Why confne century-old architectural stonework to art museum
when you can have it in your home? For those of you who believe in century-old stone architecture, or simply are inspired by a legacy of travels and breathtaking stonework, we hope that you will enjoy this introduction to Franois and Co.s craftsmanship, showcased in these stunning interiors. Cover photo courtesy of Richard Orme Flinn, roinn@me.com Thierry Franois Bruno Franois Founder President 1 This home, inspired by a French Htel Particulier, was built by Thierry Francois owner of Franois & Co., with Architect Bill Baker and Interior Designer John Oetgen. The house was selected to be the Atlanta Symphony Show house in 2005. With extensive interior and exterior architectural stonework, the home is a stunning example of a French classic architectural composition. CONJURING THE CALM GRANDEUR OF CLASSICAL FRENCH ARCHITECTURE A grand entrance in the style of a French Htel Particulier, This foyer features Scagliola Stone columns capped with pediments and wall cladding fashioned from the same striking material. Residence: Buckhead - Atlanta, GA 2 3 Although stone occasionally can seem too powerful, we were able to keep this staircase subtle by using a splendid 11 tall Mahogany window that allows natural light to capture the delicate nuances of the stone. The perfect synergy between form and function, each stone staircase is an element of structure unique in its own right. The main staircase in the residence was built in stone from top to bottom, including the stair hall circular wall. The detailed curved railing nicely wraps the stairs and ties in with the expansive window and the stone wall. CLASSICAL FRENCH RESIDENCE 4 5 From a splendid and inviting staircase to the subtle elegance of stone entwined with a wrought iron railing, every aspect of our work is done by hand, in a time-honored fashion. The permanence and enduring beauty of a stone wall brings the Old World tradition to our modern dwellings. CLASSICAL FRENCH RESIDENCE 6 7 This wine cellar, with its stone vaulted ceiling crafted in a striking herringbone pattern and beautiful wall cladding, is reminiscent of medieval French castles. Residence: Buckhead - Atlanta, GA CLASSICAL FRENCH RESIDENCE We go to great lengths to create stretches of versatile and distinctive architectural details. The expertise of our designers, the variety of our textures and the quality of our nishes combine to bring homeowners powerful solutions to their design needs. 8 9 The remarkable sun-drenched atrium of this residence designed by Clifford M. Scholz Architects is lined with stone Tuscan colonnades. It is reminiscent of an Italian Renaissance courtyard. The natural light owing though a domed skylight and custom palladiumcrowned windows highlights the subtle nuances of the stone and oods the entire space with a golden glow that conjures images of Venice. A 21ST CENTURY INCARNATION OF VENETIAN RENAISSANCE ELEGANCE Photography by Greg Wilson - Courtesy of Clifford M. Scholz Architects Inc. Residence: Sarasota, FL 10 11 By blurring the boundaries between interior and exterior spaces, a careful balancing of architectural elements makes each home unique. Residence: Sarasota, FL ITALIAN RENAISSANCE RESIDENCE 12 13 A love of Gothic architecture permeates every design element in this ne estate. A great foyer sculpted from the legacy of Gothic architecture. The loftiness and huge dimensions of the entrance hall, the arched stone door surrounds and wall cladding are all reminiscent of the great cathedrals and castles of Europe. This masterpiece is the perfect illustration of our Scagliola Stones versatility. THE MAJESTY AND FLAMBOYANCE OF A GOTHI C STYLE MANSI ON 14 15 A succession of delicate stone arches in a medieval style creates a theatrical vaulted hallway. The massive stone replace decorated with tracery-inspired carvings completes this Gothic fantasy. GOTHIC RESIDENCE 16 17 The ornamental stone Gothic-style arches surrounding this home theater add character to the space. GOTHIC RESIDENCE Every room in a house is a sculptural opportunity that begins with form and ends with embellishing details. At Franois & Co., we apply a great tradition of passion and artistry honed over centuries to bring your project to life. 18 19 Half-round Corinthian stone pilasters supporting delicate stone arches create a feeling of harmony and balance in the hallway. The color of the stone beautifully complements the stucco walls and the marble ooring, creating an interior space rich with texture. A VI BRANT I NTERPRETATI ON OF A MAGNIFICENT ITALIAN-INSPIRED VILLA The projecting portico adds architectural drama to the exterior of this Italian- style villa. Residence: Destin, FL 20 21 All door and opening surrounds throughout the house are accented with stone, thus transforming ordinary features into architectural focal points. The contrast between the arched stone surround and the dark wood paneling creates a striking chiaroscuro effect. ITALIANATE RESIDENCE 22 23 The entrance of this showroom is appointed with extensive interior stonework to welcome guests in style. This Franois & Co. signature foyer reects the sophistication and exibility of our Scagliola Stone. While still being conscious of its functionality, we were able to use the foyer to showcase a curved stone wall applied onto a two- story high Conic structure. A must see! AN EXQUISITE RETAIL SPACE APPOINTED WITH TIMELESS ARCHITECTURAL STONEWORK Franois & Co Showroom - Atlanta, GA 24 25 This stone arched surround adds character to the space, just as a pic- ture frame contributes to the visual impact of a ne painting. This elegant stone staircase was custom-designed to t perfectly between the mir- ror-cladded elevator and the antique mantel and painting displayed. The or- namental iron railing beau- tifully complements the Scagliola Stone treads and risers. FRANOIS & CO SHOWROOM 26 27 Paintings courtesy of Christian Wagner On the rst oor, the stone colonnade and balustrade create a timeless gallery. Accented with stone, window surrounds become stunning architectural focal points, featured on the right with a herringbone pattern ceiling. FRNOIS & CO SHOWROOM 28 29 THE ELEMENTS OF ACCENTS PERMANENT ARCHI TECTURAL FI XTURES THAT SHAPE A HOMES INTERIOR LANDSCAPE. Stone architectural accents add elegance and beauty to a home, transforming ordinary rooms into unique and exciting interiors. Over the past decade, Franois & Co. has created architectural perspectives that turn homeowners dreams into reality. 30 31 The versatility of our stone allows us to create architectural appointments that can shape a space into any style, from ornate Old World elegance to the clean lines of contemporary modern. ELEMENTS OF ACCENTS 32 33 The exquisite stone wall fountain in the courtyard of this formal French-style residence extends a warm reception to visitors. The interior of this home is featured on pages 4 to 11. DETAILED OUTDOOR STONE ACCENTS DESIGNED TO IMPROVE FEELINGS, MANAGE SURPRISES AND CREATE PATHS The beauty and romanticism of the European countryside is encapsulated in the artistry of this exquisite stone at wall fountain featuring an elaborate scroll back atop a grand rimmed basin. Residence: Buckhead - Atlanta, GA 34 35 The terrace with its projecting stone cornice, columns and rusticated walls is a beautiful example of French Classic Architecture. Overlooking the backyard, this upper terrace features striking balustrades, a Tuscan stone colonnade and an outdoor fountain (the fountain is shown from the back). OUTDOOR STONEWORK 36 37 From beautiful cascading fountains to stunning ornaments, our nely detailed stone exterior elements create outdoor oases that replicate history while inspiring new beginnings. This exquisite self-contained fountain conjures images of Provence. The water falling from the wrought-iron ornamental spout on the tall shapely pedestal creates a delightfully relaxing sensation as it reaches the deep basin below. OUTDOOR STONEWORK 38 39 During the Renaissance, Italian artisans decorated churches and luxurious residences with this time-honored technique. Scagliola (pronounced sca-lee-oh-la) was for many centuries the highest form of ornamental stone art. Scagliola is made from natural stone chips, marble dust, mineral pigments and bonding agents. Once the medium is mixed it is carefully layered by hand into a form. The stone piece is then removed from the form and carefully polished by hand. Multiple polishings using ner and ner grades of stone and water produce a denser and smoother surface. This process allows for a silky smooth surface and texture of amazing clarity. HAND-CARVED LIMESTONE This very hard and durable sedimentary stone is extremely common in architecture. Many landmarks across the world, including the pyramids of Egypt and medieval churches and castles in Europe, are made of limestone. Our line of hand-carved limestone architectural products was introduced in 2007. Our stonemasons carve exquisite pieces using stone reclaimed from historical estates or newly cut limestone available in a variety of colors and nishes. The detail and beauty created by our artisans is peerless, withstanding the closest inspection. PIERRE DE FRANCE: A light cream limestone with a uniform background and a at, slightly textured surface nish. TUSCANY STONE: Our Tuscany stone has a warm golden hue and a pitted surface, typical of Travertine. BURGUNDY STONE: A light gray limestone with a relatively uniform texture. The surface is smooth and plain with no shine. STONE SELECTION SCAGLIOLA STONE LIMESTONE CREAM UNPOLISHED: A light cream shade, this is the classic French cut limestone nish. TRAVERTINE: A light cream base with the imperfection of the travertine golden accent. FRENCH STONE POLISHED: A light cream shade, this is the classic French limestone color with a light buffed nish. LIMESTONE GREY UNPOLISHED: This light grey limestone features a non- polished nish. LIMESTONE POLISHED: This light grey limestone shade has a light buffed nish. ANTIQUE: With imperfections representing the warm patina of time, this is the perfect reclaimed stone nish. 40 41 A unique French gothic- style mantel, circa 1650, carved in walnut wood. The richly decorated frieze features elaborate carv- ings, including a pair of dragons that guard the central crest. The precision and intricate details possible with our Scagliola Stone are sec- ond to none. We are able to create exquisite period reproductions of antique mantelpieces. The execution of this Sca- gliola Stone reproduc- tion is unrivalled, satisfying the most discerning client. The integrity of the original artists work remains aston- ishingly pristine. Antique and Historical Period Reproduction Mantels 42 43 Contemporary Mantels 44 1-866-385-9486 www.francoisandco.com NEW YORK | BEVERLY HILLS | ATLANTA | ORLANDO | CHARLOTTE