Simon Devitt
The main pavilion is a soaring double-height space with exposed trusses. Each pavilion is staggered in plan to create varied exterior spaces that provide shelter, sunlight or shade, allowing the family to comfortably enjoy the outdoor environment all year round. To complement the rugged Wanaka environment, the Carnies choose to use the traditional Japanese “shou sugi ban” technique on the exterior, charring the larch weatherboards. This provides a particularly durable, low-maintenance cladding with a rich, dark texture On the interior, robust exposed rafters are counterpointed by delicate steel tension trusses, immaculately dressed stonework chimneys and high-performance European door and window joinery. Louise Carnie was closely involved with the interior design.
Residents and representatives of Affton see an “Affton renaissance” when they look at the wave of new development along Gravois Road, including 9 Mile Garden, and the new subdivisions that are bringing families to the 63123 ZIP code.
Sixth District Councilman Ernie Trakas first used the term in a council committee hearing April 27 while arguing that the county should reject a car wash proposed along Gravois Road because it doesn’t fit in with the new vibe in Affton and a restaurant would be in demand in Affton’s now-thriving business scene. The council ultimately rejected the car wash unanimously.
“This piece of Affton is, if not on the cusp already, well into a renaissance along this corridor,” Trakas said, pointing to 9 Mile Garden, Missouri’s first permanent food truck garden now open at Gravois and Tobey, as a “refreshing” example. “My concern here is that this renaissance along this corridor in Affton continue, and this car wash does not play well into this