Eliphante

Eliphante is a kaleidoscopic, hand-built sculptural village in Cornville, Arizona. It was built by Michael Kahn and his wife Leda Livant over a 28-year period beginning in 1979, before his death in 2007.[1]

Structure

In many respects, the structure has all the basic amenities of an ordinary building, such as central heating, electricity and running water, although the main building does not have a bathroom. It is composed of area including the living quarters, dubbed the "Hippodome" which features a kitchen counter top that flows in a spiral from wall to ceiling.[1]

The design of the main building wasn't planned but instead developed organically as the artist progressed.[1] The building responsible for the name of the village has a trunk-like entrance built of rock and an irregularly rounded roof, giving the building an elephant-like appearance.[2]

The walls were constructed from rebar and pipes coated with concrete, with a variety of other materials attached, including glass, wood, rocks and pottery shards.[1][2] The entire complex covers three acres[1] and is managed by Eliphante, Ltd., a non-profit organization.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e Bahr, Jeff (2009). Amazing and Unusual America. Chicago, Illinois, USA: Publications International, Ltd. pp. 236–237. ISBN 978-1-4127-1683-3.
  2. ^ a b Wadler, Joyce (31 January 2008). "A Handmade Home". Home & Garden. New York Times. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
  3. ^ "Brief History of Eliphante". Eliphante, Ltd. Retrieved 9 July 2013.

34°41′21″N 111°54′37″W / 34.689154°N 111.910150°W / 34.689154; -111.910150