868 Front Elevation
The 868 Front Elevation holds textural interest in both materials and their ability to tell stories. The red brick home is presented with dune colored siding on either side of the black solid wood door. To the south is the sandstone facade purely present for aesthetic enjoyment. To the north is the front walkway along trimmed bushes fronting the first glimpse of the red brick.
The 868 Front Elevation holds interest and a clean line. The Prairie-style ribbon-row of casement windows and the wide eaves look quite modern. The open plan front stoop and display shelf to the north of the door are intentional and produce an artistic feeling. The newly gel-stained fiberglass door with frosted and beveled inset glass are in keeping with the original mailbox, the address numbers and the wall lantern light fixture.
The front casement windows offer great natural light and fresh air. Custom made screens allow the windows to be open without fear of bugs or birds! All the windows at 868 have screens for the same purpose.
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The sandstone facade on the south side of the 868 front elevation catches the early morning sun in this photo as does the red bricks. The ribbon casement windows also show their prairie school beginnings with the corner placement letting light and air in from two directions.
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The sandstone is fronted by two evergreens pruned in the bonsai style. The beautiful and elegant bonsai style of pruning is 1000's of years old and takes many years to learn and then many years to create the balance between nature and beauty. Bonsai has long been considered a symbol of peace and harmony in many cultures. Traditionally, bonsai trees represent the long life and patience of those who nurture them.
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Not only is the Bonsai style of pruning done for beauty, but it has been celebrated for its abilities to bring good luck and success. It is best placed in the sunniest part of your home (ideally near the living room). That these two bonsai evergreens are in front of the living room and also receive the gentle early morning light and the all day light of southern exposure is beneficial to the trees and to those who get to see them.
The 868 Front Elevation also includes two trees which complement the Prairie-style home and the freshening of our air.
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The tree closet to the home is a Black Hills Spruce which is about 20 years old and has over 100 more years of growth.
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Download Information about Black Hills Spruce:
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The 868 driveway has enough room for 4 cars.
The parkway tree (planted and maintained by the City of Northbrook) is a Sycamore Tree which has unique white bark and huge leaves. The upper reaches of the front sycamore is starting to show its white bark.
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Download The Gem Trees of Northbrook for more information:
The Gem Trees
of Northbrook
Black
Hills
Spruce
The side door is not technically a part of the front elevation but it seems right to include it here. This door is the same as the front door--fiberglass and gel stained with a nice frosted and leaded window. The light by this door may be turned on and off with a switch inside and is on a sensor so that if the switch is on it will only shine when it is dark.
Notes for Front Elevation Page
Some information on bonsai pruning was gathered from https://www.bonsaiempire.com/origin/bonsai-history
The Gems Trees of Northbrook PDF is compliments of the City of Northbrook
Information and PDF on the Black Hills Spruce was obtained from:
South Dakota Geological Survey http://www.sdgs.usd.edu › flora › treesandshrub
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