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
- ^ 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.
- ^ a b Wadler, Joyce (31 January 2008). "A Handmade Home". Home & Garden. New York Times. Retrieved 9 July 2013.
- ^ "Brief History of Eliphante". Eliphante, Ltd. Retrieved 9 July 2013.