The ancient Chinese art form of Feng Shui is brought to life in an urban, wooded setting as The Phoenix at Wiedeman Hill, built by Steller Homes for Newport's CitiFest Oct. 17-Nov. 2. William Ream (Angels in the Architecture) designed it, and Cyd Alper Sedgwick (Sedgwick Gallery) led the implementation of Feng Shui philosophy in the decoration of this must-see contemporary home.
A few of the many unique aspects: I Ching symbols in the front brickwork gather in the blessings of life; a Zen garden patio at the entrance; a two-story foyer with bamboo flooring inset with a mosaic tile map of the world; an elevator; and a waterfall travelling through each of the three floors encouraging the flow of wealth.
Each part of the house corresponds to a part of the body. The open plan represents the circulatory system, designed for free-flow, uncluttered and unblocked. The elevator and staircase are the spine and nervous system and our ascension from awareness into wisdom.
The three center points represent earth, fire and water. The upper point is the kitchen counter formed into a granite-like yin yang symbol, representing relationship of the body with the earth, peacefulness, health and good diet. This is the house's "belly."
Below that is the midpoint of the free-standing fireplace in the master bedroom representing love and passion, with a curved wall emanating from it. This is the "heart." The lower point is in the recreation area, a cylindrical shower with a spiralling rainhead representing "elimination," or the cleansing system.
The rear of the house (banks of glass) are the "eyes" looking toward views of the Ohio River and Cincinnati. The rear decks are an extension of that vision.
CONTACT JANET BERG via her Web site, www.janetberg.com
