really found you by accident, while I was browsing on Yahoo for something else, Nonetheless I am here now and would just like to say thanks a lot for a incredible post and a all round interesting blog (I also love the theme/design), I don’t have time to go through it all at the minute but I have book-marked it and also added in your RSS feeds, so when I have time I will be back to read much more, Please do keep up the awesome work.|
I blog frequently and I genuinely thank you for your information. This great article has truly peaked my interest. I am going to bookmark your blog and keep checking for new details about once a week. I opted in for your Feed too.|
Septic systems, sewer lines, septic providers.
Touche. Sound arguments. Keep up the good effort.
Hey There. I discovered your weblog using msn. That is an extremely smartly written article.
I will make sure to bookmark it and come back to learn more
of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely comeback.