Professional Documents
Culture Documents
(Architecture Ebook) The Green House-New Directions in Sustainable Architecture, Princeton, 2005 - dg2005
(Architecture Ebook) The Green House-New Directions in Sustainable Architecture, Princeton, 2005 - dg2005
Uploaded by
samOriginal Title
Copyright
Available Formats
Share this document
Did you find this document useful?
Is this content inappropriate?
Report this DocumentCopyright:
Available Formats
(Architecture Ebook) The Green House-New Directions in Sustainable Architecture, Princeton, 2005 - dg2005
(Architecture Ebook) The Green House-New Directions in Sustainable Architecture, Princeton, 2005 - dg2005
Uploaded by
samCopyright:
Available Formats
The Green House
Princeton Architectural Press The National Building Museum
New York Washington, D.C.
the g
ho
Alanna Stang and Christopher Hawthorne
reen
use
New Directions in Sustainable Architecture
ACQUISITIONS EDITOR -ARK ,AMSTER
PROJECT EDITOR .ANCY %KLUND ,ATER
DESIGN TYPOGRAPHY 0URE !PPLIED .9#
SPECIAL THANKS TO .ETTIE !LJIAN .ICOLA
0UBLISHED BY "EDNAREK *ANET "EHNING -EGAN #AREY
0RINCETON !RCHITECTURAL 0RESS 0ENNY 9UEN 0IK #HU 2USSELL &ERNANDEZ
%AST 3EVENTH 3TREET *AN (AUX #LARE *ACOBSON *OHN +ING
.EW 9ORK .EW 9ORK ,INDA ,EE +ATHARINE -YERS ,AUREN
.ELSON *ANE 3HEINMAN 3COTT 4ENNENT
&OR A FREE CATALOG OF BOOKS *ENNIFER 4HOMPSON *OSEPH 7ESTON
CALL AND $EB 7OOD OF 0RINCETON !RCHITECTURAL
6ISIT OUR WEB SITE AT WWWPAPRESSCOM 0RESS ° +EVIN # ,IPPERT PUBLISHER
0RINCETON !RCHITECTURAL 0RESS ,IBRARY OF #ONGRESS
!LL RIGHTS RESERVED #ATALOGING
IN
0UBLICATION $ATA
0RINTED AND BOUND IN #HINA 3TANG !LANNA ¯
&IRST EDITION 4HE GREEN HOUSE NEW DIRECTIONS IN
SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE !LANNA 3TANG
.O PART OF THIS BOOK MAY BE USED OR AND #HRISTOPHER (AWTHORNE ° ST ED
REPRODUCED IN ANY MANNER WITHOUT P CM
WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM THE PUBLISHER !CCOMPANIES AN EXHIBITION HELD AT THE
EXCEPT IN THE CONTEXT OF REVIEWS .ATIONAL "UILDING -USEUM IN
7ASHINGTON $#
%VERY REASONABLE ATTEMPT HAS BEEN )3".
ALK PAPER
MADE TO IDENTIFY OWNERS OF COPYRIGHT 3USTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE °
%RRORS OR OMISSIONS WILL BE CORRECTED IN %XHIBITIONS %COLOGICAL HOUSES °
SUBSEQUENT EDITIONS %XHIBITIONS
) (AWTHORNE #HRISTOPHER )) 4ITLE
4HIS BOOK WAS MADE POSSIBLE BY A .!3
GENEROUS GRANT FROM THE 'RAHAM ´´ ° DC
&OUNDATION
Copyright
4
For András,
Rachel, and Willa;
and for architects,
writers, and
environmentalists
to come
Dedication
5
contents
18 City
9 FOREWORD #HASE 2YND 20 P.A.R.A.S.I.T.E. Project +ORTEKNIE 3TUHLMACHER
%XECUTIVE $IRECTOR 2OTTERDAM 4HE .ETHERLANDS !RCHITECTEN
.ATIONAL "UILDING -USEUM 26 156 Reade Street 3TUDIO 0ETRARCA
10 INTRODUCTION Camera-Ready .EW 9ORK .EW 9ORK
Green Design 30 Colorado Court 0UGH 3CARPA !RCHITECTURE
3ANTA -ONICA #ALIFORNIA
34 Viikki 6ARIOUS ARCHITECTS
(ELSINKI &INLAND
38 1310 East Union Street 4HE -ILLER(ULL 0ARTNERSHIP
3EATTLE 7ASHINGTON
42 Sea Train House /F½CE OF -OBILE $ESIGN
,OS !NGELES #ALIFORNIA
48 The Solaire #ESAR 0ELLI !SSOCIATES
.EW 9ORK .EW 9ORK !RCHITECTS
52 Suburb 90 Mountainside
54 Solar Tube 'EORG $RIENDL !RCHITECTS 92 House with Shades !CHENBACH !RCHITECTEN $ESIGNER
6IENNA !USTRIA *EBENHAUSEN 'ERMANY
62 Charlotte Residence 7ILLIAM -C$ONOUGH 0ARTNERS 96 SolarHaus III 3CHWARZ !RCHITEKTUR
#HARLOTTE .ORTH #AROLINA %BNET +APPEL 3WITZERLAND
68 Villa Sari !22!+ !RKKITEDHIT 100 Great (Bamboo) Wall +ENGO +UMA !SSOCIATES
0ORI &INLAND 3HUIGUAN "ADALING #HINA
74 Little Tesseract 3TEVEN (OLL !RCHITECTS 106 R128 7ERNER 3OBEK )NGENIEURE
2HINEBECK .EW 9ORK 3TUTTGART 'ERMANY
80 Mill Valley Straw-Bale !RKIN 4ILT !RCHITECTS
House
-ARIN #OUNTY #ALIFORNIA
84 Naked House 3HIGERU "AN !RCHITECTS
+AWAGOE *APAN
Contents
6
112 Waterside 140 Desert
114 Howard House "RIAN -AC+AY
,YONS !RCHITECTS 142 Tucson Mountain House 2ICK *OY !RCHITECTS
7EST 0ENNANT .OVA 3COTIA 4UCSON !RIZONA
120 Swart Residence #OCKS #ARMICHAEL 148 Giles Loft/Studio ,AKE&LATO !RCHITECTS
-ELBOURNE !USTRALIA 3AN !NTONIO 4EXAS
126 Lake Washington House /LSON 3UNDBERG +UNDIG 154 Loloma 5 Lofts 7ILL "RUDER !RCHITECTS
-ERCER )SLAND 7ASHINGTON !LLEN !RCHITECTS 3COTTSDALE !RIZONA
130 Walla Womba Guest House !RCHITECTURE
4ASMANIA
134 McKinley House $AVID (ERTZ !RCHITECTS
6ENICE #ALIFORNIA 3YNDESIS
160 Tropics 180 Anywhere
162 Casuarina Beach House ,AHZ .IMMO !RCHITECTS 182 Glide House -ICHELLE +AUFMANN $ESIGNS
+INGSCLIFF .EW 3OUTH 7ALES
168 Taylor House &RANK (ARMON AND !SSOCIATES
3COTLAND #AY "AHAMAS
174 Casa de Carmen ,EDDY -AYTUM 3TACY !SSOCIATES
"AJA #ALIFORNIA -EXICO
188 FEATURED ARCHITECTS
190 RESOURCES
Contents
7
acknowledgments
7E ARE DEEPLY GRATEFUL TO THE 'RAHAM &OUNDATION
FOR !DVANCED 3TUDIES IN THE &INE !RTS FOR ITS EARLY
½NANCIAL SUPPORT OF THIS PROJECT 7E THANK -ARK
,AMSTER FOR SIGNING ON WHEN THE IDEAS WERE JUST
HALF
BAKED AND .ANCY %KLUND ,ATER FOR SMART CLEAR
EYED EDITS AS WELL AS THEIR COLLEAGUES AT 0RINCETON
!RCHITECTURAL 0RESS 7E´RE MOST APPRECIATIVE OF
0AUL #ARLOS AND 5RSHULA "ARBOUR OF 0URE !PPLIED
FOR GIVING THE PROJECT SUCH A ½TTING FORM 4HEIR
GENEROUS TALENT KEEN INSIGHT AND TIRELESS PATIENCE
MADE THE PROCESS AS REWARDING AS THE END PRODUCT
7E´RE ALSO INDEBTED TO OUR EDITORIAL ASSISTANTS
ON EITHER COAST -ICHELLE -AISTO AND *ESSICA &INE
+LEINMAN FOR THEIR ½NE RESEARCH AND GOOD HUMOR
TO %VE - +AHN AND 0AUL 'OLDBERGER FOR THEIR
HEARTY ENDORSEMENTS TO *EANNE 7IKLER 2OBERT
+LOOS *OHANNA ,EMOLA AND *ARI 3INKARI FOR HELPING
BRIDGE THE GAP TO ARCHITECTS ABROAD AS WELL AS TO
!NN !LTER AND (ARRISON &RAKER &INALLY WE THANK
EACH OF THE ARCHITECTS AND PHOTOGRAPHERS WHOSE
INSPIRING WORK IS FEATURED HERE ALONG WITH
THEIR STAFFS
!LANNA 3TANG AND #HRISTOPHER (AWTHORNE
Acknowledgments
8
foreword
4HIS BOOK AND THE EXHIBITION OF THE SAME NAME 4HE CONTENTS OF THIS BOOK AND EXHIBITION
ORGANIZED BY THE .ATIONAL "UILDING -USEUM SUGGEST THAT THE SUSTAINABILITY MOVEMENT TO USE
ADVANCE A NOBLE IF SLIGHTLY IRONIC CAUSE°THAT OF A NOW PREVALENT TERM IS REACHING MATURITY -ANY
MAKING ±GREEN² ARCHITECTURE UTTERLY UNREMARKABLE ARCHITECTS ENGINEERS PLANNERS DEVELOPERS AND
4HEY DO SO BY PRESENTING EXEMPLARY PROJECTS CLIENTS HAVE COME TO THINK MORE STRATEGICALLY
THAT ARE REMARKABLE AS ARCHITECTURE IN WHICH ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS OF BUILDING
ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY IS AN INTEGRAL IF NOT ESPECIALLY IN THE DOMESTIC REALM -OVING WELL
ALWAYS OBVIOUS ASPECT OF THEIR DESIGN BEYOND THE SIMPLISTIC INCLUSION OF A FEW GREEN
! GENERATION AGO THE POPULAR IMAGERY OF MATERIALS OR FEATURES THEY ARE INCREASINGLY
SUSTAINABLE HOUSING INCLUDED STEEPLY SLANTED CONCEIVING OF HOUSES AS COHERENT HOLISTIC SYSTEMS
ROOFS BLANKETED BY SOLAR PANELS RUSTIC WALLS WITH EXTENDED LIFE CYCLES THAT MUST BE CONSIDERED
PEEKING OUT ABOVE GIANT EARTHEN BERMS AND THE THROUGHOUT THE DESIGN PROCESS %NVIRONMENTAL
OCCASIONAL ARCHITECTURAL FOLLY CONSTRUCTED OF A CONCERNS INFORM THE ARCHITECTURE OF COURSE BUT
MOTLEY COLLECTION OF FOUND ITEMS RECYCLED INTO THE RESULTS CAN BE AS AESTHETICALLY RICH AS EVEN
VERNACULAR BUILDING MATERIALS -ANY SUCH OVERTLY THE MOST ABSTRACT OR THEORETICAL OF PROJECTS
±%ARTH FRIENDLY² STRUCTURES WERE EASILY MOCKED 3USTAINABILITY THUS ASSUMES ANOTHER DIMENSION
BY ARCHITECTURAL PURISTS WHO DECRIED WHAT THEY BEYOND ITS MERE PRAGMATIC AND ETHICAL DIMENSIONS
SAW AS THE TRIUMPH OF MUNDANE PROBLEM SOLVING !T THE .ATIONAL "UILDING -USEUM 4HE 'REEN
OVER HIGH MINDED AESTHETICS .ONETHELESS THESE (OUSE .EW $IRECTIONS IN 3USTAINABLE !RCHITECTURE
PROTOTYPICAL GREEN HOUSES PLAYED AN IMPORTANT IS PART OF A SERIES OF EXHIBITIONS ABOUT SUSTAINABLE
ROLE IN RAISING PUBLIC AWARENESS THAT THE BUILT DESIGN 4HE ½RST OF THESE "IG 'REEN 4OWARD
ENVIRONMENT WAS A SIGNI½CANT CONTRIBUTOR TO THE 3USTAINABLE !RCHITECTURE IN THE ST #ENTURY WHICH
PROFOUND DEGRADATION AND DIMINISHMENT OF WAS PRESENTED IN EXAMINED SKYSCRAPERS
LIMITED NATURAL RESOURCES AND OTHER LARGE SCALE STRUCTURES THAT SUCCESSFULLY
!S WITH MANY SOCIOPOLITICAL MOVEMENTS ADDRESS ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS 4HE MUSEUM
THIS EARLY PERIOD OF RADICALISM IN WHICH EXPLICIT PLANS TO CONTINUE TO ORGANIZE EXHIBITIONS AND
DISPLAY PLAYED A DECISIVE ROLE WAS FOLLOWED BY PUBLIC PROGRAMS EXPLORING THIS VITAL TOPIC
ONE IN WHICH BITS AND PIECES OF THE PHILOSOPHY AND THEREBY TO ADVOCATE A FUTURE IN WHICH ENVIRON
WERE ASSIMILATED INTO THE MAINSTREAM ALBEIT MENTAL SENSITIVITY MAY BE SAFELY ASSUMED IN ALL
OFTEN IN A TOKEN MANNER 3OME ARCHITECTS WORKS OF ARCHITECTURE
APPROPRIATED THE ±LOOK² OF ENVIRONMENTALISM
PERHAPS BY TOSSING A SUNSCREEN ON A BUILDING BUT #HASE 7 2YND
DID SO WITH LITTLE REGARD FOR ITS SOLAR ORIENTATION %XECUTIVE $IRECTOR
/THERS ACTIVELY REACTED AGAINST THE MOVEMENT .ATIONAL "UILDING -USEUM
ESPECIALLY AS HISTORICISM ONCE AGAIN GAINED FAVOR
AMONG ARCHITECTS AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND AS
DEVELOPERS AT LEAST IN THE 5NITED 3TATES PROVIDED
EAGER CUSTOMERS WITH INCREASINGLY GIGANTIC
DETACHED HOUSES
Foreword
9
camera-ready green design
ONE AFTERNOON SEVERAL MONTHS AGO, we found ourselves waiting
in the quiet, impossibly picturesque Swiss town of Domat/Ems to
meet an architect named Dietrich Schwarz. Though still in his thir-
ties, Schwarz has already earned a reputation as one of Switzerland’s
leading practitioners of the environmentally friendly approach to
architecture known as sustainable, or “green,” design. Using a com-
bination of new, high-tech materials—some of his own invention—
and old-fashioned architectural wisdom, he creates houses and other
buildings that are snugly energy-efficient and sit lightly on the land.
7E HAD ARRIVED A BIT EARLY FOR OUR APPOINTMENT AT THIS IDYLLIC PART OF THE WORLD HAS MADE HIM
3CHWARZ´S OF½CE WHICH TAKES UP ONE HALF OF A PAIR OF COMMITTED TO AN ARCHITECTURE THAT DOES ITS BEST TO
SHIMMERY STEEL AND GLASS PAVILIONS HE DESIGNED IN PROTECT BOTH THE LOCAL AND THE GLOBAL LANDSCAPE
THE MID S NOT LONG AFTER ½NISHING ARCHITECTURE !ND BY HIS OWN ADMISSION HE IS A ZEALOT WHEN IT
SCHOOL !LTHOUGH IT WAS A 3UNDAY AND BEAUTIFUL COMES TO ½NDING AND TESTING THE LATEST SUSTAINABLE
OUT A FEW OF 3CHWARZ´S TWENTY SOMETHING STAFFERS BUILDING MATERIALS
WERE HARD AT WORK IN THE COOL DARK INTERIOR THEIR )T WAS ON THAT AFTERNOON°PROBABLY AT THE
FACES LIT BY GLOWING COMPUTER MONITORS /NE OF MOMENT 3CHWARZ LAUNCHED INTO AN ENERGETIC
THEM LED US OUTSIDE TO A SUNNY COURTYARD BETWEEN DESCRIPTION OF 0OWER 'LASS A TYPE OF SUPER
THE BUILDINGS WHERE A MODEST FOUNTAIN SPLASHED EF½CIENT SOLAR PANELING FOR WHICH HE HAS RECEIVED
AND WITHIN A COUPLE OF MINUTES 3CHWARZ HIMSELF A PATENT°THAT WE REALIZED JUST HOW QUICKLY THE
APPEARED 4HOUGH HE HAD DRIVEN A SHORT DISTANCE WALLS BETWEEN GREEN ARCHITECTURE AND HIGH DESIGN
FROM HIS NEARBY HOME HE LOOKED AS THOUGH HE´D WERE CRUMBLING OPENING UP NEW OPPORTUNITIES FOR
COME STRAIGHT FROM -ILAN (IS DARK HAIR WAS ARTFULLY CROSSOVER BETWEEN THE TWO REALMS 4HAT NEW TRAF½C
MESSY 0RECISELY EDGED SIDEBURNS CURLED ACROSS EACH IS PARTICULARLY NOTABLE AMONG RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTS
CHEEK (E WAS WEARING AN IMPECCABLY TAILORED DRESS 7HILE GREEN DESIGN IS ALSO GROWING QUICKLY IN THE
SHIRT PERFECTLY FADED JEANS AND BLACK LEATHER SHOES PUBLIC AND COMMERCIAL SPHERES HOUSES OFFER AN
WITH THE ALMOST VIOLENTLY POINTED TOES THAT WERE IDEAL TESTING GROUND FOR THE LATEST IN SUSTAINABLE
JUST THEN BECOMING FASHIONABLE ARCHITECTURE 2ELATIVELY SMALL AND SELF CONTAINED
3TANDING IN FRONT OF HIS ELEGANT NEO MODERNIST AND OFTEN FUNDED BY PROGRESSIVE PRIVATE CLIENTS
OF½CE 3CHWARZ WAS A PICTURE OF THE UP TO DATE AS OPPOSED TO BOTTOM LINE¯ORIENTED COMMERCIAL
READY TO POSE FOR A SPREAD IN 7ALLPAPER OR %LLE $ECOR ONES THEY ALLOW FOR A UNIQUE KIND OF ARCHITECTURAL
!T THE SAME TIME IT BECAME CLEAR ONCE HE BEGAN EXPERIMENTATION )NDEED MANY ARCHITECTURAL
TALKING THAT HE WASN´T EMBARRASSED BY THE IDEA MOVEMENTS AND BREAKTHROUGHS HAVE FOUND THEIR
OF PASSIONATE ENVIRONMENTALISM UNLIKE MANY EARLIEST EXPRESSION IN RESIDENTIAL WORK GREEN
ARCHITECTS WHO THINK OF THEMSELVES AS OPERATING ARCHITECTURE IS ONLY THE LATEST
CLOSE TO THE CUTTING EDGE AND FASHION THEMSELVES 7HAT WE SOON DISCOVERED IS THAT ALL OVER THE
ACCORDINGLY /N THE CONTRARY HIS CHILDHOOD IN WORLD°BUT PARTICULARLY IN NORTHERN %UROPE
Introduction
10
#ANADA THE 5NITED 3TATES *APAN AND !USTRALIA° TO A BUILDING SITE TO BE CONSTRUCTED IN A MATTER OF
RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTS ARE COMBINING EYE
CATCHING WEEKS IT IS ALREADY ON THE MARKET FOR ROUGHLY
CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE WITH SUSTAINABILITY &OR A PER SQUARE FOOT A BARGAIN GIVEN THE HIGH QUALITY
BOOK THAT WE BELIEVE IS THE ½RST OF ITS KIND WE SET OUT OF ITS MATERIALS AND DESIGN
TO SELECT THE ½NEST EXAMPLES OF THIS NEW CON¾UENCE ! LITTLE FURTHER SOUTH WE WENT TO SEE #OLORADO
AND EXPLAIN HOW EACH OF THEM CAME INTO BEING WHO #OURT A FORTY
FOUR
UNIT LOW
INCOME APARTMENT
COMMISSIONED THESE HOUSES AND APARTMENT BLOCKS COMPLEX IN 3ANTA -ONICA DESIGNED BY THE WELL
HOW THEIR DESIGNS EVOLVED AND HOW THEIR ARCHITECTS REGARDED ½RM 0UGH 3CARPA /N THE OPPOSITE
AND BUILDERS MANAGED TO BALANCE ENVIRONMENTAL COAST WE FOLLOWED THE PROGRESS OF 2AFAEL 0ELLI´S
AND AESTHETIC CONCERNS SO EFFECTIVELY GREEN APARTMENT TOWER IN -ANHATTAN 4HE 3OLAIRE
4HE MORE WE BEGAN TO SEARCH FOR SUCH PROJECTS IS THE ½RST SUSTAINABLE RESIDENTIAL PROJECT OF ITS
THE MORE WE REALIZED NOT JUST HOW MANY ARE OUT SIZE OR AMBITION IN AN !MERICAN CITY !ND A COUPLE
THERE INDEED WE ENDED UP WITH MORE QUALI½ED HOURS NORTH OF .EW 9ORK #ITY WE DISCOVERED THAT
PROJECTS THAN WE HAD PAGES TO SHOW THEM ON BUT 3TEVEN (OLL A MUCH
LAUDED ARCHITECT WHOSE NAME
THE REMARKABLE REGIONAL AND ARCHITECTURAL VARIETY HAS RARELY IF EVER BEEN MENTIONED IN CONNECTION
THEY REPRESENT 'REEN HOUSES NOW RISE FROM TIGHTLY WITH GREEN DESIGN HAD DESIGNED AN ADDITION TO
PACKED CITY STREETS AS WELL AS FROM LUSH HILLSIDES AND HIS OWN WEEKEND HOME THAT INCLUDES A LONG LIST
ROCKY SEASHORES 4HEY ARE SINGLE
FAMILY DWELLINGS OF SUSTAINABLE ELEMENTS FROM SOLAR PANELS TO AN
AND SUBSIDIZED APARTMENTS PRIMARY RESIDENCES INVENTIVE NATURAL
VENTILATION SYSTEM
AND WEEKEND GETAWAYS 4HEY ARE SHEATHED IN )N %UROPE WE FOUND SUSTAINABLE DWELLINGS
GLASS IN BAMBOO IN SYNTHETIC PANELS MADE FROM WITH A LEVEL OF ARCHITECTURAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL
RECYCLED NEWSPAPER 4HEY TAKE THEIR AESTHETIC CUES SOPHISTICATION THAT PUTS MOST GREEN BUILDINGS IN
FROM PRIMITIVE DWELLINGS FROM ORGANIC FORMS THE 5NITED 3TATES TO SHAME )T IS WELL KNOWN THAT
AND SIGNI½CANTLY FROM ARCHITECTURAL PREDECESSORS MANY %UROPEAN COUNTRIES HAVE BUILDING CODES
2 BY 7ERNER 3OBEK WHO INCLUDE THE FOUNDERS OF THE "AUHAUS AS SURELY THAT PAY SIGNI½CANTLY MORE ATTENTION TO ISSUES
AS 0AOLO 3OLERI OR &RANK ,LOYD 7RIGHT )N FACT IT IS OF SUSTAINABILITY THAN THOSE IN THE 5NITED 3TATES
BECOMING IMPOSSIBLE TO IGNORE HOW MANY GREEN ,ESS REMARKED UPON AT LEAST IN THE !MERICAN
HOUSES ARE NOW BEING DESIGNED IN THE SLEEK PRESS HAS BEEN %UROPE´S SUBSTANTIAL INVESTMENT IN
ORNAMENT
FREE STYLE THAT HAS ONCE AGAIN BECOME THE NEW HOUSING THAT MEETS STRINGENT SUSTAINABILITY
PREVAILING ARCHITECTURAL APPROACH AMONG HIGH
END BENCHMARKS #ITIES LIKE (ELSINKI AND 3TOCKHOLM
ARCHITECTS PARTICULARLY YOUNGER ONES IN !MERICA HAVE DEDICATED HUGE AND VALUABLE SWATHS OF LAND TO
AND %UROPE &OR THE ½RST TIME IN THE HISTORY OF THE GREEN DEVELOPMENTS SOME OF WHICH CONTAIN SEVERAL
GREEN DESIGN MOVEMENT SUSTAINABILITY IS BEING THOUSAND UNITS OF HOUSING
EMBRACED BY THE VERY SAME ARCHITECTS WHO SET THE .OT ALL THE %UROPEAN PROJECTS THAT ½LL THESE
½ELD´S STYLISTIC AND THEORETICAL AGENDAS PAGES ARE PUBLICLY SUBSIDIZED TO BE SURE /N A
)N ADDITION TO $IETRICH 3CHWARZ´S CORNER OF STEEP HILLSIDE OVERLOOKING 3TUTTGART WE TOURED THE
3WITZERLAND OUR SEARCH FOR THE HOUSES THAT ½LL THE JAW
DROPPING 2 A STEEL
AND
GLASS BOX DESIGNED
FOLLOWING PAGES TOOK US TO LOCATIONS ALL AROUND BY THE 'ERMAN ENGINEER 7ERNER 3OBEK AS HIS
THE WORLD /N THE EDGE OF ,AKE 7ASHINGTON NEAR FAMILY RESIDENCE 3INCE THE DAYS OF -IES VAN DER
3EATTLE WE DISCOVERED A NEW HOUSE BY THE WELL
2OHE´S &ARNSWORTH (OUSE IN 0LANO )LLINOIS AND ITS
KNOWN 0ACI½C .ORTHWEST ½RM /LSON 3UNDBERG SEE
THROUGH SIBLING IN .EW #ANAAN #ONNECTICUT
+UNDIG !LLEN )TS DESIGN IS ANCHORED BY A CURVING BY 0HILIP *OHNSON BOTH ½NISHED AROUND
U
SHAPED WALL THAT IS AN ENGAGING SCULPTURAL THE GLASS HOUSE HAS STOOD AS THE EPITOME OF THE
ELEMENT AND°BECAUSE IT BOTH CONDUCTS COOL AIR MODERNIST AESTHETIC UNFORTUNATELY SUCH DWELLINGS
IN THE SUMMER AND BOUNCES SUNLIGHT BACK INTO HAVE OFTEN BEEN BOTH UNCOMFORTABLE TO LIVE IN TOO
THE INTERIOR IN WINTER°THE KEY TO ITS REMARKABLE HOT IN SUMMER TOO COLD IN WINTER AND WITH THEIR
ENERGY
EF½CIENCY $OWN THE COAST IN -ARIN #OUNTY HIGH HEATING AND COOLING BILLS AND INSENSITIVITY TO
#ALIFORNIA WE MET -ICHELLE +AUFMANN WHO HAD SITE HARDLY KIND TO THE ENVIRONMENT EITHER 3OBEK
RECENTLY LEFT A JOB IN &RANK 'EHRY´S OF½CE TO START SET HIMSELF THE STIFF CHALLENGE OF STARTING WITH
HER OWN ½RM +AUFMANN HAS DESIGNED THE MODULAR THE FAMOUS TYPOLOGY OF THE GLASS HOUSE AND THEN
'LIDE (OUSE THE ½RST MASS
PRODUCED GREEN HOME MAKING IT SUPREMELY ENERGY
EF½CIENT (IS DESIGN
)T CAN BE CUSTOM
ORDERED AND THEN TRUCKED DIRECTLY HAS CERTAINLY BEEN A SUCCESS IN THAT REGARD DURING
Camera-Ready Green Design
11
MUCH OF THE YEAR THE SOLAR PANELS ON THE ROOF BETWEEN A KIND OF ROO½NG MATERIAL CREATED IN AN
PROVIDE MORE ELECTRICITY THAN HE AND HIS FAMILY NEED ENVIRONMENTALLY WASTEFUL MANNER BUT AVAILABLE
TO OPERATE THE HOUSE 4HEY SELL THE EXCESS BACK TO LOCALLY AND AN ECO FRIENDLY VARIETY THAT HAS TO
THE LOCAL POWER COMPANY 3OBEK IS NOT THE ½RST BE TRUCKED IN FROM MILES AWAY WILL NOT BE
ARCHITECT TO DESIGN A HOUSE THAT CREATES MORE POWER HELPED MUCH BY A UNIVERSAL GREEN DESIGN CHECKLIST
THAN IT USES "UT TO COMBINE THAT EF½CIENCY WITH )N GENERAL THOUGH THERE ARE STEADY GUIDELINES
EXQUISITELY PROPORTIONED GLASS SHEATHED MODERNISM TO BE FOLLOWED AND PRIORITIES TO BE KEPT IN MIND
MAKES 3OBEK´S DESIGN A LANDMARK IN THE HISTORY OF 2ESIDENTIAL DESIGNS THAT AIM FOR AUTHENTIC GREENNESS
GREEN ARCHITECTURE SHOULD AT THE VERY LEAST BE
&INALLY IN !SIA AND !USTRALIA WE UNEARTHED AS SMALL AS POSSIBLE FOR A HOUSE THAT USES EVERY
DESIGNS THAT OFFER A RANGE OF INVENTIVE RESPONSES SUSTAINABLE TECHNIQUE UNDER THE SUN WILL NOT
TO LOCAL AND REGIONAL CONDITIONS )N THE SHADOW BE AS KIND TO THE %ARTH AS PRACTICALLY ANY HOUSE
OF THE 'REAT 7ALL ABOUT MILES NORTH OF "EIJING HALF ITS SIZE
*APANESE ARCHITECT +ENGO +UMA TURNED A HILLY SITE POSITIONED TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF WINTER SUN AND
INTO A STUNNING ESSAY ON THE SCULPTURAL POSSIBILITIES SUMMER SHADE AND TO MINIMIZE DAMAGE TO THE
OF BAMBOO A HIGHLY SUSTAINABLE MATERIAL GIVEN HOW PLANTS ANIMALS SOIL ETC ALREADY THERE
QUICKLY AND CHEAPLY IT CAN BE GROWN )N 4ASMANIA A LOCATED AS CLOSE TO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
WEEKEND HOUSE BY THE ½RM !RCHITECTURE TOUCHES WORKPLACES SCHOOLS ANDOR SHOPPING AS
DOWN IN ITS BUSHLAND SETTING WITH REMARKABLE LIGHT REALISTICALLY POSSIBLE 'REAT "AMBOO 7ALL BY +ENGO +UMA
NESS AND GRACE )N *APAN 3HIGERU "AN TOOK AN 4HOSE ARE THE BASICS IMPORTANTLY NONE OF THEM NEED
UNUSUAL REQUEST FOR A FAMILY RESIDENCE WITH AS LITTLE ADD ANY COST TO THE CONSTRUCTION OF A NEW HOME SAVE
PRIVACY AS POSSIBLE AND PRODUCED THE .AKED (OUSE FOR THE POTENTIALLY HIGHER PRICES OF LAND IN OR NEAR A
AN INEXPENSIVE AND IN½NITELY ¾EXIBLE DESIGN WITH A CITY )NDEED FOLLOWING THE ½RST RULE WILL NECESSARILY
FORM THAT ECHOES THE GREENHOUSES THAT STAND NEARBY LEAD TO LOWER BUILDING COSTS
%VERY ONE OF THESE DESIGNS EASILY SATIS½ED OUR "EYOND THAT GREENNESS IS GENERALLY A QUESTION
PRIMARY GOAL TO ½ND HOUSES THAT ARE AS AMBITIOUS OF TWO ISSUES°ENERGY EF½CIENCY AND THE ECO
ARCHITECTURALLY AS THEY ARE IN TERMS OF SUSTAINABILITY FRIENDLINESS OF A BUILDING´S MATERIALS°ALONG WITH
7HILE SOME ARE FUTURISTIC AND OTHERS CHARMINGLY LOW A BROADER SENSE OF HOW A NEW HOUSE OR APARTMENT
TECH THE MAJORITY MIX NEW ECO FRIENDLY STRATEGIES BUILDING TIES INTO ITS LOCAL REGIONAL AND GLOBAL
WITH VERNACULAR ONES 4AKEN AS A GROUP THESE HOMES CONTEXT /FTEN THESE CONCERNS ARE INTERTWINED BUT IN
SUGGEST THAT WHILE THERE IS NO PARTICULAR TEMPLATE GENERAL ARCHITECTS COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABILITY WILL
THAT GREEN HOUSES MUST ADHERE TO THERE IS ALSO NO RULE EMPLOY MANY AND IN RARE CASES ALL OF THE FOLLOWING
STATING THAT THEY CAN´T HAVE PLENTY OF STYLE OR AIM FOR RECYCLED MATERIALS AND EVEN EXISTING
THE HIGHEST AESTHETIC PLANE FOUNDATIONS OR BUILDING SHELLS
)N OTHER WORDS GREEN ARCHITECTURE IS ½NALLY READY WOOD FROM STOCKS THAT ARE SUSTAINABLY MANAGED
FOR ITS CLOSE UP MATERIALS THAT ARE LOW IN EMBODIED ENERGY°
THAT IS THE ENERGY REQUIRED TO EXTRACT AND
Standards and Practices PRODUCE THEM AS WELL AS TO DELIVER THEM TO A
3O WHAT DOES IT MEAN EXACTLY TO SAY THAT A HOUSE BUILDING SITE
IS ±GREEN² )T IS DIF½CULT TO DE½NE THE TERM WITH NATURAL MATERIALS SUCH AS BAMBOO THAT CAN BE
COMPLETE PRECISION &OR STARTERS WE LIKE THE EASILY REPLENISHED
STRAIGHTFORWARD SUGGESTION FROM THE $AVID AND EF½CIENT LIGHTING SYSTEMS THAT TAKE ADVANTAGE
,UCILE 0ACKARD &OUNDATION THAT ±ANY BUILDING THAT OF DAYLIGHT TO REDUCE ELECTRICITY NEEDS OR
HAS SIGNI½CANTLY LOWER NEGATIVE ENVIRONMENTAL INCLUDE SENSORS AND TIMERS THAT SHUT OFF LIGHTS
IMPACTS THAN TRADITIONAL BUILDINGS² QUALI½ES AS WHEN THEY ARE NOT IN USE
GREEN -ORE BROADLY THE KEY MOST EXPERTS AGREE IS A WATER SYSTEMS THAT COLLECT RAINWATER OR TREAT
¾EXIBLE AND HOLISTIC APPROACH THAT INVOLVES MAKING SO CALLED GRAY WATER FROM SINKS AND SHOWERS
CAREFUL ECOLOGICALLY CONSCIOUS DECISIONS AT EVERY SO THAT IT CAN BE REUSED FOR GARDENS OR TOILETS
POINT IN THE PLANNING DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION STRATEGIES TO ENSURE THAT A HOUSE WILL HAVE A
PROCESSES WHILE KEEPING IN MIND THAT THE IDEAL LONG LIFE BECAUSE IT IS COMFORTABLE TO SPEND TIME 4HE $AVID AND ,UCILE 0ACKARD
&OUNDATION "UILDING FOR
SOLUTION MAY NOT ALWAYS BE EVIDENT !N ARCHITECT IN ARCHITECTURALLY SIGNI½CANT OR ADAPTABLE TO 3USTAINABILITY 2EPORT /CTOBER
OR WOULD BE HOMEOWNER DECIDING FOR INSTANCE FUTURE USES
Introduction
12
INSULATION GLASS AND FACADES THAT ARE ENERGY
KIND OF CONSTRUCTION THAT WAS PRACTICED FOR MOST
EF½CIENT AND THAT PROMOTE COOLING BY NATURAL OF HUMAN HISTORY AND CONTINUES TO BE PRACTICED
VENTILATION INSTEAD OF BY AIR
CONDITIONING IN WHAT WE IN THE 7EST CALL THE 4HIRD 7ORLD
FEATURES THAT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SUN´S RAYS 4HIS APPROACH RELIES ON SIMPLE RENEWABLE AND
EITHER PASSIVELY USING THERMAL MASSING AND NATURALLY INSULATING MATERIALS SUCH AS ADOBE
HIGH
EF½CIENCY GLASS OR ACTIVELY THROUGH AND PASSIVE STRATEGIES LIKE SITING THICK WALLS AND
PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS TO TURN SUNLIGHT INTO NATURAL VENTILATION TO KEEP HOUSES COOL IN SUMMER
ELECTRICITY AND RETAIN HEAT IN WINTER 2OUGHLY ONE
THIRD OF
INTERIOR MATERIALS AND ½NISHES FROM CARPETS TO THE WORLD´S POPULATION CONTINUES TO LIVE IN SUCH
PAINTS THAT MINIMIZE CHEMICAL EMISSIONS AND ARCHITECTURE 4HE LESSONS IT OFFERS FOR BUILDING
PROMOTE GOOD AIR QUALITY ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE AND ENERGY
EF½CIENT
!FTER MUCH THOUGHT AND DISCUSSION WITH VARIOUS HOUSING REMAIN AS VALUABLE AND EASY TO COPY AS EVER
LEADERS IN THE ½ELD WE DECIDED TO USE AN ADMITTEDLY )N A STYLISTIC SENSE TO OVERSIMPLIFY AT LEAST A
¾EXIBLE DE½NITION OF SUSTAINABILITY IN THIS BOOK LITTLE 7ESTERN ARCHITECTURE HAS BEEN DRIFTING AWAY
4RUE SUSTAINABILITY OF COURSE MEANS A HOUSE FROM THOSE TRADITIONS SINCE THE 'REEKS 3TILL THE
THAT PRODUCES AS MUCH ENERGY AS IT CONSUMES DIVORCE BETWEEN ARCHITECTURE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
-ORE THAN A FEW OF THE HOUSES HERE WOULD FAIL TO WAS NOT REALLY ½NALIZED UNTIL THE BEGINNING OF
QUALIFY AS GREEN BY THAT STANDARD &OR ARCHITECTS THE TWENTIETH CENTURY WHEN THE MODERNISTS´ LOVE
AND CLIENTS ALIKE IT IS NOT ALWAYS REALISTIC TO AFFAIR WITH NEW INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGIES FROM THE
EXPECT PERFECTION 4HE POINT IS TO MAKE CAREFUL ELEVATOR TO STEEL
FRAME CONSTRUCTION PRODUCED AN
INFORMED CHOICES FROM SELECTING A SITE TO PICKING ARCHITECTURE THAT DID ITS BEST TO EXIST APART FROM
OUT THE CABINETRY !LONG WITH THE IDEA THAT GREEN NATURE )NDEED BY THE EARLY DECADES OF THE TWENTIETH
HOUSES ARE NOW BEING PRODUCED BY MANY OF THE CENTURY THE IDEAL PIECE OF RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE
WORLD´S MOST TALENTED ARCHITECTS WHAT WE ARE HAD BECOME A RECTILINEAR PURE
WHITE BOX SET OFF IN
INTERESTED IN COMMUNICATING HERE IS THE NOTION A ½ELD 4HE MODERNIST MASTER ,E #ORBUSIER CALLED
THAT SUSTAINABILITY IS NOT EXOTIC OR BETTER LEFT TO HIS VERSION ±A MACHINE FOR LIVING ² A BUILDING THAT
SPECIALISTS BUT BASED IN THE KIND OF COMMON SENSE GAINED ITS UNDENIABLE CHARISMA PRECISELY FROM THE
THAT IS COMPREHENSIBLE FOR ANY POTENTIAL HOME
WAY IT WAS EVERYTHING THAT THE ½ELD WAS NOT HARD
BUILDER°OR HOME
BUYER FOR THAT MATTER WHERE THE ½ELD WAS SOFT MONOCHROMATIC INSTEAD OF
)T IS TRUE THAT BUILDING A NEW HOUSE OF ANY KIND MULTIHUED CLOSED INSTEAD OF OPEN ITS EDGES FACTORY
WILL RARELY BE A POSITIVE ENVIRONMENTAL GESTURE CUT INSTEAD OF WEATHER
SOFTENED
"UT NO MATTER HOW ECOLOGICALLY PROGRESSIVE OUR 4HE CRITIQUE OF MODERNIST ARCHITECTURE AS ANTI
SOCIETY BECOMES DEMAND FOR NEW HOUSING IS NOT GREEN IS BY NOW A FAMILIAR ONE AND WE THINK IT HAS
GOING TO DRY UP ANYTIME SOON !BOUT MILLION SOMETIMES BEEN OVERSTATED )T IS WORTH POINTING
SINGLE
FAMILY HOMES WENT UP IN THE 5NITED 3TATES OUT FOR EXAMPLE THAT MODERNISM BEGAN WITH THE
IN ALONE ACCORDING TO THE .ATIONAL !SSOCIATION SAME KIND OF REFORM
MINDED ETHOS THAT NOW DRIVES
OF (OME "UILDERS°THE VAST MAJORITY OF THEM GREEN ARCHITECTURE°AND THAT SOME OF THE ½GURES
.AKED (OUSE BY 3HIGERU "AN SADLY FOLLOWING NOT A SINGLE GREEN DESIGN PRINCIPLE WHO HELPED INSPIRE THE SUSTAINABILITY MOVEMENT
"UT MORE AND MORE ARCHITECTS ARE ½NDING WAYS TO "UCKMINSTER &ULLER PROMINENTLY AMONG THEM
REDUCE THE MARGIN BETWEEN THE AMOUNT OF RESOURCES WERE BELIEVERS IN MODERNISM WHO HOPED TO HARNESS
CONSUMED IN THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF TECHNOLOGY TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF THE AVERAGE
A HOUSE AND THOSE SAVED OR REPLENISHED )NDEED FAMILY !S +EVIN 0RATT AN ARCHITECT AND CRITIC BASED
BY COMBINING ANCIENT TECHNIQUES WITH THE IN ,ONDON HAS POINTED OUT ±'REEN DESIGN SPEAKS
LATEST IN SUPER
EF½CIENT MECHANICAL SYSTEMS TO A YEARNING FOR THE KIND OF TOTALIZING AESTHETIC
AND MATERIALS THE DESIGNERS OF THE HOUSES WE´VE AND IDEOLOGICAL PROGRAM THE MODERNISTS EMBRACED
DOCUMENTED HERE ARE MANAGING TO MAKE THAT ;)T= ALSO SHARES WITH THE MODERNIST PROJECT THE
MARGIN ASTONISHINGLY SMALL RIGHTEOUSNESS OF A CAUSE IMPROVING THE WORLD
THROUGH REFORM OF ITS MATERIAL CULTURE² )N ADDITION
.ATIONAL !SSOCIATION OF (OME A Very Short History A SIGNI½CANT NUMBER OF GREEN LANDMARKS OVER THE
"UILDERS ±-ONTHLY (OUSING 3TARTS 0ERHAPS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO SAY ABOUT THE LAST TWO DECADES HAVE BEEN DESIGNED BY ARCHITECTS
¯CURRENT ² AT WWWNAHBORG
+EVIN 0RATT ±#ONSERVING (ABITATS ²
ORIGINS OF SUSTAINABLE RESIDENTIAL DESIGNS IS THAT LIKE "RITAIN´S (IGH 4ECH 'ROUP WHOSE APPROACH
!RTFORUM &EBRUARY THEY LIE IN AGELESS VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE THE AND METHODOLOGY GREW DIRECTLY FROM MODERNISM
Camera-Ready Green Design
13
0RATT AND OTHER CRITICS HAVE GONE SO FAR AS TO PREDICT HELP ADDRESS THE INCREASINGLY UNSTABLE UNHEALTHY
THAT SUSTAINABILITY WILL BE TO THE TWENTY ½RST RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HUMAN CIVILIZATION AND THE
CENTURY WHAT MODERNISM WAS TO THE TWENTIETH°ITS NATURAL WORLD
DOMINANT ARCHITECTURAL MOVEMENT "Y THE S THE MOVEMENT ½NALLY HAD A NAME
9ET EVEN WE FANS OF MODERN ARCHITECTURE HAVE FOR ITS GOAL SUSTAINABILITY 4HE TERM WAS BROUGHT
TO ADMIT THE WISDOM°AND THE FORESIGHT°OF THE INTO POPULAR USE BY THE "RUNDTLAND 2EPORT A
WRITERS AND ARCHITECTS WHO LINED UP TO COMPLAIN 5NITED .ATIONS DOCUMENT THAT DE½NED SUSTAINABLE
ABOUT ITS SOMETIMES BLINDLY UNIVERSAL APPROACH AS DEVELOPMENT AS MEETING ±THE NEEDS OF THE PRESENT
WELL AS MORE GENERALLY THE DEHUMANIZING EFFECTS WITHOUT COMPROMISING THE ABILITY OF FUTURE
OF RAPID INDUSTRIALIZATION 4HESE CRITICS INCLUDED GENERATIONS TO MEET THEIR OWN² 4HE CONCEPT
7ILLIAM -ORRIS AND *OHN 2USKIN IN %NGLAND PROVIDED ARCHITECTS WITH A SENSE OF MEMBERSHIP
AND LATER &RANK ,LOYD 7RIGHT AND *ANE *ACOBS IN IN AN IMPORTANT LARGER EFFORT A WAY OF DE½NING
THE 5NITED 3TATES¯¯A DIVERSE GROUP TO BE SURE PRECISELY WHAT THEY HOPED TO ACCOMPLISH WITH THEIR
WRITING ACROSS NEARLY A CENTURY "UT WHAT THEY ALL SOLAR PANELS AND WALLS MADE FROM RECYCLED TIRES
EXPRESSED WAS A DEEP ANXIETY ABOUT THE WAYS IN %VEN SO IT TOOK A WHILE BEFORE THE CONCEPT OF
WHICH ARCHITECTURE WAS TURNING AWAY FROM THE SUSTAINABILITY MERGED VERNACULAR ELEMENTS WITH
SAME BASIC LESSONS OF THE PROFESSION PASSED DOWN ENERGY EF½CIENT BUILDING PRACTICES TO CREATE WHAT
FROM ARCHITECT TO ARCHITECT AND AMATEUR BUILDER TO WE NOW CALL GREEN ARCHITECTURE !S A FORMAL EFFORT
AMATEUR BUILDER THAT MAKE UP THE FUNDAMENTALS OF THE MOVEMENT IS YOUNGER THAN YOU MIGHT GUESS
GREEN DESIGN°LESSONS ABOUT HUMAN SCALE AND HOW !S EARLY AS THERE WERE BOOKS LIKE 2OBERT "ROWN
BUILDINGS RELATE TO THEIR NATURAL SURROUNDINGS AND "UTLER´S 4HE %COLOGICAL (OUSE AND PROTO GREEN
TO ORGANIC FORMS THAT CAN BE APPRECIATED DAY TO DAY DEVELOPMENTS LIKE $AVIS #ALIFORNIA´S 6ILLAGE
SEASON TO SEASON AND YEAR TO YEAR 4HEIR CRITIQUES (OMES BUT THEY WERE ISOLATED EFFORTS THAT PREDATED
BECAME PARTICULARLY PERSUASIVE IN THE S AS ANY BROAD SENSE OF ECO FRIENDLY ARCHITECTURE
MODERNISM CAME TO SEDUCE URBAN PLANNERS AND BIG )NDEED 4HE 'REEN 2EADER A COLLECTION OF ESSAYS
CITY MAYORS AS POWERFULLY AS IT HAD PRIVATE CLIENTS PUBLISHED IN THAT ADDRESSED SUSTAINABILITY
7HAT ½NALLY ALLOWED SUCH MISGIVINGS TO IN A WIDE VARIETY OF ½ELDS DID NOT MENTION
COALESCE INTO A PROPER MOVEMENT WAS THE ARCHITECTURE AT ALL "UT CERTAINLY BY THAT YEAR AND
REALIZATION DURING THE SECOND HALF OF THE TWENTIETH SOON AFTER THERE WERE NETWORKS OF ARCHITECTS WHO
CENTURY THAT HUMAN ACTIVITY WAS BEGINNING TO HAD BEGUN TO ORGANIZE THEIR PRACTICES AROUND AN
PUT THE PLANET ITSELF IN PERIL 4HIS REALIZATION ECOLOGICALLY SENSITIVE APPROACH TO CONSTRUCTION
7ALLA 7OMBA 'UEST (OUSE BY !RCHITECTURE
PROMPTED°AND WAS PROMPTED BY°MANY SCIENTI½C 4HE !MERICAN )NSTITUTE OF !RCHITECTS CREATED ITS
AND POLITICAL MILESTONES FROM 2ACHEL #ARSON´S #OMMITTEE ON THE %NVIRONMENT IN 4HE 53
SEMINAL BOOK 3ILENT 3PRING IN TO THE INAUGURAL 'REEN "UILDING #OUNCIL A NONPRO½T ASSOCIATION
%ARTH $AY IN TO ASSESSMENTS LIKE THE #LUB WHOSE MEMBERS INCLUDE ARCHITECTS DEVELOPERS
OF 2OME´S BOOK 4HE ,IMITS TO 'ROWTH WHICH AND BUILDERS WAS FOUNDED IN 4HE ½RST
PREDICTED ALL TOO ACCURATELY THAT HUMANS WOULD COMPREHENSIVE BOOKS ON THE SUBJECT SUCH AS
SOON BEGIN USING THE %ARTH´S RESOURCES MORE QUICKLY -ICHAEL * #ROSBIE´S 'REEN !RCHITECTURE ! 'UIDE TO
THAN THEY COULD BE REPLENISHED )T WAS THE OIL 3USTAINABLE $ESIGN BEGAN APPEARING IN BOOKSTORES
CRISIS OF THE MID S THOUGH THAT PRODUCED REAL OVER THE FOLLOWING FEW YEARS AND BY THE END OF
ENVIRONMENTAL URGENCY IN 7ESTERN SOCIETIES FOR THE MILLENNIUM THE TERM ±GREEN ARCHITECTURE² HAD
THE ½RST TIME !LL OF A SUDDEN EVERY HUMAN ACTIVITY SEEPED INTO THE POPULAR DISCOURSE
THAT USED UP MORE NATURAL RESOURCES THAN COULD BE
REPLACED BECAME SUSPECT 7HAT THIS CRISIS MEANT FOR A Movement’s Priorities
ARCHITECTURE WAS THAT THE DISMAY WITH HARD EDGED !S GREEN ARCHITECTURE DEVELOPED THROUGHOUT THE
MECHANISTIC DESIGNS EXPRESSED BY 2USKIN 7RIGHT S AND S ITS LEADERS TENDED TO PAY LITTLE
AND THEIR HEIRS COULD BE REGARDED AS MORE THAN MERE IF ANY ATTENTION TO THE HIGH DESIGN OR ACADEMIC
AESTHETIC DISSATISFACTION )T WAS NO LONGER A SIMPLE CORNERS OF THE ARCHITECTURE WORLD )NSTEAD THEY
ARCHITECTURAL ARGUMENT ABOUT WHETHER ONE RATHER STUBBORNLY SAW GREEN DESIGN´S PRIORITIES AS
PREFERRED A BUILDING DRIPPING WITH ORNAMENT OR HIGHER MINDED OR SIMPLY MORE PRESSING THAN STYLE
4HABO -BEKI ET AL ±7E #AN $O 4HIS
A BLANK FACADE 4HE QUESTION BECAME WHETHER OR THEORY 4HEY WERE DETERMINED TO PAY MOST OF
7ORK 4OGETHER ² )NTERNATIONAL (ERALD
THOSE RESPONSIBLE FOR PUTTING UP BUILDINGS WOULD THEIR ATTENTION AND PERHAPS QUITE RIGHTLY GIVEN 4RIBUNE !UGUST
Introduction
14
WHO MAKES THE DECISIONS ABOUT HOW AND WHERE TO CHEAPER AND EASIER TO OBTAIN THAN THEY HAD BEEN
BUILD ESPECIALLY IN THE 5NITED 3TATES TO CONVINCING 3OLAR PANELS DESIGNED TO GENERATE ELECTRICITY FOR
CORPORATE !MERICA THAT GREEN DESIGN SHOULD BE A EXAMPLE COST ABOUT PER WATT IN THE MID
S
MAINSTREAM RATHER THAN A MARGINAL OR ECCENTRIC THEY NOW SELL FOR LESS THAN PER WATT AND THE
PURSUIT PRICE IS CONTINUING TO FALL !ND NEW ECO
FRIENDLY
)N THAT BATTLE THEY HAVE MADE TREMENDOUS AND BUILDING MATERIALS APPEAR ON WHAT SEEMS A DAILY
UNDENIABLE PROGRESS 3USTAINABILITY ADVOCATES CAN BASIS #ONSIDER 06
46 AN INVENTIVE VERSION OF THE
½NALLY SAY WITH CON½DENCE THAT THE GOALS OF GREEN SOLAR PANEL DEVELOPED IN *APAN )T CAN BE USED ON THE
DESIGN HAVE BEEN EMBRACED BY A WIDE PUBLIC 4HAT FACADE OF A BUILDING IN THREE WAYS AT ONCE AS A SOLAR
PUBLIC MAY BE EVEN WIDER THAN WE SUSPECT THOUGH COLLECTOR TO GENERATE ELECTRICITY AS A TRANSPARENT
THEY DO NOT ADVERTISE THIS FACT EVEN 'EORGE 7 "USH PANE TO ALLOW SUNLIGHT INTO THE INTERIOR AND AS A
AND HIS WIFE ,AURA HAVE BECOME PATRONS OF GREEN SCREEN TO DISPLAY VIDEO IMAGES
ARCHITECTURE 4HEIR RANCH HOUSE IN #RAWFORD 4EXAS !S GREEN ARCHITECTURE WAS GAINING SUPPORTERS
DESIGNED BY !USTIN ARCHITECT $AVID (EYMANN AND IN THE POLITICAL AND COMMERCIAL SPHERES HOWEVER
½NISHED THE SAME YEAR "USH BECAME 0RESIDENT HAS A IT WAS UTTERLY FAILING TO WIN THEM IN THE AESTHETIC
NUMBER OF SUSTAINABLE FEATURES INCLUDING A SYSTEM REALM 3USTAINABLE BUILDING BECAME ASSOCIATED IN
FOR RECYCLING HOUSEHOLD WATER THE PUBLIC IMAGINATION WITH EARNEST UNINSPIRED
4HE 'REEN "UILDING #OUNCIL´S SUSTAINABLE DESIGNS THAT PUT ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS FAR AHEAD
RATING SYSTEM FOR NEW BUILDINGS°KNOWN BY OF ARTISTIC ONES CREATING WHAT SOME CRITICS DUBBED
ITS ACRONYM ,%%$ FOR ,EADERSHIP IN %NERGY AND THE CURSE OF ±ECO
BANALITY² )F IN RECENT YEARS YOU
%NVIRONMENTAL $ESIGN°HAS ACHIEVED WIDE CULTURAL ASKED THE AVERAGE READER OF AN ARCHITECTURE OR
CURRENCY SINCE ITS FORMAL INTRODUCTION IN HOME
DESIGN MAGAZINE SAY TO CLOSE HER EYES AND
)T IS NOT UNUSUAL NOW EVEN FOR LARGE CORPORATE DESCRIBE WHAT CAME TO MIND AT THE MENTION OF
CLIENTS TO PUSH THEIR ARCHITECTS TO ACHIEVE A ,%%$ ±GREEN DESIGN² OR ±ECO
ARCHITECTURE ² SHE PROBABLY
RATING BECAUSE THEY KNOW THE PUBLIC EQUATES THOSE WOULD HAVE MENTIONED A SAGGING SOD ROOF OR A
STANDARDS WITH ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY -ORE CORPORATE OF½CE BUILDING WITH SOME ENERGY
EF½CIENT
THAN BUILDINGS IN THE 53 HAVE EARNED ,%%$ FEATURES BUT LITTLE TO RECOMMEND IT ARCHITECTURALLY
CERTI½CATION OR ARE SEEKING IT°ROUGHLY PERCENT 4HOSE ARCHITECTS MOST OFTEN COVERED IN THE
OF ALL COMMERCIAL CONSTRUCTION IN THIS COUNTRY DESIGN AND POPULAR PRESS ESPECIALLY ACADEMICS AND
WITH THAT PROPORTION SURELY BOUND TO INCREASE EACH SELF
STYLED MEMBERS OF THE AVANT
GARDE WASTED
YEAR !LREADY ROUGHLY ONE IN ½VE INSTITUTIONAL FEW OPPORTUNITIES TO DENIGRATE SUSTAINABLE DESIGN
AND GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS ARE BEING BUILT TO &OR THEM AS ONE WRITER PUT IT GREEN ARCHITECTURE
,%%$ STANDARDS ! ,%%$ PROGRAM FOR COMMERCIAL HAD ±NO EDGE NO BUZZ NO STYLE² )T WAS NOT ONLY
INTERIORS WAS LAUNCHED IN AND ONE FOR ±POPULATED BY THE SELF
RIGHTEOUS AND THE BADLY
RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE IN DRESSED² BUT ±A HAVEN FOR THE UNTALENTED WHERE
!NDREW "LUM ±'EORGE 7 "USH /NE OF THE BIGGEST DETERRENTS TO SUSTAINABLE ETHICS REPLACE AESTHETICS AND GET AWAY WITH IT²
"UILDS HIS $REAM (OUSE ² 4HE .EW BUILDING HAS BEEN THE PERCEPTION OF ADDED EXPENSE 4HE ARCHITECT 0ETER %ISENMAN LONG A MEMBER
9ORKER *ULY
"ARNABY * &EDER ±%NVIRONMENTALLY !CCORDING TO A STUDY COMMISSIONED BY THE STATE OF THE ARCHITECTURAL VANGUARD HAD THIS TO SAY ON
#ONSCIOUS $EVELOPERS 4RY TO 4URN OF #ALIFORNIA ,%%$ BUILDINGS COST AN AVERAGE OF THE SUBJECT AS LATE AS ±4O TALK TO ME ABOUT
'REEN INTO 0LATINUM ² 4HE .EW 9ORK
MORE PER SQUARE FOOT THAN TYPICAL CONSTRUCTION SUSTAINABILITY IS LIKE TALKING TO ME ABOUT GIVING
4IMES !UGUST
)BID "UT OVER TWENTY YEARS THE STUDY SUGGESTS ±THEY BIRTH !M ) AGAINST GIVING BIRTH .O "UT WOULD )
"ARNABY * &EDER ±! $IFFERENT %RA WOULD GENERATE SAVINGS OF A SQUARE FOOT LIKE TO SPEND MY TIME DOING IT .OT REALLY )´D RATHER
FOR !LTERNATIVE %NERGY ² 4HE .EW 9ORK
IN CURRENT DOLLARS FOR STANDARD
AND SILVER
CERTI½ED GO TO A BASEBALL GAME²
4IMES -AY
%LIZA "ARCLAY ±06
46 ! BUILDINGS AND FOR GOLD
AND PLATINUM
4HERE HAVE BEEN MANY EXPLANATIONS PUT FORTH
-ULTIFUNCTIONAL %CO
&RIENDLY CERTI½ED BUILDINGS² 4O BE FAIR THERE IS SOME ABOUT WHY SO MANY OF THE MOST FAMOUS ARCHITECTS
"UILDING -ATERIAL ² -ETROPOLIS
*ULY ONLINE EDITION AT GUESSWORK INVOLVED IN THESE PROJECTIONS THEY RELY IN THE WORLD SPENT THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS ¾EEING
WWWMETROPOLISMAGCOM ON ASSUMPTIONS THAT GREEN BUILDINGS WILL NOT ONLY SUSTAINABILITY AS QUICKLY AS THEIR 0RADA
CLAD FEET
3USANNAH (AGAN ±&IVE 2EASONS
HAVE LOWER OPERATING COSTS THAN TRADITIONAL ONES BUT COULD CARRY THEM (ARRISON &RAKER DEAN OF THE
TO !DOPT %NVIRONMENTAL $ESIGN ²
(ARVARD $ESIGN -AGAZINE 3PRING ALSO THAT THEY WILL BE MORE COMFORTABLE TO WORK IN #OLLEGE OF %NVIRONMENTAL $ESIGN AT THE 5NIVERSITY
3UMMER THEREBY INCREASING EMPLOYEE PRODUCTIVITY OF #ALIFORNIA AT "ERKELEY SUGGESTS THAT THEY HAVE
1UOTED IN #HRISTOPHER (AWTHORNE
-EANWHILE TECHNOLOGICAL AND MANUFACTURING FEARED ALLOWING ANYONE TO PULL BACK THE CURTAIN
±4HE #ASE FOR A 'REEN !ESTHETIC ²
-ETROPOLIS /CTOBER ADVANCES HAVE MADE MANY GREEN DESIGN FEATURES ON THE MYSTIQUE THAT MAINTAINS ANY KIND OF
Camera-Ready Green Design
15
CELEBRITY %VEN THOSE FAMOUS ARCHITECTS WHO DESIGN GLOBAL COMMITMENT TO GREEN ARCHITECTURE THE
ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS BUILDINGS°&RAKER SITUATION PROMISES TO GET MUCH WORSE !CCORDING
CITES THE HIGHLY REGARDED 3WISS DUO (ERZOG TO 7ILLIAM #LARK A PROFESSOR AT (ARVARD´S +ENNEDY
DE -EURON AS AN EXAMPLE°ARE WEARY OF THE ±GREEN 3CHOOL OF 'OVERNMENT ±/VER THE NEXT TWENTY TO
DESIGNER² LABEL ±4HEY WORRY THAT TALKING ABOUT GREEN FORTY YEARS BY ANY OF THE PREVAILING DEMOGRAPHIC
DESIGN WILL MAKE ENVIRONMENTALISM THE CENTER OF CALCULATIONS THERE WILL BE MORE URBAN BUILT
THEIR PUBLIC REPUTATION ² HE ARGUES !ND THAT IN ENVIRONMENT CREATED THAN IN ALL PRIOR HISTORY²
TURN MIGHT DIMINISH THEIR APPEAL -UCH OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE IS THE
! DIFFERENT ASSESSMENT COMES FROM 3USANNAH INDIRECT RESULT MANY GREEN DESIGN ADVOCATES SAY
(AGAN WHO RUNS A MASTER´S PROGRAM IN SUSTAINABILITY OF AN ARCHITECTURE THAT HAS INCREASINGLY ALIENATED
AT THE 5NIVERSITY OF %AST ,ONDON AND HAS WRITTEN ITS USERS FROM THE NATURAL WORLD ±/UR CULTURE HAS
EXTENSIVELY ON THE SUBJECT &OR HER THE TRADITIONAL ADOPTED A DESIGN STRATAGEM THAT ESSENTIALLY SAYS
DISTANCE BETWEEN THE AVANT GARDE AND GREEN DESIGN THAT IF BRUTE FORCE OR MASSIVE AMOUNTS OF ENERGY
HAS HAD MORE TO DO WITH THE FORMER´S PREOCCUPATION DON´T WORK YOU´RE NOT USING ENOUGH OF IT ² SAYS THE
WITH THEORY OVER MATERIAL 4HOUGH THE SUSTAINABILITY ARCHITECT 7ILLIAM -C$ONOUGH AMONG THE BEST
MOVEMENT RESTS ON A PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATION MADE KNOWN PRACTITIONERS OF SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE
UP OF ½GURES AS DIVERSE AS *OHN -UIR (ENRY $AVID 7E MADE GLASS BUILDINGS THAT ARE MORE ABOUT
4HOREAU %DWARD !BBEY AND 2ACHEL #ARSON ON A BUILDINGS THAN THEY ARE ABOUT PEOPLE
DAY TO DAY LEVEL THE PRACTICE OF GREEN ARCHITECTURE HAS 4HE HOPE THAT GLASS WOULD CONNECT US TO THE
MORE TO DO WITH HANDS ON PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS OUTDOORS WAS COMPLETELY STULTI½ED BY MAKING
THAN IT DOES WITH DEEP THINKING OR DAZZLING THEORY )N THE BUILDINGS SEALED 7E HAVE CREATED STRESS IN
THE THEORETICAL WING OF THE ARCHITECTURE PROFESSION PEOPLE BECAUSE WE ARE MEANT TO BE CONNECTED
(AGAN SENSES WHAT SHE CALLS ±A SOMETIMES EXPLICIT WITH THE OUTDOORS BUT INSTEAD WE ARE
SOMETIMES SUBLIMINAL RESISTANCE TO ARCHITECTURE TRAPPED 0EOPLE ARE SENSING HOW HORRIFYING
AS MATTER² !ND FOR STAR ARCHITECTS THEIR CELEBRITY IT CAN BE TO BE TRAPPED INDOORS ESPECIALLY WITH
KEPT ALOFT BY BUZZ AND MYSTERY MATTER CAN SEEM THE THOUSANDS UPON THOUSANDS OF CHEMICALS
DANGEROUSLY CLOSE TO MUNDANE THAT ARE BEING USED TO MAKE THINGS TODAY
'REEN DESIGN EXPERTS HAVE POINTED OUT THAT
The Damage Done MOST CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE IS CONNECTED
4HOSE ARCHITECTS´ COMPLAINTS ABOUT GREEN DESIGN´S TO GLOBALIZATION OF THE MOST DESTRUCTIVE ORDER
LACK OF STYLE OF COURSE WERE THE DESIGN WORLD ±0HILLIPINE FORESTS ARE CLEAR CUT FOR PLYWOOD USED TO
EQUIVALENT OF ½DDLING WHILE 2OME BURNED )NDEED BUILD OF½CES IN *APAN ² NOTES THE 2OCKY -OUNTAIN
FOR ANYONE WHO HASN´T HEARD THEM BEFORE THE )NSTITUTE´S 0RIMER ON 3USTAINABLE "UILDING
STATISTICS ON THE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE THAT THE BUILDING (OMES IN 3OUTHERN #ALIFORNIA ARE FRAMED
INDUSTRIES DO TO THE ENVIRONMENT CAN BE STAGGERING WITH OLD GROWTH LUMBER FROM 7ASHINGTON
"Y ONE RECENT MEASURE BUILDINGS USE PERCENT OF AND POWERED BY BURNING COAL STRIP MINED
ALL THE ENERGY CONSUMED IN THE 5NITED 3TATES EACH FROM .AVAJO SACRED LANDS IN !RIZONA )BID
(AGAN ±&IVE 2EASONS ²
YEAR AND ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR ABOUT HALF OF !MERICAN 5LTIMATELY THE COSTS OF POOR DESIGN ARE #HRISTOPHER (AWTHORNE ±4URNING
GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS WHICH DRIVE GLOBAL BORNE NOT SOLELY BY A BUILDING´S OWNER $OWN THE 'LOBAL 4HERMOSTAT ²
-ETROPOLIS /CTOBER
WARMING -ORE THAN ONE THIRD OF THE MATERIAL AND THOSE WHO WORK AND LIVE THERE BUT
(AWTHORNE ±4HE #ASE FOR A 'REEN
CLOGGING 53 LAND½LLS IS PRODUCED BY THE CONSTRUCTION BY EVERYONE !ESTHETIC ²
AND DEMOLITION OF BUILDINGS 7ORLDWIDE THE )N THE FACE OF SUCH STATISTICS IT IS EASY TO DESPAIR ±#LIMATE #HANGE 4HE "IG %MITTERS ²
""# .EWS *ULY ONLINE
NUMBERS ARE NOT QUITE SO BAD BUT STILL DRASTICALLY ABOUT THE POSSIBILITY OF A TURNAROUND ESPECIALLY
EDITION AT HTTPNEWSBBCCOUK
WORSE THAN THEY OUGHT TO BE AND SOARING POPULATION ONE LED BY ARCHITECTURE°AND MORE SPECI½CALLY 7ILLIAM #LARK ±7HAT #AN 7E $O ²
GROWTH AND RAPID INDUSTRIALIZATION AND URBANIZATION BY RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE !FTER ALL THE NUMBER (ARVARD $ESIGN -AGAZINE 3PRING
3UMMER
IN #HINA )NDIA AND ELSEWHERE PROMISES TO WIPE OUT OF PRIVATE HOMES DESIGNED BY ARCHITECTS EACH YEAR 7ILLIAM -C$ONOUGH ±$ESIGN
THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRESS BEING MADE IN BOTH THE AROUND THE WORLD IS TINY COMPARED TO THE MANY %COLOGY %THICS AND THE -AKING OF
4HINGS ² %ARTH )SLAND *OURNAL
DEVELOPED AND DEVELOPING WORLD )NDEED #HINA BUILDINGS FROM HOUSING DEVELOPMENTS TO OF½CE
3PRING ONLINE EDITION AT
NOW RANKS SECOND IN THE WORLD BEHIND ONLY THE PARKS THAT ARE CONSTRUCTED WITHOUT THE BENE½T OF WWWEARTHISLANDORGEIJOURNAL
5NITED 3TATES AS AN EMITTER OF GREENHOUSE GASES A DESIGN PROFESSIONAL 7HAT´S MORE THOSE $IANNA ,OPEZ "ARNETT ET AL 0RIMER
ON 3USTAINABLE $ESIGN 3NOWMASS
AND IS LIKELY TO TAKE OVER THE TOP SPOT ON THAT DUBIOUS DESIGNED BY THE ARCHITECTS ON THE CUTTING EDGE OF
#OLORADO 2OCKY -OUNTAIN )NSTITUTE
LIST WITHIN THE NEXT DECADE !ND WITHOUT A DRASTIC THE PROFESSION WOULD SEEM TO HAVE LITTLE DIRECT
Introduction
16
CONNECTION TO THE KIND OF SUBURBAN TRACT HOUSES ARCHITECTURAL°DEVELOPMENTS ±!T THE BEGINNING
PRODUCED ON A MASSIVE SCALE OF THE ;TWENTIETH= CENTURY TECHNOLOGY WAS LIKE A
"UT ARCHITECTURE IS A ½ELD LIKE FASHION WHERE BIG TRAIN BREAKING EVERYTHING A KILLING MACHINE ²
STYLE AND EVEN AVANT
GARDE STYLE MATTERS MORE AND 0IANO HAS SAID ±)T WAS REALLY AN ADVERSARY TO NATURE
MORE AND IS SEPARATED FROM THE MAN ON THE STREET "UT TODAY YOU CAN BEGIN TO SEE THAT TECHNOLOGY AND
LESS AND LESS WITH EACH PASSING YEAR !RCHITECTS NATURE ARE NOT SO FAR APART²
AND BUILDERS ALIKE°EVEN THOSE WITHOUT FANCY 4O BE SURE THERE IS NO SHORTAGE IN TODAY´S WORLD
REPUTATIONS°READ THE ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN PRESS OF THREATS AND SOURCES OF ANXIETY FROM TERRORISM
AS SURELY AS MERCHANDISERS FOR 4ARGET OR -ACY´S TO EMERGING STRAINS OF DISEASE "UT AS THE AUTHOR
FOLLOW WHAT IS ON THE RUNWAY IN -ILAN OR 0ARIS %LIZABETH 7ILHIDE POINTS OUT IN HER RECENT BOOK
3INCE THE OPENING OF &RANK 'EHRY´S BRANCH OF %CO ±/F ALL THE DANGERS THAT THREATEN OUR WORLD
THE 'UGGENHEIM -USEUM IN "ILBAO 3PAIN THERE DAMAGE TO THE ENVIRONMENT IS ONE MENACE WE
HAS BEEN A MUCH
TOUTED EXPLOSION OF INTEREST IN CAN ALL DO SOMETHING ABOUT² !ND IT MAKES BETTER
DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURE AND NEW CONNECTIONS HAVE SENSE THAN WE MAY REALIZE TO BEGIN THAT EFFORT WITH
BEEN FORGED BETWEEN HIGH
DESIGN ARCHITECTURE ARCHITECTURE 4HOUGH THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY AS
AND THE PUBLIC AT LARGE %VEN BEFORE IT OPENED WE´VE SEEN DOES MORE DAMAGE TO THE ENVIRONMENT
IN IN DOWNTOWN ,OS !NGELES 'EHRY´S 7ALT THAN ANY OTHER SINGLE SECTOR OF SOCIETY IT SOMEHOW
$ISNEY #ONCERT (ALL WAS APPEARING IN CAR ADS IN CONTINUES TO ESCAPE THE SORT OF PUBLIC SCRUTINY OR
GLOSSY MAGAZINES°SURELY PROOF IF ANY WERE STILL SCORN THAT GREETS OTHER POLLUTERS 7HY FOR EXAMPLE
NEEDED THAT CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE IS NO LONGER DOES THE 356 CONTINUE TO QUALIFY AS THE BoTE
NOIRE
ESTRANGED FROM POPULAR CULTURE OF ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATES AS 4HE .EW 9ORK 4IMES
-EANWHILE THE NUMBER OF WELL
KNOWN OR AVANT
RECENTLY PUT IT WHEN THE BUILDING TRADES DO
GARDE ARCHITECTS WHOSE ½RMS HAVE BEEN PURSUING ABOUT SIX TIMES MORE DAMAGE THAN AUTOMOBILES
SUSTAINABLE DESIGN IN GOOD FAITH HAS BEEN GROWING IN TERMS OF ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND CARBON
#HARLOTTE 2ESIDENCE BY 7ILLIAM 4HIS GROUP NOW INCLUDES SUCH LUMINARIES AS 2ENZO DIOXIDE EMISSIONS
-C$ONOUGH 0ARTNERS 0IANO 3IR .ORMAN &OSTER 'LENN -URCUTT AND (ERZOG )F WE BEGAN TO LOOK AT THE DAMAGE THAT IS DONE
DE -EURON ALL OF WHOM HAVE WON THE 0RITZKER BY THE BUILDINGS WHERE WE WORK PLAY AND LIVE WE
0RIZE ARCHITECTURE´S VERSION OF THE .OBEL 3ANTIAGO MIGHT ½ND A MORE APPROPRIATE PLACE TO ATTACH OUR
#ALATRAVA DESIGNER OF THE CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED WORRY AND BEGIN TO DO THE SLOW PERSISTENT WORK
NEW TRANSIT HUB FOR THE 7ORLD 4RADE #ENTER SITE IN OF TURNING THE ENVIRONMENTAL SITUATION AROUND
LOWER -ANHATTAN LENT HIS SKILLS TO A PROGRESSIVE )NDEED IT IS PRECISELY BECAUSE !MERICAN HOMES
SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBORHOOD IN -ALMO 3WEDEN 7HAT AND OTHER BUILDINGS ARE SO WASTEFUL OF ENERGY
ALL OF THIS MEANS FOR THE GREEN DESIGN MOVEMENT IS THAT THEY REPRESENT SUCH A TREMENDOUS POTENTIAL
SIMPLE NOT ONLY DO ARCHITECTS HAVE A CELEBRITY STATUS FOR NEWFOUND SAVINGS *UST TO PICK ONE EXAMPLE
THAT THEY DID NOT POSSESS A DECADE AGO BUT EVEN THEIR OF INEF½CIENCY EVERY YEAR BILLION WORTH OF
EXPERIMENTAL WORK HAS BECOME PART OF MAINSTREAM ENERGY IN THE FORM OF HEATED OR COOLED AIR ESCAPES
CULTURE 4HE FACT THAT MANY FAMOUS ARCHITECTS ARE THROUGH CRACKS AND HOLES IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS
TURNING TO GREEN ARCHITECTURE SUGGESTS SUSTAINABILITY IN THE 5NITED 3TATES ALONE %VEN IF WE ARE NOT
WILL GAIN EXPOSURE IN THE MEDIA AND ELSEWHERE THAT HOMEOWNERS OUR RESIDENCE REMAINS THE ONE PLACE
IT MIGHT NOT RECEIVE OTHERWISE WHERE WE CONTROL THE INSTITUTIONAL BEHAVIOR AS IT
)T IS ALSO ENCOURAGING THAT TECHNOLOGICAL WERE !ND FOR THOSE OF US LUCKY ENOUGH NOT JUST TO
PROGRESS SO LONG THE ENEMY OF THE NATURAL WORLD IS BUY BUT TO BUILD OUR OWN HOMES THE LEVEL OF CONTROL
1UOTED IN #ALVIN 4OMKINS ±4HE
INCREASINGLY BEING PUT IN THE SERVICE OF SAVING AND SHOOTS WAY UP (OME IS WHERE GREEN ARCHITECTURE
0IANO 0RINCIPLE ² 4HE .EW 9ORKER
!UGUST RESTORING NATURE°AND THAT THIS NEW PARTNERSHIP IS BEGINS°OR AT LEAST WHERE IT OUGHT TO
%LIZABETH 7ILHIDE %CO !N %SSENTIAL PRODUCING SOME OF ITS MOST SIGNI½CANT DIVIDENDS IN
3OURCEBOOK FOR %NVIRONMENTALLY
&RIENDLY $ESIGN AND $ECORATION THE REALM OF ARCHITECTURE WHERE MODELING PROGRAMS
.EW 9ORK 2IZZOLI TO PICK ONE EXAMPLE NOW HELP DESIGNERS MEASURE
$ANNY (AKIM ±! 3HADE OF 'REEN
THE EF½CIENCY OF THEIR BUILDINGS WITH REMARKABLE
356´S 4RY TO 3OFTEN )MAGE ² 4HE .EW
9ORK 4IMES &EBRUARY ACCURACY WHILE THEY ARE STILL ON THE COMPUTER SCREEN
(AWTHORNE ±4URNING $OWN THE !S A RESULT GREEN ARCHITECTS OF ALL KINDS ARE DITCHING
'LOBAL 4HERMOSTAT ²
THEIR OLD REPUTATION AS REGRESSIVE ,UDDITES WHO WERE
(AWTHORNE ±4HE #ASE FOR A 'REEN
!ESTHETIC ² CONTENT TO LABOR IN ISOLATION FROM CULTURAL°AND
Camera-Ready Green Design
17
city
Cities have been around for more
than six thousand years, drawing successive waves of new
residents with their blend of commerce, culture, energy, and
opportunity. The first city to surpass a population of one
million was Baghdad, thirteen centuries ago. London topped
five million in 1825; New York exceeded ten million a hundred
years later. The metropolitan area around Tokyo surpassed
twenty million in 1965 and is now closing in on thirty.
!T THE START OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY THERE WERE SIXTEEN CITIES WITH ONE MILLION
INHABITANTS BY THE END OF IT THERE WERE NEARLY FOUR HUNDRED 4ODAY´S ±MEGA ² OR
±HYPERCITIES² HAVE BECOME CHOKED WITH PEOPLE "OMBAY 3jO 0AULO -EXICO #ITY
,OS !NGELES 3HANGHAI AND "UENOS !IRES ALL HAVE POPULATIONS IN EXCESS OF TEN MILLION
&OR THE ½RST TIME IN HUMAN HISTORY MORE PEOPLE LIVE IN CITIES THAN OUTSIDE OF THEM
&OR A LONG TIME CITIES HAD A HORRIBLE REPUTATION WHEN IT CAME TO THE ENVI
RONMENT 4HEY WERE THOUGHT TO BE CONCRETE JUNGLES WHERE RESIDENTS WERE CUT
OFF FROM GRASS TREES AND FRESH AIR AND LIVED OUT OF ECOLOGICAL BALANCE 3OME OF
THAT REPUTATION IS DESERVED CITIES TODAY CONSUME MORE THAN PERCENT OF THE
WORLD´S RESOURCES ALTHOUGH THEY TAKE UP A MERE PERCENT OF ITS LAND SURFACE "UT
RECENTLY A MORE COMPLEX ASSESSMENT OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN URBANISM AND
SUSTAINABILITY HAS EMERGED &IRST CITIES HAVE BECOME MORE LIVABLE THANKS TO
FALLING CRIME RATES AND INCREASED ATTENTION TO ISSUES LIKE AIR QUALITY 3ECOND CITIES
ARE INHERENTLY DENSE AND DENSITY CAN GREATLY REDUCE A SOCIETY´S OVERALL DRAIN ON
NATURAL RESOURCES !N APARTMENT DWELLER WHO OCCUPIES LESS THAN SQUARE
FEET HAS NO LAWN TO WATER SHARES A HEATING SYSTEM WITH HIS FELLOW TENANTS AND
USES PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IS FAR KINDER TO THE ENVIRONMENT THAN HIS COUNTERPART IN
THE SUBURBS WHO DRIVES EVERYWHERE AND LIVES IN A SINGLE FAMILY HOUSE ON ITS OWN
LANDSCAPED PLOT
4HE MOST SUCCESSFUL GREEN PROJECTS IN CITIES ARE SMALL AND MODERATELY DENSE
SUCH AS APARTMENTS CLUSTERED IN STRUCTURES OF LESS THAN SIX STORIES "UT LOW IMPACT
City
18
MATERIALS AND TECHNOLOGIES ARE ALSO INCREASINGLY COMMON IN RESIDENTIAL HIGH
RISES
WHICH TAKE ADVANTAGE OF GREEN CONSTRUCTION METHODS DEVELOPED FOR COMMERCIAL
BUILDINGS "UILDERS HAVE MADE GREAT STRIDES IN REDUCING ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT BY
USING HARVESTED LUMBER AND RECYCLED MATERIALS THE INSTALLATION OF NON
TOXIC AND
ENERGY
EF½CIENT INSULATION SYSTEMS AND THE SELECTION OF BUILDING SITES THAT TAKE
MAXIMUM ADVANTAGE OF SOLAR AND WIND POWER AS WELL AS ACCESS TO PUBLIC TRANS
PORTATION )T IS WORTH NOTING THAT ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR TYPES OF URBAN CONSTRUC
TION ° CONVERTING INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS INTO RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES ° IS INTRINSICALLY
GREEN 2ECYCLING AND RENEWING OLD STRUCTURES ARE AMONG THE BEST WAYS TO MINI
MIZE WASTE AND PRESERVE RESOURCES
#ITIES LARGE AND SMALL HAVE DEPLOYED SUCCESSFUL PROGRAMS TO HALT SPRAWL WITH
THE HELP OF TAX BREAKS AND OTHER INCENTIVES FOR INNER
CITY DEVELOPMENT 3OME
HAVE BEGUN TO REDEVELOP THEIR WATERFRONT DISTRICTS INTO CULTURAL AND RESIDENTIAL
ZONES RENOVATING THEIR EXISTING STOCK OF BUILDINGS IN THE PROCESS 0LANNERS ARE ALSO
NARROWING COMMUTING DISTANCES BETWEEN COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL AREAS AND
DESIGNING EVER MORE SOPHISTICATED SYSTEMS OF TRANSPORTATION WITHIN RESIDENTIAL
DEVELOPMENTS -ANY ARCHITECTS AND PLANNERS ARE THINKING MORE BROADLY ABOUT THE
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF THEIR BUILDING METHODS FOR EXAMPLE BY INCLUDING TRANS
PORTATION COSTS IN THEIR CALCULATIONS ABOUT THE SUSTAINABILITY OF DIFFERENT MATERIALS
7ITH ITS RECYCLABLE RESOURCES EXISTING INFRASTRUCTURE AND DENSITY OF SUPPLIERS THE
CITY TURNS OUT TO BE A POTENTIALLY ECO
FRIENDLY SITE FOR HOME CONSTRUCTION
5RBAN CONSTRUCTION OFFERS NUMEROUS OPPORTUNITIES FOR SECURING BUILDINGS
AGAINST ENERGY LOSS -ANY STRUCTURES ESPECIALLY IN DENSE URBAN CORES ARE ERECTED
BETWEEN EXISTING BUILDINGS AND THEREFORE EXPOSED TO THE ELEMENTS ON ONLY TWO
SIDES !ND INCREASINGLY CITIES ARE TURNING BUILDING TOPS INTO ±ECO
ROOFS ² PLANTED
WITH SOD OR NATIVE GRASSES WHICH HELP LOWER A STRUCTURE´S ENERGY USE BY PROMOTING
NATURAL EVAPORATION IN SUMMER AND PROVIDING INSULATION IN WINTER 'REEN ROOFS
ARE APPEARING AT A TIME WHEN WE ARE REALIZING THAT CITIES RESEMBLE NATURE MORE
CLOSELY THAN WE ONCE ADMITTED ° AND VICE VERSA !S *ANE *ACOBS WROTE IN A
ARTICLE FOR 4HE .EW 9ORK 4IMES -AGAZINE ±)N ITS NEED FOR VARIETY AND ACCEPTANCE
OF RANDOMNESS A ¾OURISHING NATURAL ECOSYSTEM IS MORE LIKE A CITY THAN LIKE A
PLANTATION 0ERHAPS IT WILL BE THE CITY THAT REAWAKENS OUR UNDERSTANDING AND
APPRECIATION OF NATURE IN ALL ITS TEEMING UNPREDICTABLE COMPLEXITY²
City
Urban
19
City
20
P.A.R.A.S.I.T.E. project
ARCHITECTURAL FIRM DESIGNERS
LOCATION
Rotterdam, the Netherlands
YEAR
Korteknie Stuhlmacher Architecten Rien Korteknie and 2001
Mechthild Stuhlmacher
!T ½RST GLANCE IT´S HARD TO TELL WHAT THE ANGULAR BUILDING WASTE WOOD AND CAN BE USED FOR WALLS ¾OORS
AND EVEN ROOFS 4HE PANELS ARE LOAD BEARING AND
PAINTED A SHADE OF LIGHT GREEN BORDERING ON CHARTREUSE IS INSULATING AT THE SAME TIME THOUGH IN SOME
DOING ATTACHED TO THE ROOF OF A WAREHOUSE NEAR THE -AAS CLIMATES ADDITIONAL INSULATION MAY BE NEEDED
4HE PROJECT´S MOST SUSTAINABLE FEATURE IS THE
2IVER IN 2OTTERDAM )T LOOKS AS THOUGH IT COULD BE A SCULPTURE WAY IT RELATES TO THE CITY 4HE STRUCTURE SUGGESTS
A TYPE OF HOUSING THAT WOULD TAKE ADVANTAGE OF
OR TEMPORARY ARTWORK OR A PIECE OF ARCHITECTURE PRODUCED EXISTING AND OFTEN UNDERUSED WATER AND HEATING
AS A LARK !CTUALLY THE BUILDING IS A PROTOTYPE FOR AN ENTIRELY SYSTEMS IN OLD INDUSTRIAL BUILDINGS )T WOULD ALSO
TIE DIRECTLY INTO URBAN TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS AND
NEW KIND OF URBAN HOUSING ONE THAT MIXES PRAGMATISM ADD TO THE DENSITY OF %UROPEAN CITIES CUTTING BACK
THE NEED FOR RESOURCE DRAINING SUBURBAN SPRAWL
AND SUSTAINABILITY WITH A DESIGN SENSIBILITY THAT IS FAR MORE )NDEED THE DESIGN OF THIS 2OTTERDAM 0!2!3)4%
SOPHISTICATED THAN IT INITIALLY APPEARS TO BE OFFERS SOMETHING OF A CRITIQUE THE ARCHITECTS SAY
OF HOUSING POLICY IN THE .ETHERLANDS A COUNTRY
4HIS IS THE 0!2!3)4% PROJECT DESIGNED BY THAT HAS STRUGGLED TO CONTROL DEVELOPMENT IN THE
A PAIR OF $UTCH ARCHITECTS NAMED 2IEN +ORTEKNIE SUBURBAN AREAS BETWEEN ITS BIGGEST CITIES 7HAT
AND -ECHTHILD 3TUHLMACHER )T IS THE ½RST THEY PROPOSE IS A STYLISH NEW KIND OF URBAN IN½LL
REALIZED PROJECT IN A SERIES OF EXPERIMENTAL SMALL A TYPE OF CITY APARTMENT THAT DOESN´T REQUIRE AN
HOUSES DEVELOPED TO COINCIDE WITH 2OTTERDAM´S EMPTY LOT OR THE DEMOLITION OF AN EXISTING BUILDING
DESIGNATION AS THE %UROPEAN #ULTURAL #APITAL +ORTEKNIE AND 3TUHLMACHER DESIGNED THE HOUSE
IN 4HE IDEA WAS TO ENLIST YOUNG ARCHITECTS WITH ADVANCED COMPUTER MODELING SOFTWARE
TO DESIGN PROTOTYPES FOR HOUSING THAT MAKE 4HEY USED THE SAME PROGRAM TO RUN THE MILLING
PARASITIC USE OF EXISTING URBAN INFRASTRUCTURE MACHINES IN THE ,ENO4EC FACTORY AS THEY USED TO
!S THE PROGRAM´S MATERIALS PUT IT THE SITES FOR DESIGN THE PANELS 4HE PANELS WERE TRUCKED TO THE
THESE PROJECTS ARE MEANT TO BE ±ALL KINDS OF URBAN SITE AND BASIC ASSEMBLY WAS COMPLETED IN JUST FOUR
LOCATIONS THAT ARE USUALLY REGARDED AS BEING DAYS 4HE 0!2!3)4% JUST UNDER SQUARE
UNSUITABLE FOR PERMANENT INHABITATION SUCH AS FEET IN TOTAL WAS BUILT FOR ABOUT PER SQUARE
FORMER INDUSTRIAL SITES THE ¾AT ROOFS OF EXISTING FOOT ° LESS THAN HALF THE AVERAGE COST FOR ARCHITECT
BUILDINGS LOCATIONS ON THE WATER ² OR OTHER DESIGNED HOMES IN THE 5NITED 3TATES WHICH RUN
±DISUSED² SPOTS IN THE CONTEMPORARY CITY 4HE ROUGHLY PER SQUARE FOOT AND UP
ACRONYM 0!2!3)4% STANDS FOR 0ROTOTYPE FOR &ROM THE OUTSIDE THE BUILDING MAY LOOK
!DVANCED 2EADY MADE !MPHIBIOUS 3MALL SCALE TEMPORARY AND EVEN FRAGILE BUT INSIDE IT FEELS
)NDIVIDUAL 4EMPORARY %COLOGICAL DWELLING SURPRISINGLY PERMANENT AND ½NISHED 4HE SPACES
4HE BUILDING SITE FOR +ORTEKNIE AND ARE BEAUTIFULLY AND INTELLIGENTLY PROPORTIONED
3TUHLMACHER´S 0!2!3)4% PROJECT IS THE TOP AND OFFER DRAMATIC VIEWS OF 2OTTERDAM INCLUDING
OF A WAREHOUSE IN 2OTTERDAM CALLED ,AS 0ALMAS MOST PROMINENTLY 5. 3TUDIO´S HIGHLY ACCLAIMED
WHICH HAS BEEN RENOVATED AND NOW SERVES AS AN %RASMUS "RIDGE
: 4HE ½RST 0!2!3)4% PROJECT
EXHIBITION SPACE FOR ART SHOWS DESIGN EXHIBITIONS 4HIS ATTENTION TO DETAIL IS ALSO PART OF THE
A PROTOTYPE FOR A SUSTAINABLE
AND OTHER EVENTS 4HEIR PROTOTYPE IS DESIGNED TO ARCHITECTS´ COMMENTARY ON TYPICAL RESIDENTIAL
OPPORTUNISTIC KIND OF URBAN
EXPLORE THE POTENTIAL OF NEW ARCHITECTURAL SYSTEMS CONSTRUCTION IN THE .ETHERLANDS PARTICULARLY IN
HOUSING IS ATTACHED TO A STAIRWELL
THAT COMBINE SUSTAINABILITY AND PREFABRICATION THE SUBURBS WHILE SOME OF THE COUNTRY´S BEST
ATOP A RENOVATED WAREHOUSE IN
THE $UTCH CITY OF 2OTTERDAM )N THIS CASE THE ARCHITECTS USED LARGE LAMINATED KNOWN ARCHITECTS HAVE BEEN HIRED TO PRODUCE
PANELS CALLED ,ENO4EC THAT ARE MADE OF %UROPEAN NEW SUBURBAN DEVELOPMENTS THEY HAVE TENDED
P.A.R.A.S.I.T.E. Project
21
TO LAVISH MORE CARE ON THE EXTERIOR ARCHITECTURE < &ACTORY
BUILT PANELS MADE OF
THAN ON THE INTERIORS MAKING FOR COMPLEXES THAT WASTE WOOD WERE SHIPPED TO THE
LOOK GREAT IN MAGAZINE SPREADS BUT DON´T ALWAYS SITE AND ASSEMBLED ON THE ROOF
PLEASE THEIR RESIDENTS 4HE 0!2!3)4% PROJECT OF THE WAREHOUSE BEFORE BEING
IS DESIGNED WITH DIFFERENT PRIORITIES 4HOUGH THE RAISED INTO PLACE
HOUSE LOOKS AD
HOC FROM THE OUTSIDE MOST VISITORS
GIVEN THE OPPORTUNITY TO TOUR THE INTERIOR MAKE 9 ! BIRD´S
EYE VIEW OF THE
EXACTLY THE SAME PRONOUNCEMENT THEY WOULDN´T ½NISHED HOUSE REVEALS ITS
MIND LIVING HERE THEMSELVES PARASITIC USE OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE
OF THE BUILDING UNDERNEATH
City
22
Urban
23
City
24
< \ < %LEVATIONS ILLUSTRATE HOW THE
HOUSE PERCHES ATOP THE EXISTING
BUILDING´S STAIRWELL
; 4HE ¾OOR PLAN SHOWS INTERIOR
STAIRS LEADING FROM A SINGLE ROOM
ON THE LOWER LEVEL TO A LIVING
SPACE AND TERRACE UPSTAIRS
: ! LONG STAIR BOTTOM LEFT
LEADS TO TWO ¾OORS OF INTERIOR
SPACE AND A TERRACE 4HE ROOMS
LOOK UN½NISHED BUT ACHIEVE A
SURPRISINGLY SOPHISTICATED FEEL
P.A.R.A.S.I.T.E. Project
25
City
30
LOCATION
Colorado Court
ARCHITECTURAL FIRM DESIGNER
Santa Monica, California
YEAR
Pugh + Scarpa Architecture Angela Brooks 2002
4HE MOST ADVANCED SUSTAINABLE PROJECTS TEND TO SERVE HIGH COST OF A TWO BEDROOM RENTAL IN 3AN -ONICA NEARLY
DOUBLED JUMPING FROM PER MONTH TO MORE
END CLIENTS WHETHER THEY ARE WEALTHY FAR SIGHTED INDIVIDUALS THAN $URING THE SAME PERIOD THE MEDIAN
WILLING TO PAY EXTRA TO PUSH THE BOUNDARIES OF GREEN DESIGN VALUE OF A HOUSE IN THE CITY ROSE BY PERCENT
4HE APARTMENTS IN #OLORADO #OURT OFFER A MUCH
OR DEEP POCKETED COMPANIES BANKING ON THE LONG TERM NEEDED ALTERNATIVE 4HE SINGLE RESIDENCY STUDIO
APARTMENTS THOUGH SMALL AT TO SQUARE FEET
BENE½TS AND POSITIVE PUBLICITY THAT COME ALONG WITH ARE A BARGAIN BY THE CITY´S STANDARDS RENTING FOR
ENVIRONMENTALLY EF½CIENT ARCHITECTURE 6ERY FEW COMMERCIAL AROUND PER MONTH &URTHERMORE TENANTS PAY
VIRTUALLY NO UTILITY BILLS !S THE ARCHITECTS EXPLAIN
CLIENTS WHO ARE SCRAMBLING TO MAKE ENDS MEET DECIDE TO IN A DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT THEY PREPARED FOR THE
53 $EPARTMENT OF %NERGY #OLORADO #OURT´S AIM IS
INVEST AGGRESSIVELY IN SUSTAINABLE DESIGN !ND MOST LANDLORDS TO ±MAINTAIN SOCIOECONOMIC DIVERSITY IN THIS HIGHLY
ARE NOT ABOUT TO INSTALL SOLAR PANELS OR RECYCLED WATER SYSTEMS DESIRABLE BEACH COMMUNITY ;WITH= AN ACCELERATING
COST OF LIVING²
JUST SO THEY CAN HELP LOWER THEIR TENANTS´ UTILITY BILLS "UT 0UGH 3CARPA PARTNER !NGELA "ROOKS SUGGESTS
AT THE CORNER OF &IFTH 3TREET AND #OLORADO !VENUE IN 3ANTA THAT LOW INCOME TENANTS ARE PRECISELY THE KIND
OF RESIDENTS WHOM GREEN ARCHITECTURE OUGHT TO
-ONICA STANDS A MONUMENT TO A DIFFERENT KIND OF GREEN BE SERVING ° PARTICULARLY IN #ALIFORNIA WHERE THE
UTILITY MARKETS HAVE BEEN PRONE TO HUGE PRICE
THINKING ITS GRID OF BLUE SOLAR PANELS RE¾ECTING THE BRIGHT UPSWINGS IN RECENT YEARS ±4HIS GROUP OF PEOPLE
3OUTHERN #ALIFORNIA SUNSHINE #OLORADO #OURT A ½VE STORY IS THE LEAST ABLE TO PAY FOR THINGS LIKE WATER AND
POWER ² SHE SAYS ±7HEN UTILITY BILLS GO UP IT HURTS
FORTY FOUR¯UNIT APARTMENT COMPLEX THAT WELCOMED ITS ½RST THEM MUCH MORE THAN OTHERS²
.EEDLESS TO SAY RENTAL REVENUES ARE NOT ENOUGH
TENANTS IN EARLY IS THE ½RST LARGE RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX IN TO PAY THE MORTGAGE 4HE BUILDING´S TOTAL BUDGET
THE 5NITED 3TATES TO COMBINE ADVANCED SUSTAINABILITY WITH OF MILLION ° NOT INCLUDING THE LAND IT SITS ON
WHICH WAS DONATED BY THE CITY ° WAS FUNDED BY A
LOW INCOME HOUSING )T WAS NAMED ONE OF THE 4OP 4EN 'REEN COMPLICATED MIXTURE OF SOURCES AND COORDINATED
BY ITS DEVELOPER THE NONPRO½T #OMMUNITY
0ROJECTS OF BY THE !MERICAN )NSTITUTE OF !RCHITECTS #ORPORATION OF 3ANTA -ONICA $IRECT GRANTS WERE
$ESIGNED BY THE 3ANTA -ONICA ½RM 0UGH COMBINED WITH TAX BREAKS TO GET THE BUILDING OFF
3CARPA #OLORADO #OURT PRODUCES ENOUGH ENERGY THE GROUND 4HE ARCHITECTS ESTIMATE THAT THE GREEN
TO SATISFY PERCENT OF ITS POWER NEEDS !ND IT FEATURES ADDED ABOUT TO THE COST OF EACH
INCLUDES A LIST OF SUSTAINABLE FEATURES AS LONG AS UNIT OR JUST OVER IN TOTAL
ANY BUILDING IN !MERICA FROM AGE OLD GESTURES LIKE &ROM THE BEGINNING IT WAS IMPORTANT TO THE
NATURAL VENTILATION TO RECYCLED MATERIALS )T ALSO ARCHITECTS WHO WORK IN THE MODERNIST VEIN THAT
MAKES AN EFFORT TO ½GHT SPRAWL BY KEEPING ITS LOW THE BUILDING HAVE SOME ARCHITECTURAL PANACHE
: 4HE FORTY FOUR¯UNIT #OLORADO
INCOME TENANTS WITHIN WALKING OR BIKING DISTANCE 4HOUGH THEY BEMOAN SOME OF THE ±RATHER
#OURT COMPLEX IS COVERED WITH OF THEIR JOBS AND SHOPPING PRIMITIVE² WAYS IN WHICH THE CONTRACTOR TRANSLATED
DEEP BLUE PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS AND 4HERE IS NO DOUBT THAT RESIDENTS OF 3ANTA -ONICA THEIR DESIGN INTO THREE DIMENSIONS THE BUILDING
GRACED BY OPEN AIR WALKWAYS THAT ARE ½NDING THEMSELVES SQUEEZED WHEN IT COMES TO IS NONETHELESS QUITE UNUSUAL AMONG LOW INCOME
ALLOW RESIDENTS TO ENJOY BREEZES AFFORDING A PLACE TO LIVE )N THE YEARS BETWEEN PROJECTS FOR ITS CLEAN CONTEMPORARY AESTHETIC AND
FROM THE NEARBY 0ACI½C /CEAN AND ACCORDING TO ONE ESTIMATE THE AVERAGE BOLD SENSE OF COLOR
Colorado Court
31
City
32
9 \ 99 4HE PHOTOVOLTAIC
PANELS COVERING THE FACADE AND
PORTIONS OF THE ROOF REPRESENT
A RARE EFFORT TO TURN SOLAR POWER
INTO AN AESTHETIC VIRTUE 4HE
BY
¯INCH PANELS GENERATE MORE
THAN PERCENT OF THE BUILDING´S
ELECTRICITY NEEDS
: 4HE BUILDING IS W SHAPED IN )N PLAN #OLORADO #OURT IS MADE OF THREE THE BUILDING 3OMETIMES THE ARCHITECTS WOULD
PLAN WITH TWO LONG WINGS AT THE ARMS ° TWO LONG ONES ON THE OUTSIDE AND A SHORTER MEET WITH ONE CITY OR UTILITY OF½CIAL AND BE GIVEN
PERIMETER AND A SHORTER ONE IN ONE IN THE CENTER ° THAT REACH OUT TO CATCH THE POSITIVE NEWS ONLY TO HAVE IT REVOKED BY A DIFFERENT
THE MIDDLE PREVAILING BREEZES SOME OF WHICH COME RIGHT OFF THE OF½CIAL A FEW WEEKS LATER &UNDING AND APPROVAL
NEARBY 0ACI½C /CEAN )N ELEVATION IT HAS A PRECISE FOR THE GAS POWERED MICRO TURBINE GENERATOR
SQUARED OFF LOOK WITH OUTDOOR HALLWAYS CONNECTING ON THE ROOF DESIGNED TO SUPPLEMENT THE SOLAR
THE UNITS ON EACH ¾OOR 4HE INDIGO SOLAR PANELS GENERATION WERE PARTICULARLY TOUGH TO SECURE
COMPRISED OF INCH SQUARE RECEPTORS MAKE THE ,OOKING BACK "ROOKS SAYS ±! LOT OF THE HURDLES
BUILDING IMMEDIATELY RECOGNIZABLE EVEN FROM WE HAD TO GO THROUGH HAD NOTHING TO DO WITH THE
A DISTANCE OF A SEVERAL HUNDRED YARDS .ATURAL LIGHT ACTUAL SYSTEMS OR MATERIALS THEMSELVES ° THOSE
BREEZES AND FOOT CEILINGS HELP THE UNITS FEEL OPEN WERE RELATIVELY EASY TO ½GURE OUT AND DEAL WITH
TO THE OUTSIDE AND LESS CRAMPED THAN THEIR SQUARE "UT WE HAD RESISTANCE FROM THE UTILITY COMPANY
FOOTAGE MIGHT SUGGEST THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT SUBCONTRACTORS THE
"ROOKS IS UPFRONT ABOUT THE PROBLEMS THE SOLAR PANEL COMPANY AND SURPRISINGLY OUR OWN
ARCHITECTS AND DEVELOPER FACED IN TRYING TO SEE THE ENGINEERS² )N THE END THOUGH THE LEGACY OF
PROJECT THROUGH TO COMPLETION WITH ITS SUSTAINABLE #OLORADO #OURT IS NOT LIKELY TO BE THE DIF½CULTIES
ELEMENTS INTACT $EALING WITH THE CITY AND THE LOCAL THAT THE ARCHITECTS FACED IN GETTING IT BUILT BUT
UTILITY WAS ESPECIALLY TRICKY SHE SAYS BECAUSE EACH RATHER HOW DRAMATICALLY IT HAS RAISED THE BAR
OF THOSE ENTITIES WAS SIMULTANEOUSLY IN CHARGE FOR GREEN PROJECTS OF ITS SIZE AND DEGREE OF SOCIAL
OF THE REGULATORY PROCESS AND ALSO AN INVESTOR IN CONSCIOUSNESS
Colorado Court
33
City
34
Viikki
ARCHITECTURAL FIRM
LOCATION
Helsinki, Finland
YEAR
Various architects Ongoing
4HE 6IIKKI SECTION OF (ELSINKI IS STILL SEVERAL YEARS AWAY FROM RESOURCES HOW MUCH THEY PROMOTED HEALTHINESS
AND BIODIVERSITY AND THE EXTENT TO WHICH THEY
COMPLETION BUT IT ALREADY RANKS EASILY AS THE LARGEST AND PROVIDED OPPORTUNITIES FOR RESIDENTS TO GROW THEIR
MOST AMBITIOUS GREEN HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN THE WORLD OWN FOOD 4HE GENERAL GUIDELINES WERE SLIGHTLY LESS
STRICT BUT WERE STILL GOVERNED BY SUSTAINABILITY AT
,OCATED IN THE GEOGRAPHICAL CENTER OF THE CITY AND ABOUT ½VE EVERY TURN THEY REQUIRED A PERCENT REDUCTION IN
CARBON DIOXIDE EMISSIONS FROM BUILDING MATERIALS
MILES NORTHEAST OF DOWNTOWN IT INCLUDES APPROXIMATELY AND PURE WATER CONSUMPTION PERCENT LESS WASTE
UNITS AS OF THIS WRITING WITH ABOUT TO COME )T IS ON BUILDING SITES DURING CONSTRUCTION AND A
PERCENT CUT IN THE AVERAGE MIXED REFUSE PRODUCED
HOME TO A SATELLITE CAMPUS OF THE 5NIVERSITY OF (ELSINKI AND BY EACH RESIDENT ANNUALLY 4HE BIGGEST SAVINGS ARE
IN THE AREA OF HEATING ENERGY WHERE SOLAR POWER
A BIOTECHNOLOGY INCUBATOR AS WELL AS PUBLIC SCHOOLS SCATTERED PRIMARILY IS HELPING REDUCE CONSUMPTION BY
THROUGHOUT ITS STREETS %VENTUALLY IT WILL ACCOMMODATE PERCENT PER YEAR )N ADDITION 6IIKKI IS CLOSELY TIED
TO PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION REACHABLE BY SEVERAL BUS
JOBS AND STUDENTS TO GO ALONG WITH ITS RESIDENTS LINES AND BY (ELSINKI´S SUBWAY
4HEORETICALLY IT WILL BE POSSIBLE FOR A CHILD BORN TO A FAMILY 7ALKING AROUND 6IIKKI IT´S EASY TO GET A SENSE
OF THOSE PRIORITIES IN ACTION )T´S NOT JUST THE SOLAR
LIVING THERE TO GO THROUGH PRIMARY SECONDARY AND UNIVERSITY PANELS SHIMMERING ON THE FACADE OF ARCHITECT 2EIJO
*ALLINOJA´S EIGHT STORY APARTMENT BLOCK NEAR THE
EDUCATION AND THEN BEGIN WORKING WITHIN ITS CON½NES ALL MAIN ENTRANCE BUT ALSO THE GARDENS FULL OF FRUITS
WITHOUT HAVING TO LEAVE THE NEIGHBORHOOD AND VEGETABLES THAT STRETCH BETWEEN BUILDINGS THE
SOUNDS OF CHILDREN PLAYING ON SCHOOLYARDS ECHOING
4HE PROJECT IS ESSENTIALLY A PROVING GROUND FOR THROUGHOUT AND THE FACT THAT MARSHLAND AND EVEN
ANY NUMBER OF GREEN BUILDING STRATEGIES FROM GRAZING AREAS FOR LIVESTOCK HAVE BEEN PRESERVED
MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT TO INNOVATIVE ENERGY IN THE MIDST OF BRAND NEW ARCHITECTURE ALLOWING
GENERATION 4HE IDEA IS TO PUT SUSTAINABILITY TO THE FOR REMARKABLY WIDE OPEN VIEWS ° GIVEN 6IIKKI´S
TEST OF ACTUAL CONSTRUCTION AND OCCUPATION AND SEE URBAN LOCATION ° FROM SOME OF THE APARTMENTS
WHAT WORKS AND WHAT DOESN´T AND THEN APPLY THOSE !S WITH ANY PROJECT OF THIS SIZE THE ARCHITECTURE
LESSONS TO BUILDING CODES TO CONTROL RESIDENTIAL IN 6IIKKI IS A MIXED BAG "UT AT LEAST A HALF DOZEN
DEVELOPMENT THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY PARTICULARLY OF THE DEVELOPMENT´S APARTMENT BLOCKS STAND
IN PUBLICLY FUNDED PROJECTS 4HERE ARE A VARIETY OF OUT AS MODELS OF AESTHETIC AS WELL AS SUSTAINABLE
APPROACHES TO RENEWABLE ENERGY ON VIEW IN 6IIKKI EXCELLENCE 4HESE INCLUDE +IRSTI 3IVEN´S DETACHED
: 6IIKKI´S RESIDENTIAL AREAS FROM WIND TURBINES TO SEVERAL KINDS OF ACTIVE SOLAR TOWNHOUSES COMPLETED IN AND A WOOD
INCLUDE TOWNHOUSES BY &INNISH COLLECTION 2AINWATER IS COLLECTED THROUGHOUT AND AND GLASS MIXED USE BUILDING BY -IKKO "ONSDORFF
ARCHITECT +IRSTI 3IVEN THAT OPEN USED FOR GARDENING WHILE GRAY WATER SYSTEMS RECYCLE THAT WOULDN´T LOOK OUT OF PLACE IN 0ORTLAND OR
ONTO PRIVATE GARDENS AND GRAVEL
WATER FROM SINKS AND BATHTUBS FOR USE ELSEWHERE 3EATTLE 4HOUGH 6IIKII REMAINS LITTLE KNOWN
WALKING PATHS
IN THE DEVELOPMENT AMONG ARCHITECTS AND PLANNERS OUTSIDE OF
4HE MASTER PLAN FOR 6IIKKI AND ITS EARLY HOUSING &INLAND IT DESERVES TO BE AN OBJECT OF ENVY FOR
BLOCKS WERE SELECTED VIA COMPETITION BEGINNING THE COMPREHENSIVE FORWARD LOOKING WAY IT TREATS
IN %NTRIES WERE JUDGED ON A THIRTY FOUR POINT URBAN GROWTH )T AIMS TO BE NOTHING LESS THAN A
SCALE IN THE FOLLOWING ½VE CATEGORIES HOW WELL FULLY SELF CONTAINED SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITY AND
THEY LIMITED POLLUTION AND THE USE OF NATURAL IS NOT FAR FROM REACHING THAT AMBITIOUS GOAL
Viikki
35
: 4HE 6IIKKI DEVELOPMENT ; !MONG THE MOST IMPRESSIVE
IS ONE OF THE MOST AMBITIOUS PIECES OF ARCHITECTURE IS THIS
EXPERIMENTS IN SUSTAINABLE DESIGN BY -IKKO "ONSDORFF
ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN PLANNING
IN THE WORLD WITH BUILDINGS
DESIGNED TO GENERATE SOLAR AND
WIND POWER DIRECT RAINWATER
TO COMMUNAL GARDENS AND
PRESERVE MARSHLAND ° ALL IN THE
GEOGRAPHICAL CENTER OF &INLAND´S
BIGGEST CITY
City
36
; 4HE COMPLEX IS A TESTING GROUND
FOR A RANGE OF EXPERIMENTS IN
SUSTAINABILITY THAT INCLUDES
SCHOOLS SUCH AS THIS ONE BY !2+
HOUSE !RCHITECTS AND INCUBATORS
FOR VARIOUS INDUSTRIES ALONG WITH
A PROJECTED RESIDENTIAL
UNITS
Viikki
37
City
38
1310 East Union Street
ARCHITECTURAL FIRM DESIGNER
LOCATION
Seattle, Washington
YEAR
The Miller/Hull Partnership David Miller 2001
7HEN FORMER HIGH TECH EXECUTIVE ,IZ $UNN DECIDED TO START LOFT CONDOMINIUMS FROM TO SQUARE FEET
IN SIZE THE DESIGN ALLOWS ANY TWO UNITS ON EACH
A NEW CAREER SHE REVISITED HER OLD DREAM OF BECOMING AN ¾OOR TO BE JOINED INTO A SINGLE SPACIOUS APARTMENT
ARCHITECT !FTER TAKING A FEW CLASSES IN ARCHITECTURE URBAN :ONED FOR BOTH RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL
OCCUPANCY THE PROJECT IS A MID RISE MIXED USE
PLANNING AND REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT AT THE 5NIVERSITY BUILDING WITH LARGE OPERABLE OVERHEAD DOORS AND
STOREFRONT WINDOWS AT ITS BASE
OF 7ASHINGTON SHE EMBARKED ON AN AMBITIOUS PROJECT ° %SSENTIALLY A FOOT WIDE GLASS BOX THE
A REAL ESTATE VENTURE THAT WOULD BLEND HIGH ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURE IS HELD TOGETHER BY AN EXPOSED STEEL
FRAME THAT FEATURES A PROMINENT BRICK RED DIAGONAL
ASPIRATIONS WITH ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY !LREADY X BRACING TO PROTECT AGAINST EARTHQUAKES 4HE
NORTH AND SOUTH SIDES ARE FULLY GLAZED TO ALLOW FOR
A COMMITTED ENVIRONMENTAL ACTIVIST SHE WAS PARTICULARLY MAXIMUM SUNLIGHT ,OW EMISSION COATING AND
CONCERNED ABOUT THE CULTURAL CAUSES OF ENVIRONMENTAL !RGON GAS¯INFUSED WINDOWS FROM (ARTUNG 'LASS
)NDUSTRIES ENABLE THE RESIDENTS TO ENJOY PLENTIFUL
DEGRADATION ESPECIALLY THE TENDENCY FOR SUCCESSFUL NATURAL LIGHT WITHOUT LOSING MUCH HEAT -OST UNITS
EXECUTIVES LIKE HERSELF FOR EXAMPLE TO COMMUTE TO WORK ARE DOUBLE HEIGHT ALONG THE WINDOW WALLS WITH
BEDROOMS LOCATED ON A MEZZANINE 4HE ¾EXIBLE
DAILY FROM $ISNEYESQUE -C-ANSIONS OUTSIDE 3EATTLE INTERIORS ARE DESIGNED IN A CHIC INDUSTRIAL STYLE
DETAILED WITH EXPOSED STEEL BEAMS CORRUGATED
4HAT´S HOW SHE HIT UPON THE IDEA OF TRANSIT METAL DECKING AT THE CEILINGS AND SMOOTH CONCRETE
ORIENTED HOUSING ° A SOLUTION TO THE EVIL TWINS OF ¾OORS THAT DOWNPLAY THE BUILDING´S ENVIRONMENTAL
SUBURBAN SPRAWL AND GASOLINE EMISSIONS 3HE LOOKED AGENDA 7HEN THEIR WALL SIZE ALUMINUM FRAMED
FOR A LOCATION THAT WOULD BE CONVENIENT TO PEOPLE GLASS GARAGE DOORS ARE ROLLED UP THE LOFT STYLE
WHO USE MASS TRANSPORTATION 4HE SITE SHE SELECTED INTERIORS TAKE ON THE FEEL OF A COVERED TERRACE
TO DEVELOP IN THE 0IKE0INE NEIGHBORHOOD OF 3MALL BALCONIES AND A LARGE ROOFTOP GARDEN PROVIDE
3EATTLE´S #APITOL (ILL IS WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF A ADDITIONAL OUTDOOR ACCESS
PROPOSED LIGHT RAIL STATION /NE PARKING SPACE IN 4HE %AST 5NION 3TREET PROJECT IS PART OF A
THE EIGHT UNIT BUILDING´S GARAGE IS RESERVED FOR USE GROWING TREND THAT IS LURING SUBURBANITES BACK TO
IN 3EATTLE´S SHARED CAR PROGRAM THE CITY 4HE BUILDING ALSO REPRESENTS AN EFFORT ON
$UNN HIRED -ILLER(ULL TO DESIGN THE PROJECT THE PART OF THE DEVELOPER TO BRING SOME OF THE BEST
4HE AWARD WINNING ARCHITECTURAL ½RM PRODUCES %UROPEAN DESIGN IDEAS TO THE 5NITED 3TATES &OR
BUILDINGS CHARACTERIZED BY ±REGIONAL MODERN EXAMPLE SINCE THE SQUARE FOOT PARCEL WAS
ISM²° A PLAINLY MODERNIST STYLE THAT EMPHASIZES TOO SMALL TO ACCOMMODATE THE EIGHT PARKING SPACES
CLOSENESS TO NATURE THROUGH THE USE OF EXPOSED REQUIRED BY THE NUMBER OF HOUSING UNITS IN THE
TIMBER LARGE WINDOWS ½NE DETAILING ECO FRIENDLY BUILDING THE ARCHITECTS INSTALLED HYDRAULIC PARKING
MATERIALS AND OTHER DESIGN SOLUTIONS INSPIRED BY LIFTS THAT ALLOW TWO MEDIUM SIZE CARS ° THE SPACE
THE NORTHWESTERN LANDSCAPE 4HE ½RM HAS A STRONG IS INTENTIONALLY TOO SMALL FOR 356S ° TO BE STACKED
: 4HE ½VE STORY MIXED USE LOFT
REPUTATION FOR MATCHING A BUILDING´S STRUCTURE VERTICALLY IN A SINGLE SPACE %QUALLY INGENIOUS IS
BUILDING IN 3EATTLE´S 0IKE0INE
AREA HAS A LIMITED NUMBER OF WITH THE PARTICULAR CLIMACTIC PHYSICAL AND CULTURAL THE USE OF THE ROOF AS OUTDOOR SPACE #ON½GURED
PARKING SPACES AND IS WITHIN DEMANDS OF ITS SITE AS A SERIES OF DECKS AND ACCESSED BY METAL SPIRAL
WALKING DISTANCE OF A LIGHT RAIL ,OCATED ON THE SITE OF A FORMER SEX SHOP THE STAIRCASES THE ROOF OFFERS PANORAMIC VIEWS OF
STATION SQUARE FOOT ½VE STORY BUILDING FEATURES EIGHT 0UGET 3OUND AND THE /LYMPIC -OUNTAINS
1310 East Union Street
39
City
40
: $ESIGNED FOR ¾EXIBILITY OVER
TIME MOST OF THE UNITS ARE DOUBLE
HEIGHT WITH OPEN MEZZANINES AND
CAN BE PARTITIONED WITH PANELS OR
FURNITURE ARRANGEMENTS FOR USE AS
WORK OR LIVING SPACE AS NEEDED
:: \ : (ONEST UN½NISHED MATERIALS
SUCH AS CORRUGATED METAL DECKING
AND CONCRETE WERE USED FOR INTERIOR
½NISHES AS WELL AS FOR EXTERIOR
CLADDING
-EZZANINE &LOOR 0LAN
< ,ARGE GARAGE
STYLE DOORS CAN BE
ROLLED BACK ALLOWING RESIDENTS
MAXIMUM EXPOSURE TO FRESH AIR
AND SUNLIGHT
-AIN &LOOR 0LAN
1310 East Union Street
41
City
42
sea train house
ARCHITECTURAL FIRM DESIGNER
LOCATION
Los Angeles, California
YEAR
Office of Mobile Design Jennifer Siegal 2003
7HEN 2ICHARD #ARLSON A ,OS !NGELES DEVELOPER WHO SPENDS THE BEGINNING OF A CONVERSATION WE HAD AROUND
RECYCLED MATERIALS²
SIX MONTHS OF THE YEAR TRAVELING DECIDED TO BUILD A NEW #ARLSON DECIDED TO LIVE NEXT TO THE LOFTS WHICH
HOUSE FOR HIMSELF THE LAST THING HE HAD ON HIS MIND WAS HE MANAGES BECAUSE HE DID NOT WANT TO WASTE
TIME ON A COMMUTE (E EARMARKED A BY
GREEN DESIGN (E WANTED A HOME THAT WOULD ½T HIS RECENTLY FOOT STRIP OF THE FACING BLACKTOP LOT FOR HIS SOON
TO BE BUILT HOME 4HE SITE IS BOUNDED ON ONE SIDE
SINGLE SEMI RETIRED GLOBETROTTING LIFESTYLE (E ALSO WANTED BY THE REAR WALL OF A LIGHT INDUSTRIAL FACTORY (E
TO USE UP SOME OF THE MATERIALS LYING AROUND THE %AST ,OS SURROUNDED THE OTHER EXPOSURES WITH A FOOT
HIGH WALL OF GIANT STEEL SLABS &ROM THE STREET THE
!NGELES SALVAGE YARD WHERE HIS FAMILY OWNED CONSTRUCTION FRONT GATE´S RUSTY SURFACE LOOKS MENACING ° PRIVACY
AND SECURITY WERE IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS °
½RM STORED OLD EQUIPMENT AND OTHER RANDOM OBJECTS ±) BUT IT ALSO EVOKES THE AUSTERE BEAUTY OF A 2ICHARD
WASN´T THINKING ABOUT SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE AT ALL ² HE SAYS 3ERRA SCULPTURE
.OTHING PREPARES THE VISITOR FOR WHAT LIES
±)T JUST MADE SENSE TO BUILD WITH WHAT´S HERE AND TO USE THE WITHIN 4HE HOUSE WHICH IS LOCATED AT THE REAR OF
INDUSTRIAL MATERIALS )´VE KNOWN AND WORKED WITH ALL MY LIFE² THE PROPERTY IS COMPLETELY ECLIPSED BY A LUSH AND
PUNGENT GARDEN THAT APPEARS LIKE AN OASIS BEHIND
4HE RESULT IS A HIDDEN PATCH OF EMERALD RAINFOREST THE BIG STEEL GATE 4O GET TO THE FRONT DOOR ONE
IN THE MIDDLE OF ONE OF THE MOST INDUSTRIAL NEIGH MUST PASS AROUND A NASTURTIUM COVERED BERM
BORHOODS OF DOWNTOWN ,OS !NGELES ° AND EVEN MORE THEN WALK ALONG A WINDING PATH NEXT TO AN FOOT
SURPRISING ONE OF THE MORE ECOLOGICALLY SENSITIVE LONG STREAM AND A WATERFALL WHICH USES RECYCLED
HOUSES CONSTRUCTED IN THE 5NITED 3TATES IN RECENT WATER AND HUNDREDS OF VARIETIES OF PLANTS THAT
YEARS 4HE REASON IS SIMPLE THE HOME IS ALMOST #ARLSON A LOVER OF THE TROPICS HAS IMPORTED FROM
COMPLETELY RECYCLED .EARLY ALL OF THE STRUCTURAL ALL OVER THE WORLD 4HE ¾OWERS AND SHRUBS ATTRACT
ELEMENTS IN THE SQUARE FOOT HOUSE WERE COLORFUL BUTTER¾IES AND DRAGON¾IES YEAR ROUND
ALREADY ON SITE (IDING IN THE VEGETATION ARE FAMILIES OF TROPICAL
4HE VISION FOR THE PROJECT WAS PARTLY #ARLSON´S TURTLES AND ½REBELLY TOADS TWO IGUANAS AND SEVERAL
AND PARTLY THAT OF HIS ARCHITECT *ENNIFER 3IEGAL A CHAMELEONS 7ILDLY VARIED THE GARDEN WHICH
DEVOTEE OF SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION METHODS AND WAS DESIGNED BY *AMES 3TONE INSULATES THE HOUSE
OF BUILDINGS ON WHEELS WHO ALSO HAS SOME RATHER FROM ITS JARRING ENVIRONMENT
UNCONVENTIONAL IDEAS ABOUT HOUSES ° FOR EXAMPLE #ARLSON WANTED TO REUSE THE METAL CONTAINERS
SHE DISLIKES ±THE IDEA OF WALLS² #ARLSON AND 3IEGAL THAT HAD BEEN SITTING IN HIS STORAGE YARD FOR YEARS
MET IN THE LATE S WHEN 3IEGAL WAS EARNING )T WAS PARTLY ABOUT SAVING MONEY AND PARTLY ABOUT
HER DEGREE AT THE 3OUTHERN #ALIFORNIA )NSTITUTE OF HIS ±LOVE AFFAIR WITH INDUSTRIAL MATERIALS ² HE SAYS
: \ < 7EDGED IN BETWEEN A SCRAP
!RCHITECTURE AND LIVING IN THE "REWERY LOFT COMPLEX 4HE GENERIC FOOT LONG BY FOOT HIGH SEAGOING
METAL YARD AND AN INDUSTRIAL WHICH IS DIRECTLY ACROSS THE STREET FROM #ARLSON´S CONTAINERS CAN BE PURCHASED FOR EACH 4HE
BUILDING IN A GRITTY SECTION OF
NEW HOUSE #ARLSON AND HIS FATHER HAD DEVELOPED THE INDUSTRY IS MOVING TO FOOT LONG CONTAINERS SO
DOWNTOWN ,! THE LUSH TROPICAL
LOFTS TURNING A FORMER 0ABST "LUE 2IBBON BUILDING THE OLD ONES ARE CLASSI½ED AS JUNK 4HE IDEA WAS
GARDEN FRONTING THE 3EA 4RAIN
INTO ARTISTS´ LIVE WORK STUDIOS ±4HEY GAVE ME A LOT TO STACK TWO ON EITHER END OF THE HOUSE PUT A ROOF
HOUSE APPEARS LIKE AN OASIS
BEHIND THE PROPERTY´S DECIDEDLY OF FREE MATERIALS ² SAYS 3IEGAL WHO FOUNDED HER ABOVE THEM AND CREATE A CENTRAL LIVING SPACE
URBAN FRONT GATE OWN ½RM /F½CE OF -OBILE $ESIGN /-$ TO DEVELOP IN BETWEEN
DYNAMIC STRUCTURES THAT REST LIGHTLY UPON THE LAND )T WAS 3IEGAL´S ½RST FULL SCALE RESIDENTIAL PROJECT
±4HE ½RST THING THEY DONATED WAS A TRAILER 4HAT WAS #ARLSON ACTED AS GENERAL CONTRACTOR AND ACCORDING
Sea Train House
43
< 4HE EXTERIOR ½SH POND SET OFF < ,IT UP AT NIGHT THE HOUSE
TO ONE SIDE OF THE GARDEN IS MADE RESEMBLES AN EXAGGERATED BOX
FROM A SALVAGED PRODUCE TRAILER LANTERN GLOWING BRIGHTLY AT THE
END OF THE LONG GARDEN PATH
TO 3IEGAL ±HE MADE IT VERY VERY CLEAR FROM THE SHADY LOWER SECTION OF THE ROOF UP TOWARD THE 7ORKS THAT SUPPLIES RECYCLED WATER TO AN INDOOR
BEGINNING THAT THE PROJECT WOULD BE ABOUT THE EXPOSED HIGHER END FOUNTAIN HOME TO A SCHOOL OF ORNAMENTAL KOI AND
CLIENT NOT ABOUT THE ARCHITECT² 4HIS MEANT THAT HE 3IEGAL AND /-$ SENIOR DESIGNER +ELLY "AIR #HINESE CARP #ARLSON WANTED IT FOR CLIMATE CONTROL
WASN´T AFTER AN ARCHITECTURAL STATEMENT BUT A SLICED OPEN EXTENDED AND CONNECTED THE SHIPPING HE PREFERS A HUMID ATMOSPHERE TO THE TYPICALLY
PLACE THAT WOULD BE TAILORED TO HIS NEEDS ±) KNEW CONTAINERS TO FORM A UNI½ED HOUSE WITH A SERIES DRY DESERT AIR OF DOWNTOWN ,OS !NGELES BUT IT
) WANTED AN UNCLUTTERED MINIMALIST SPACE ² HE OF CLEARLY DESIGNATED FUNCTIONS %ACH OF THE ORIGINAL ALSO CREATES A VISUAL ANCHOR THAT PULLS THE HOUSE
EXPLAINS BUT IN THE END ±*ENNIFER CAME UP WITH TRAILERS HAD ITS OWN ARCHITECTURAL PROGRAM 4HE TOGETHER 4HE POOL AND ITS COUNTERPART IN THE GARDEN
ALL THE SHAPES² 3HE ALSO GAVE THE PROJECT A LEVEL MASTER BEDROOM FALLS UNDER THE ROOF´S HIGHEST ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE GLASS FACADE ARE MADE FROM
OF POLISH THAT BELIES ITS INDUSTRIAL ROOTS AS SCRAP SECTION CONNECTED TO A SKY LIT BATHROOM 5NDERNEATH RECYCLED PRODUCE TRAILERS ALSO FROM #ARLSON´S YARD
METAL AND SHIPPING CONTAINERS IS A MEDIA ROOM AND LIBRARY /N THE OPPOSITE SIDE OF (E HAD THE WHEELS TAKEN OFF AND ADDED LAYERS OF
4HE HOUSE WHICH TOOK THREE MONTHS TO BUILD THE HOUSE THE TOP CONTAINER FUNCTIONS AS AN OF½CE EPOXY INSULATION BEFORE SINKING IT INTO THE CHERRY
AND SITS THREE FEET ABOVE THE GROUND ON RECLAIMED AND LOUNGE WHILE THE BOTTOM ONE HOUSES MECHANICAL WOOD ¾OOR OF THE LIVING ROOM
EARTH IS A SIMPLE ARRANGEMENT OF STEEL AND GLASS UNITS A GUEST BATHROOM AND A LAUNDRY ROOM #ARLSON IS A TIDY MAN WHO TRAVELS A LOT SO THE
VOLUMES 4HE CENTRAL LIVING SPACE IS SEPARATED 4RANSLUCENT SLIDING DOORS OF LAMINATED GLASS SEPARATE PLACE LOOKS IMPECCABLY CLEAN 4HE :EN SIMPLICITY OF
FROM THE GARDEN BY AN EXPANSIVE GLASS WALL 4HE THE UPPER LEVEL SPACES #ARLSON´S FRIEND $AVID THE INTERIOR FORMS A PERFECT COMPLEMENT TO THE
SLANTED ROOF IS SUPPORTED BY TWO MASSIVE INVERTED -OCARSKI PRINCIPAL OF DESIGN ½RM !RKKIT &ORMS AND ETHIC OF PRACTICAL YET BEAUTIFUL SUSTAINABILITY THAT
STEEL BEAMS 4HE CROSSBEAMS ARE MADE OF RECYCLED A PROFESSOR AT !RT #ENTER #OLLEGE OF $ESIGN IN INSPIRED THE STRUCTURE IN THE ½RST PLACE ±%VERYTHING
$OUGLAS ½R FROM A LOCAL CONSTRUCTION SITE THE 0ASADENA DESIGNED ALL THE CUSTOM CABINETRY AND WAS HERE ALREADY ² #ARLSON SAYS ±7HAT *ENNIFER AND
BEDECKING FOR THE CEILINGS IS ALSO RECYCLED 4HE CHOSE THE INTERIOR COLORS THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE ) DID WAS ½GURE OUT A WAY TO LEAN IT ALL TOGETHER²
ROOF INSULATION WHICH #ARLSON HELPED TO DEVISE 4HE DE½NING FEATURE OF THE MAIN LIVING KITCHEN
CIRCULATES COOL AIR VIA NARROW SHAFTS FROM THE DINING AREA IS A WATERFALL BY 2IK *ONES OF ,IQUID
City
44
Green Features
ADA P T IVE RE -USE N AT UR A L L I GH T R E C L A I ME D WO O D NAT U R AL M ICR O CLIM AT E
OF M AT ERIAL S With a glass curtain-wall The massive Douglas fir The lush front garden, which
The house’s structural facade and strategically crossbeams, which support includes a stream fed by
elements are old sea-going placed exposures on the the cantilevered roof, were recycled water, generates
storage containers, some side and rear elevations, reclaimed from a nearby cool breezes and fresh air,
of which had been on site the house uses nothing but construction site. both of which are lacking in
before the project began. natural light during the day. Sea Train’s asphalt-covered
neighborhood.
Sea Train House
45
City
46
:: 4HE INTERIOR KOI POND MADE : )N THE LIVING ROOM A FOOT
FROM AN OLD TRAILER IS ALIGNED HIGH ¾AGSTONE WATERFALL THAT RUNS
WITH THE EXTERIOR POOL CREATING ON RECIRCULATED WATER MASKS THE
THE ILLUSION OF ONE CONTINUOUS STAIRWELL LEADING TO THE MASTER
BODY OF WATER BEDROOM
:: 4HE FRONT END OF THE MASTER : %LEVATED WINDOWS PALE GRAY
BEDROOM CONTAINER WAS REPLACED SLATE AND BANANA COLORED WALLS
WITH AN ARRANGEMENT OF GLASS AND ENHANCE THE NATURAL LIGHT IN THE
STEEL THAT ALLOWS FOR VENTILATION MINIMALIST BATHROOM
AND VIEWS OF THE GARDEN
&RONT 3ECTION
3ECOND &LOOR 0LAN
)NTERIOR 0ERSPECTIVE $RAWING
"
STEEL ROOF DECKING
4APERED STEEL BEAMS
2ECYCLED WOOD JOISTS
0LATE STEEL SECURITY WALL
4UBE STEEL PERGOLA
!LUMINUM FRAME WINDOWS -AIN &LOOR 0LAN
3ALVAGE STEEL CLADDING
3EATRAIN STORAGE CONTAINERS
#HERRYWOOD ¾OORING
&LAGSTONE WATER WALL
2ECYCLED CARPET
!LUMINUM GRAIN TRAILER KOI POND INTERIOR
!LUMINUM GRAIN TRAILER KOI POND EXTERIOR
Sea Train House
47
City
48
The Solaire
ARCHITECTURAL FIRM DESIGNER
LOCATION
New York, New York
YEAR
Cesar Pelli & Associates Architects Rafael Pelli 2002
7HILE THE -ANHATTAN SKYLINE IS FULL OF INSTANTLY RECOGNIZABLE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT $IANA "ALMORI CREATE PARKS
AND URBAN GARDENS DEVELOPED AN EARLY INTEREST IN
ICONS THE DAYS WHEN THE "IG !PPLE STOOD AT THE FORWARD EDGE SUSTAINABLE DESIGN !FTER JOINING HIS FATHER´S .EW
OF ARCHITECTURE ARE LARGELY IN THE PAST 4HE TALLEST SKYSCRAPERS (AVEN #ONNECTICUT¯BASED PRACTICE IN HE
OPENED THE ½RM´S .EW 9ORK #ITY OF½CE IN 4HE
ARE NOW RISING IN !SIA AND THE LATEST TECHNICAL ENGINEERING 3OLAIRE COMMISSION ALSO CAME IN FOLLOWING THE
ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE NEW GUIDELINES
INNOVATIONS ARE MORE LIKELY TO BE REALIZED IN %UROPE 5NTIL &ROM THE START ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES
THE REDEVELOPMENT AT 'ROUND :ERO PROMPTED A RECENT SURGE FOR 0ELLI AND HIS TEAM WAS TRANSLATING WHAT THEY
KNEW AS GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLE BUILDING
OF PUBLIC INTEREST IN ARCHITECTURE AND URBAN DESIGN BOTTOM METHODS INTO SPECI½C DESIGN DECISIONS ±4HERE IS A
HUGE GAP BETWEEN THE TECHNOLOGY THAT EXISTS AND
LINE PRESSURES AND PRESERVATION STRUGGLES TENDED TO DOMINATE WHAT IS ACTUALLY AVAILABLE FROM MANUFACTURERS ²
DISCUSSIONS ABOUT ARCHITECTURE IN .EW 9ORK #ITY SAYS 0ELLI &OR EXAMPLE THE PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS THAT
½T THE BUDGET CAME ONLY IN BLUE NOT THE ORIGINALLY
!N EXCEPTION TO THAT RULE IS "ATTERY 0ARK #ITY SPECI½ED CHARCOAL COLOR 5LTIMATELY 0ELLI EMBRACED
ONE OF .EW 9ORK´S MOST PROGRESSIVE URBAN PLANNING THE BLUE TILES THEIR LIVELY LIGHT RE¾ECTING SURFACES
VENTURES IN THE PAST THREE DECADES "UILT ON ACRES CREATE A STIPPLED QUALITY THAT WORKS WELL WITH THE
OF LAND½LL CREATED BY EXCAVATING THE 7ORLD 4RADE BUILDING´S TAUT SKIN FACADE /THER DECISIONS WERE
#ENTER SITE IN THE S THE MIXED USE DEVELOPMENT DICTATED BY THE TEAM´S SELF IMPOSED COMMITMENT
HUGGING THE SOUTHWESTERN EDGE OF -ANHATTAN TO WORKING WITH LOCAL MANUFACTURERS ° HALF OF ALL
HAS FUNCTIONED AS A LABORATORY FOR A NEW APPROACH MATERIALS USED IN THE CONSTRUCTION WERE PROCURED
TO URBAN LIVING ONE THAT COMBINES PROXIMITY TO LOCALLY AND ANOTHER ½FTH HAD TO BE MANUFACTURED
CULTURE AND COMMERCE WITH AMENITIES AVAILABLE WITHIN MILES
TO FEW .EW 9ORKERS ° HARBOR VIEWS A MARINA AND 0ELLI´S TEAM WENT TO GREAT LENGTHS TO MAKE
½NELY LANDSCAPED PARKS EMBELLISHED WITH PUBLIC THE RIGHT ENVIRONMENTAL CHOICES AT EVERY STAGE
ART /NE OF ITS BOLDEST EXPERIMENTS WAS ESTABLISHING -ATERIALS AND SYSTEMS WERE TESTED AND DESIGNS
IN A SET OF ENVIRONMENTAL GUIDELINES REQUIRING REVISED ACCORDINGLY ! PLAN FOR BAMBOO ¾OORING
ALL NEW HOUSING TO BE ±APPRECIABLY AHEAD OF WAS SCRAPPED WHEN THE ADHESIVE BACKING WAS
CURRENT STANDARDS AND PRACTICES FOR DEVELOPMENT² DETERMINED TO BE TOXIC .EW INSULATION WAS ADDED
4HE 3OLAIRE A STORY APARTMENT BUILDING AT AFTER AN ELABORATE WALL MODEL ° BUILT FULL SCALE
THE SOUTHERN TIP OF THE DEVELOPMENT IS THE ½RST AND TESTED IN A WIND TUNNEL AT THE DEVELOPER´S
RESIDENTIAL TOWER IN .EW 9ORK TO SYSTEMATICALLY EXPENSE ° INDICATED THAT ONE EXTRA LAYER OF SEALANT
EMBRACE SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND THE ½RST TO COULD MAKE A HUGE DIFFERENCE IN TERMS OF LIMITING
COMPREHENSIVELY SATISFY "ATTERY 0ARK #ITY´S GREEN AIR IN½LTRATION ±)T TURNED OUT TO BE A SIMPLE
GUIDELINES SOLUTION ° ONE GUY WITH A GOOP GUN GOES IN AND
±) THINK OF THE 3OLAIRE AS A GREAT BIG GUINEA PIG ² THE WHOLE THING IS TAKEN CARE OF ² 0ELLI SAYS ±"UT
ENTHUSES PROJECT ARCHITECT 2AFAEL 0ELLI A PRINCIPAL AT WITHOUT THOSE STUDIES WE WOULD NEVER HAVE KNOWN
#ESAR 0ELLI !SSOCIATES ±)T WILL EDUCATE AN INDUSTRY IT WAS NECESSARY²
:< &ACING WEST ACROSS THE
ACROSS A BIG SECTOR AND EDUCATION IS A HUGE PART )NCORPORATING A LONG LIST OF SUSTAINABLE
(UDSON 2IVER AT THE SOUTHERN TIP
OF BRINGING SUSTAINABLE BUILDING PRACTICES INTO THE TECHNOLOGIES THE 3OLAIRE SURPASSES ALL CURRENT
OF -ANHATTAN THE 3OLAIRE HAS
EMBEDDED PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS MAINSTREAM² ENVIRONMENTAL GUIDELINES IN EFFECT IN .EW 9ORK )T
THAT CAPTURE SUNLIGHT THROUGHOUT 0ELLI WHO GREW UP WATCHING HIS FATHER ARCHITECT IS PERCENT MORE EF½CIENT THAN THE 3TATE %NERGY
THE DAY AND EVEN AT DUSK ABOVE #ESAR 0ELLI DESIGN THE MASTER PLAN AND SEVERAL #ODE REQUIRES 4HE TOWER GENERATES PERCENT OF
AS IT BOUNCES OFF THE WATER BUILDINGS FOR "ATTERY 0ARK #ITY AND HIS MOTHER ITS ENERGY WITH THE HELP OF SQUARE FEET OF
The Solaire
49
: 4WO PESTICIDE
FREE TERRACE
GARDENS PLANTED WITH NATIVE
GRASSES PROVIDE A PRIVATE RETREAT
FOR THE RESIDENTS AND A MEANS
OF NATURAL INSULATION FOR THE
BUILDING
City
50
< 7ITH SQUARE FEET OF < !LL THE INTERIOR SURFACE
PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS AMONG OTHER MATERIALS AND PAINTS ° IN
ENERGY CONSERVING ELEMENTS BOTH THE PUBLIC SPACES AND THE
THE 3OLAIRE USES PERCENT LESS INDIVIDUAL APARTMENTS ° CONTAIN
ELECTRICITY DURING PEAK HOURS NO OFF
GASSING CHEMICALS
THAN COMPARABLE BUILDINGS
PHOTOVOLTAICS INTEGRATED INTO ITS WESTERN FACADE PREVENTING HEAT LOSS AS WELL AS LOW 6/# PAINT ELECTRICITY AND USES WATER INSTEAD OF OZONE
-OST OF THE ELECTRICITY IS HARVESTED IN THE SUMMER RECYCLED CONTENT CARPETING AND WATER SPARING DEPLETING COOLANTS %F½CIENCY ENHANCING FEATURES
MONTHS WHEN POWER PLANTS STRUGGLE TO KEEP UP PLUMBING ½XTURES AND TOILETS ! BLACKWATER PLANT INCLUDE AN EXCHANGER THAT RECOVERS HEAT FROM THE
WITH THE CITY´S AIR CONDITIONING DEMANDS .ATURAL IN THE BASEMENT PURI½ES AND RECYCLES WASTEWATER AIR AND USES IT TO CREATE HOT WATER
GAS ABSORPTION CHILLERS HIGH EF½CIENCY LIGHTS AND TO ¾USH TOILETS CIRCULATE IN THE EVAPORATIVE COOLING (IGH TECH SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS DO COME AT A
APPLIANCES ACOUSTIC AND CERAMIC TILES WINDOW TOWER AND IRRIGATE THE LANDSCAPING 2OOFTOP COST ESPECIALLY WHEN THERE ARE NEW REGULATIONS
TREATMENTS AND INTERIOR SURFACES WERE ALL SELECTED PLANTINGS PROVIDE PROTECTIVE SHADE IN THE SUMMER AND NO PRECEDENTS TO FOLLOW 4HE 3OLAIRE´S CON
FOR THEIR ENERGY EF½CIENCY LOW TOXICITY OR HIGH AND INSULATION IN THE WINTER ! STORM WATER STRUCTION RAN ABOUT PERCENT ABOVE THE COSTS OF
PERCENTAGE OF RECYCLED CONTENT RETENTION TANK CONNECTED TO THE ±GREEN ROOF² NEIGHBORING "ATTERY 0ARK BUILDINGS WHICH ARE
)N THE LOBBY DAYLIGHT SENSORS REGULATE ARTI½CIAL COLLECTS THE WATER FOR LATER USE ALREADY ON THE HIGH END FOR .EW 9ORK "UT FOR THE
LIGHT LEVELS IN RESPONSE TO CHANGES IN NATURAL LIGHT 4HE COOLING HEATING AND VENTILATION SYSTEMS DEVELOPER THE UP FRONT INVESTMENT IN EF½CIENCY
LEVELS )N PUBLIC STAIRWELLS AND CORRIDORS LAMPS WERE DESIGNED TO BENE½T BOTH THE ENVIRONMENT PAYS OFF IN TAX CREDITS AND LOWER OPERATING COSTS
ARE TRIGGERED BY MOTION SENSORS !ND INSIDE THE AND THE TOWER´S OCCUPANTS )N FACT THE BUILDING´S IN THE LONG RUN 4HE BENE½TS TO THE RESIDENTS´
APARTMENTS MASTER SWITCHES ENCOURAGE TENANTS TO INDOOR AIR QUALITY IS SUPERIOR TO THE OUTSIDE AIR QUALITY OF LIFE ARE HARDER TO QUANTIFY THOUGH NO LESS
TURN OFF ALL LIGHTS BEFORE WALKING OUT THE DOOR 7INDOWS OPEN TO ALLOW IN THE HARBOR BREEZE SIGNI½CANT &OR THE CITY THE 3OLAIRE´S SUCCESS HAS
!LL OF THE APARTMENTS WHICH AVERAGE WHILE A CENTRALIZED AIR SYSTEM ½LTERS HUMIDI½ES GENERATED A NEW AWARENESS OF HOW SUSTAINABILITY
SQUARE FEET ARE OUT½TTED WITH LOW EMISSION OR DEHUMIDI½ES DEPENDING ON THE SEASON !IR CAN BE EFFECTIVELY INCORPORATED INTO THE URBAN
GLASS THAT ALLOWS SUNLIGHT TO PASS THROUGH WHILE CONDITIONING RUNS ON NATURAL GAS RATHER THAN FABRIC ° A VALUE THAT SPEAKS FOR ITSELF
The Solaire
51
suburb
Suburbs are everywhere,
everywhere cities are found. Conceived as a kind of utopia that
would allow city workers to live in pastoral surroundings, the
suburb, with its voracious appetite for open space and low-
rise, low-density development, has turned out to be one of
mankind’s more harmful intrusions on the environment.
)NDEED THE BALLOONING SIZE OF THE TYPICAL NEW SUBURBAN HOME ° NOW AVERAGING
MORE THAN SQUARE FEET IN THE 5NITED 3TATES ° AND THE IN½NITE REPLICATION
OF LAWNS GARAGES SEPTIC TANKS HEATING SYSTEMS LAUNDRY ROOMS AND OTHER
AMENITIES FOR EACH HOUSEHOLD HAS MADE THE SUBURB A CONVENIENT METAPHOR
FOR WASTEFULNESS IN MODERN SOCIETY %VEN WEEKEND HOMES ON SITES OUTSIDE OF
TRADITIONAL PLANNED SUBURBS ° WHAT WEALTHY .EW 9ORKERS FOR EXAMPLE CALL
±THE COUNTRY² ° ARE GETTING BIGGER AND MORE EXTRAVAGANT 0RIMARY RESIDENCE OR
VACATION RETREAT THESE HOUSES AT THEIR MOST WASTEFUL ARE LESS ABOUT LIVING CLOSER
TO NATURE THAN AN ARCHITECTURAL PLOY TO HAVE ONE´S CAKE AND EAT IT TOO ° TO COMBINE
THE CONVENIENCE OF AN URBAN AREA WITH THE PRIVATE OPEN SPACE OF THE COUNTRYSIDE
7HILE ARCHITECTS ARE MAKING GREAT STRIDES IN BRINGING SUSTAINABILITY TO THE
SUBURBS THEY CONTINUE TO FACE UNIQUE CHALLENGES THERE ! SITE FOR A HOUSE IN THE
DESERT CAN BE PICKED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUSTAINABLE PLANNING PRINCIPLES ° FOR
EXAMPLE ON THE SOUTHERN INCLINE OF A HILL INSTEAD OF THE NORTHERN "UT A TYPICAL
QUARTER ACRE SUBURBAN PLOT PERMITS NO SUCH ¾EXIBILITY )N LARGE TRACT DEVELOPMENTS
PROSPECTIVE HOMEOWNERS USUALLY HAVE NO SAY OVER WHAT MATERIALS OR CONSTRUCTION
METHODS ARE USED OR HOW A HOUSE IS SITED %COLOGICAL SOLUTIONS HOWEVER CAN BE
INTRODUCED DURING SUBSEQUENT RENOVATIONS
)F SUBURBS ARE TRULY TO GO GREEN PLANNERS MUST LOOK BEYOND THE CLASSIC
STAND ALONE FAMILY HOUSE WITH PRIVATE GARAGE AND FRONT AND BACK YARDS 2EAL
PROGRESS TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY DEPENDS ON INCREASING DENSITY AND REDUCING
INDIVIDUAL HOUSE SIZE 4HE EMBODIED ENERGY IN BUILDING MATERIALS ACCOUNTS FOR
MOST OF THE ENERGY USED IN CONSTRUCTION SO SMALLER HOMES AND SEMI DETACHED
52
OR TOWNHOUSE
STYLE BUILDINGS CAN HELP TO REDUCE OVERALL ECOLOGICAL IMPACT 3UCH
DESIGNS ALSO REDUCE HEATING AND COOLING COSTS AND ALLOW FUNCTIONS SUCH AS LAUNDRY
STORAGE PARKING AND GARDENS TO BE SHARED WITH NEIGHBORS
4HERE IS NO SHORTAGE OF SUCCESSFUL MODELS ALONG THESE LINES ,ONDON´S 'ARDEN
3UBURBS OF THE S AND S PROVIDED AN EARLY EXAMPLE OF HOW TO RETHINK THE
BALANCE OF INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE SPACE IN SUBURBAN DEVELOPMENTS !ND FROM THE
'ERMAN 3IEDLUNGEN OF THE S AND S TO POSTWAR 3CANDINAVIAN EXPERIMENTS
IN SUBURBAN DENSITY MOST NOTABLY BY !RNE *ACOBSEN AND *RN 5TZON ARCHITECTS
HAVE LONG SOUGHT TO PROVIDE MODELS FOR A ±COMPRESSED SUBURBIA² -ORE RECENTLY
THE .EW 5RBANIST MOVEMENT HAS RAISED VALID CONCERNS ABOUT SUBURBAN SPRAWL
AND NEIGHBORHOODS THAT ARE SCALED FOR CARS RATHER THAN PEOPLE
/NE OF THE SUBURB´S MOST DAMAGING ECOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES ° POLLUTION
FROM RESIDENTS´ LONG DAILY COMMUTES ° CANNOT BE MITIGATED BY ARCHITECTURE ALONE
"UT OTHER ISSUES FROM ENERGY EF½CIENCY TO THE USE OF RECYCLED MATERIALS TO DRIVE
WAYS THAT USE PERMEABLE PAVING INSTEAD OF ASPHALT CAN BE DIRECTLY ADDRESSED BY
DESIGNERS !ND FOR THOSE SUBURBANITES AND WEEKEND
HOME BUYERS LUCKY ENOUGH
TO BUILD FROM SCRATCH THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS ARE LIMITED ONLY
BY THE IMAGINATION
/F COURSE NEW HOMES ARE OFTEN SUBJECT TO COMMUNITY BUILDING CODES THAT
DETERMINE SIZE COLOR SETBACK DISTANCE AND OTHER FEATURES "UT WITHIN THE CON½NES
OF EVEN THE MOST RIGID NEIGHBORHOOD RULE BOOK NEW HOUSES CAN BE SITED FOR OPTIMAL
SOLAR EXPOSURE CONSTRUCTED FROM LOCAL RENEWABLE MATERIALS AND EQUIPPED WITH
MAXIMALLY EF½CIENT HEATING COOLING AND WASTE SYSTEMS !ND WHEN THE NEIGH
BORS HEAR HOW MUCH THE OWNERS OF THE NEW SUSTAINABLE HOUSE DOWN THE BLOCK ARE
SAVING ON THEIR ENERGY BILLS THEY MAY JUST RALLY FOR A GREENER SET OF COMMUNITY
PLANNING REGULATIONS
Suburb
53
SOLAR TUBE
ARCHITECTURAL FIRM DESIGNER
LOCATION
Vienna, Austria
YEAR
Driendl Architects Georg Driendl 2001
4HE QUIET RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT OF $yBLING ON THE NORTHWESTERN A STANDARDIZED CONCRETE CORE AND PRE FABRICATED
STEEL SKELETON PIECES THAT ARE DESIGNED TO ±SNAP
EDGE OF 6IENNA IS NOT THE KIND OF PLACE YOU´D EXPECT TO INTO PLACE ² HE EXPLAINS 4HE STEEL FRAME WHICH
½ND ONE OF THE MOST STARTLING WORKS OF GREEN ARCHITECTURE BOTH SUPPORTS THE BUILDING AND GIVES IT ITS UNIQUE
FORM IS KEPT ON THE INSIDE OF THE GLASS PANELING
BUILT IN RECENT YEARS "UT NESTLED IN A HEAVILY WOODED SITE 4HIS ARRANGEMENT PROTECTS THE STEEL STRUCTURE BY
PREVENTING ITS EXPOSURE TO THE CLIMATE´S EXTREME
IN A NEIGHBORHOOD OF HIGH PRICED SINGLE FAMILY HOMES TEMPERATURE ¾UCTUATIONS WHICH CAN STRESS AND
THERE 'EORG $RIENDL´S 3OLAR 4UBE HOUSE LOOKS LIKE THE WEAKEN THE STEEL
$ESIGNED FOR TWO DOCTORS AND THEIR THREE YOUNG
STUFF OF SCIENCE ½CTION !ND IN A WAY IT IS 5NCONVENTIONAL CHILDREN THIS STRUCTURE IS JUST ONE ITERATION IN A
SERIES OF ±3OLAR² HOUSES ° INCLUDING 3OLAR $ECK
AESTHETICALLY AND ENVIRONMENTALLY THE HOUSE PUSHES THE 3OLAR "OX 3OLAR !TRIUM 3OLAR #UBE 3OLAR "LADE AND
STYLE AND SCIENCE OF SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE TO THE EXTREME 3OLAR 4RAP ° THAT $RIENDL HAS BUILT OR DESIGNED WITH
THE SAME ENERGY EF½CIENT PRINCIPLES ±7E CREATED
TRANSFORMING A SINGLE ENERGY SAVING TECHNOLOGY INTO A THE 3OLAR SERIES IN RESPONSE TO RESEARCH ABOUT OUR
DESIGN CONCEPT FOR A WHOLE BUILDING CLIMATE IN !USTRIA ² SAYS $RIENDL ±!LTHOUGH THE
COLDEST PART OF THE WINTERS ONLY LAST A FEW MONTHS
! ±SOLAR TUBE² IS A SMALL LIGHT AND HEAT CAPTURING HERE THE REGION GENERALLY REQUIRES INDOOR HEATING
DEVICE THAT IS TYPICALLY INSTALLED ON THE ROOFS OF FOR ABOUT HALF THE YEAR !LL OF OUR 3OLAR HOUSES
HIGH EF½CIENCY HOMES )N THE HANDS OF THE 6IENNA REQUIRE ONLY THREE TO FOUR MONTHS OF HEATING °
BASED $RIENDL !RCHITECTS IT HAS SHAPED THE DESIGN THIS IS THE GREATEST SOURCE OF ENERGY SAVING FOR US
OF THE ENTIRE HOUSE 5SING THE PRINCIPLES OF RADIANT !USTRIANS AND WE MANAGE TO DO IT WITHOUT HIGH
HEATING THERMAL MASSING AND PASSIVE SOLAR TECH EQUIPMENT OR HIGH PRICES²
COLLECTION TOGETHER WITH LARGE EXPANSES OF LOW 3ET ON A TIGHT LOT WITH TALL TREES THE SQUARE
EMISSION THERMAL GLASS THE BUILDING IS DESIGNED FOOT HOUSE TAKES MAXIMUM ADVANTAGE OF LIGHT
TO MAINTAIN A TEMPERATURE OF TO DEGREES AND SHADE ALL YEAR ROUND )N THE WINTER DEFOLIATION
&AHRENHEIT "OTH LIGHT AND HEAT COME INTO THE HOUSE EXPOSES THE HOUSE TO AN ABUNDANCE OF SOLAR
THROUGH WHAT $RIENDL CALLS ±ISOLATION² GLASS ! TWO ENERGY WHICH IT CAPTURES THROUGH THE ISOLATION
PLY GLAZING WIDELY USED IN !USTRIA 'ERMANY AND GLASS AND STORES IN ITS MASSIVE CONCRETE CORE FOR
OTHER MIDDLE AND NORTHERN %UROPEAN COUNTRIES HEAT THROUGHOUT THE COLD MONTHS $URING THE
THANKS TO PROGRESSIVE LEGISLATION THAT MANDATES WARMER SUMMER MONTHS THE HOUSE IS PROTECTED
ENERGY EF½CIENCY IT CONTAINS A LAYER OF METAL FROM OVERHEATING BY THICK FOLIAGE AS WELL AS
SANDWICHED BETWEEN THE TWO SHEETS OF GLASS THAT A VENTILATION SYSTEM THAT ACTS AS A CHIMNEY
CONDUCTS THE SHORT WARMING RAYS WHILE DE¾ECTING FUNNELING WARM AIR UP AND OUT 7HEREVER POSSIBLE
THE LONGER DAMAGING 56 RAYS 4HE HOUSE´S CENTRAL $RIENDL USED LOCAL MATERIALS °MAPLE WOOD FROM
CORE OF REINFORCED CONCRETE ABSORBS AND STORES A NEARBY FOREST GRANITE FROM A NEARBY QUARRY °
THE WARMTH KEEPING THE WHOLE HOUSE WITHIN A AND PRE FABRICATED PARTS FOR ALL THE INTEGRATED
: 3TACKED THREE ¾OORS HIGH ON A
COMFORTABLE TEMPERATURE RANGE FURNITURE INCLUDING KITCHEN CABINETS LIBRARY
SMALL WOODED LOT THE 3OLAR 4UBE
"UILT IN ONLY ½VE MONTHS THE 3OLAR 4UBE BOOKSHELVES AND VARIOUS STORAGE UNITS THAT HE
IS ARCHITECT 'EORG $RIENDL´S IDEA
EXEMPLI½ES $RIENDL´S COMMITMENT TO DESIGNING FOR DESIGNED TO MATCH THE BUILDING
OF A TWENTY ½RST¯CENTURY TREE
ENERGY AND COST EF½CIENCY DURING THE CONSTRUCTION ,IKE A ROUNDED GLASS ±TUBE ² THE GLAZED WALLS
HOUSE
PROCESS AS WELL DURING THE LIFE OF THE BUILDING SLOPE STRIKINGLY AROUND THE CURVED WOOD COVERED
(IS AFFORDABLE BUILDING METHOD REVOLVES AROUND STEEL STRUCTURE OF THE THREE STORY HOUSE 5P TOP A
Solar Tube
55
SEMI
TRANSPARENT SLIDING ROOF INCREASES VENTILATION ¾OORS ON THE TWO UPPER LEVELS THE HOUSE BECOMES < 4HE 3OLAR 4UBE´S REAR FACADE
AND THE FAMILY´S PROXIMITY TO NATURE /N THE UPPER
ITS OWN ATRIUM WITH THE TREE
SHADED ROOF VISIBLE ALL WHICH FACES NORTH FEATURES
LEVEL MEZZANINE EACH OF THE FOUR BEDROOMS ENJOYS THE WAY FROM THE GROUND ¾OOR A DOWNWARD
FACING ANGLE THAT
TWO EXPOSURES "ELOW THE SLEEPING QUARTERS THE ±) LIKE TO THINK OF IT AS A TRIBUTE TO THE CHILDREN ² DIVERTS THE HIGH RAYS OF THE
MAIN ¾OOR ALLOWS FOR AN OPEN
PLAN ARRANGEMENT OF SAYS $RIENDL ±&OR THEM IT´S LIKE LIVING IN A TREE SUMMER SUN
KITCHEN LIVING AND DINING AREAS !ND ON THE GROUND HOUSE 7HAT A GOOD WAY TO TEACH THEM ABOUT THE
9 4HE FRONT FACADE IS INCLINED
¾OOR THE DESIGN ACCOMMODATES A LARGE FOYER A LOVE OF NATURE²
UPWARD SO THAT THE HOUSE CAN
STORAGE ROOM AND AN OF½CE 4HANKS TO TEXTURED GLASS
ABSORB THE WARMING SOUTHERN
LIGHT
Suburb
56
Green Features
IS OLATION GLASS CO N CRET E C O R E C H I MNE Y E F F E C T L O C A L MATER IALS
Dual-ply windows containing A massive base of reinforced In the warm months of Driendl used locally quarried
a thin metallic layer that concrete serves as both summer, the retractable granite as floor covering for
attracts winter’s short rays structural anchor and glass roof provides a both the first and second
while deflecting summer’s passive solar collector, convenient escape hatch for levels and maple wood
long ones help regulate absorbing heat during rising hot air as well an easy grown in a neighboring
interior temperatures. the day and then slowly ingress for cool breezes. forest for the custom
releasing it at night. cabinetry and furniture.
Suburb
58
: /N THE GROUND ¾OOR THE ENTIRE < 7ITH A GLASS CEILING THE HOUSE´S
REAR FACADE OPENS GARAGE
DOOR¯ THIRD STORY WHICH CONTAINS ALL
STYLE ONTO THE GARDEN ELIMINATING FOUR BEDROOMS FUNNELS LIGHT
THE DIVISION BETWEEN INDOORS DOWN TO THE TWO LEVELS BELOW
AND OUT
Solar Tube
59
< !N OPEN STAIRCASE AND INLAID 9 4HE COOL ANGULARITY OF THE
GLASS ¾OOR PANELS ON THE SECOND PREFABRICATED INTERIOR STEEL SUPPORT
STORY KEEP THE KITCHEN AND LIVING STRUCTURE IS OFFSET BY CURVED WOOD
ROOMS AS WELL AS THE GROUND
COVERED BEAMS THAT DE½NE THE
¾OOR OF½CES BELOW ¾OODED WITH 3OLAR 4UBE´S UNIQUE FORM
NATURAL LIGHT
99 %VEN THE BATHROOMS ARE
ENCLOSED BY THE SAME WIDE SWATHS
OF GLASS USED IN THE MORE PUBLIC
AREAS OF THE HOUSE 3TRATEGICALLY
PLACED OPAQUE PANELS ENSURE
PRIVACY
Suburb
60
3ECOND &LOOR 0LAN
"EDROOM
'ALLERY
'ROUND &LOOR 0LAN
+ITCHEN
,IVING ROOM
3OUTH 3ECTION
"ASEMENT 0LAN .ORTH 3ECTION
&OYER
/F½CE
4ECHNICAL ROOM
7EST 3ECTION
Solar Tube
61
Charlotte residence
ARCHITECTURAL FIRM DESIGNER
LOCATION
Charlotte, North Carolina
YEAR
William McDonough + Partners Allison Ewing and William McDonough 2002
#HARLOTTE .ORTH #AROLINA A BANKING CENTER AND ONE OF THE ABOUT HOW TO DESIGN AND PRODUCE WITHOUT WASTE OR
ACCORDING TO THE PRINCIPALS OF WHAT HE HAS TERMED
FASTEST GROWING CITIES IN THE SOUTHERN 5NITED 3TATES OVER THE ±CRADLE TO CRADLE² DESIGN
LAST COUPLE OF DECADES HAS A POPULATION OF MORE THAN HALF &OR THE #HARLOTTE HOUSE IT WASN´T JUST A MATTER OF
KNOCKING DOWN AS FEW TREES AS POSSIBLE DURING THE
A MILLION "UT YOU´D NEVER KNOW IT FROM LOOKING AT THE ½VE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS 4HE ARCHITECTS AIMED FROM
THE OUTSET TO CREATE INTERIOR SPACES THAT WOULD
ACRE PIECE OF LAND FOR WHICH THE #HARLOTTESVILLE 6IRGINIA ½RM MIMIC THE EXPERIENCE OF STANDING OUTDOORS ON THE
7ILLIAM -C$ONOUGH 0ARTNERS ° LONG A LEADER OF THE GREEN SITE 4HEY ALSO DESIGNED A VAULTED ROOF ABOVE THE
MAIN LIVING AREAS TO SUGGEST THE EXPANSIVE SENSE OF
DESIGN MOVEMENT ° DESIGNED THIS TWO STORY THREE BEDROOM A CANOPY RISING ABOVE
±7HEN YOU GET RIGHT DOWN TO IT WE THINK
HOUSE 4HOUGH THE HOUSE SITS WITHIN THE #HARLOTTE CITY LIMITS PEOPLE DEEP DOWN WOULD RATHER SPEND THEIR
ITS RUSTIC EXTERIOR ½NISHES AND SPRAWLING LEAFY GROUNDS DAYS OUTDOORS ² %WING SAYS ±3O WE TRY TO CREATE
ARCHITECTURE THAT GIVES THEM THAT FEELING²
MAKE IT SEEM MUCH FURTHER REMOVED FROM URBAN LIFE THAN THE /THER FEATURES OF THE DESIGN POINTED TOWARD
TWENTY MILES THAT SEPARATE IT FROM THE HEART OF DOWNTOWN THE SAME EXPERIENTIAL GOAL 4HE GROUND ¾OOR
IS GENERALLY OPEN AND ¾UID IN PLAN WITH HIGH
±4HE SITE IS ESSENTIALLY A HUNDRED YEAR OLD CABINETS HELPING TO DIVIDE THE SPACE AND BROAD
FOREST ² SAYS !LLISON %WING THE -C$ONOUGH EXPANSES OF LOW EMISSION WINDOWS FOR ABUNDANT
0ARTNERS ARCHITECT WHO LED THE DESIGN TEAM 4HE LIGHT 4WO ½ELDSTONE WALLS PERPENDICULAR IN PLAN
PROPERTY IS DOMINATED BY STANDS OF LOBLOLLY OR RUN THROUGH THE CENTER OF THE L SHAPED HOUSE
YELLOW SOUTHERN PINE TREES WHICH GROW THIN ±/RIGINALLY THE CLIENT CAME TO US SAYING THEY
AND TALL ° UP TO FEET IN SOME CASES /N THIS WANTED A STONE HOUSE ² %WING SAYS ±BUT A HOUSE
SITE THEY´VE WOVEN THEIR BRANCHES TOGETHER OVER ENTIRELY OF STONE WAS GOING TO BE PROHIBITIVELY
TIME TO FORM CANOPIES THAT PROVIDE SHADE AND EXPENSIVE 7E FELT WE COULD GIVE THEM THE SENSE OF
AN ALWAYS SHIFTING VARIETY OF LIGHT PATTERNS HAVING A STONE HOUSE BY COMBINING WOOD AND GLASS
±7E ASKED THE CLIENT WHEN THEY HIRED US TO WITH THE PROMINENT STONE WALLS² 4HE WALLS WITHIN
GET A SURVEY DONE ² %WING ADDS ±.OT JUST THE ALSO HELP GROUND THE HOUSE IN A ½RM HORIZONTALITY
SITE CONTOURS BUT A REAL TREE SURVEY 4HAT IDENTI½ED DRAWING THE EYE BACK OUTSIDE IN WHAT %WING CALLS
THE KEY REALLY BEAUTIFUL TREES WE WANTED TO ±A KEY ELEMENT IN INTEGRATING THE HOUSE WITH THE
: 4HE SITE FOR THIS -C$ONOUGH DESIGN AROUND² LANDSCAPE² !LSO IMPORTANT IN REACHING THAT GOAL
0ARTNERS DESIGN SITS WITHIN THE 0OSITIONING THE HOUSE ALONG AXES ALREADY WAS THE ½RM´S WORK WITH THE LANDSCAPE DESIGNERS
#HARLOTTE CITY LIMITS BUT HAS THE DE½NED BY THE EXISTING TREES WAS THE ½RM´S ½RST ON THE PROJECT .ELSON "YRD 7OLTZ
LOOK OF A SECLUDED RETREAT WITH ITS STEP IN DE½NING SUSTAINABILITY ON THIS PARTICULAR 4HE RESULT OF THAT CONSTANT EMPHASIS ON
CANOPY OF LOBLOLLY PINES WHICH PROJECT ±"ILL TALKS ALL THE TIME ABOUT HOW AND MARRYING HOUSE AND SITE IS WHAT %WING CALLS ±BOTH
THE ARCHITECTS WORKED HARD TO WHEN WE BECOME INDIGENOUS TO PLACE NATIVE TO AN ANOMALY IN ITS URBAN SETTING AND AN ARCHETYPE
PROTECT PLACE OURSELVES ² %WING SAYS REFERRING TO 7ILLIAM A HOME IN THE WOODS²
-C$ONOUGH THE ½RM´S FOUNDER )N ADDITION TO !ND SINCE THIS IS A -C$ONOUGH 0ARTNERS HOUSE
RUNNING HIS THIRTY PERSON ½RM -C$ONOUGH THE GREEN ELEMENTS DON´T END THERE ! GEOTHERMAL
IS A NOTED AUTHOR AND FREQUENT LECTURER ON SYSTEM WHICH TAPS INTO THE HEAT OF THE EARTH BY
SUSTAINABILITY AND A PARTNER IN THE DESIGN AND DIGGING SEVERAL HUNDRED FEET DOWN INTO THE GROUND
CONSULTING ½RM -"$# WHICH ADVISES COMPANIES PROVIDES RADIANT HEAT "ECAUSE OF HIGH INSTALLATION
INCLUDING MULTINATIONAL CORPORATIONS SUCH AS &ORD COSTS AND BECAUSE FEW RESIDENTIAL BUILDERS HAVE
Charlotte Residence
63
< 3INCE THE .ORTH #AROLINA 9 4HE FACADE´S STONE BASE IS
CLIMATE ALLOWS RESIDENTS TO SPEND ECHOED IN THE GRAVEL LANDSCAPING
TIME OUTDOORS NEARLY YEAR
ROUND BY .ELSON "YRD 7OLTZ ,ANDSCAPE
THE HOUSE IS DESIGNED TO PROVIDE !RCHITECTS
EASY EXTERIOR ACCESS
Suburb
64
< 4HE INTERIOR SPACES SIT UNDER A EXPERIENCE WORKING WITH THEM GEOTHERMAL USED AND ALL THE MATERIALS ARE NON
TOXIC AND WERE
VAULTED ROOF THAT THE ARCHITECTS SYSTEMS REMAIN A RARITY IN SINGLE
FAMILY HOMES BOUGHT LOCALLY WHERE POSSIBLE 4HE WALLS ARE MADE
DESIGNED TO RESEMBLE A CANOPY EVEN THOSE THAT ASPIRE TO HIGH LEVELS OF GREEN OF 3)03 PANELS A SUPER
EF½CIENT BUILDING MATERIAL
OF TREE BRANCHES (IGH CABINETS DESIGN !LL THE WOOD USED IN THE HOUSE IS EITHER THAT SANDWICHES A POLYSTYRENE CORE BETWEEN TWO
AND FREESTANDING WALLS DIVIDE THE RECLAIMED LIKE THE EASTERN WHITE CEDAR SIDING OR LAYERS OF ORIENTED STRAND BOARD OR /3"
HOUSE INTO DISCRETE ROOMS WHILE CERTI½ED AS SUSTAINABLY HARVESTED 4HE TREES NOT 3TILL EVERY ARCHITECT AT -C$ONOUGH 0ARTNERS
MAINTAINING THE SENSE OF A LOFT
SURPRISINGLY OFFER GOOD SHADING IN THE SUMMER WOULD TELL YOU THAT GREEN DESIGN FAILS THE MINUTE
LIKE OPEN SPACE
AIDED BY DEEP ROOF OVERHANGS )N WINTER THERE IS IT BECOMES A MERE CHECKLIST ±7E TRY TO DE½NE
GOOD HEAT RETENTION FROM PASSIVE SOLAR ORIENTATION SUSTAINABILITY AS BROADLY AND HOLISTICALLY AS
THOUGH %WING SAYS THAT ±WE WEREN´T DOGMATIC POSSIBLE ² %WING SAYS ±9OU CAN ½GURE OUT A MILLION
ABOUT ORIENTING THE HOUSE DIRECTLY TO THE SOUTH )T GREEN FEATURES BUT IN THE END IT´S ABOUT THE CLIENTS
WAS A SYNCHRONICITY BETWEEN PASSIVE SOLAR AND THE HOW THEY LIVE AND THEIR HEALTH AND WELL
BEING²
VIEWS² )N ADDITION NO FORMALDEHYDE OR VINYL WAS
Charlotte Residence
65
< 4HE VIEW OF THE SURROUNDING
WOODS IS ACCENTUATED BY LARGE
GRIDDED WINDOWS 3UNLIGHT ¾OODS
THE INTERIOR DURING THE WINTER
WHEN THE SUN IS LOW ENOUGH TO SLIP
BENEATH THE EXTERIOR OVERHANGS
Suburb
66
3ECOND &LOOR 0LAN
9 4HE INVERTED L
SHAPED PLAN IS
BISECTED BY A ½ELDSTONE WALL THAT
RUNS THROUGH THE INTERIOR AND
EXTENDS OUTSIDE
-AIN &LOOR 0LAN
Charlotte Residence
67
suburb
Suburbs are everywhere,
everywhere cities are found. Conceived as a kind of utopia that
would allow city workers to live in pastoral surroundings, the
suburb, with its voracious appetite for open space and low-
rise, low-density development, has turned out to be one of
mankind’s more harmful intrusions on the environment.
)NDEED THE BALLOONING SIZE OF THE TYPICAL NEW SUBURBAN HOME ° NOW AVERAGING
MORE THAN SQUARE FEET IN THE 5NITED 3TATES ° AND THE IN½NITE REPLICATION
OF LAWNS GARAGES SEPTIC TANKS HEATING SYSTEMS LAUNDRY ROOMS AND OTHER
AMENITIES FOR EACH HOUSEHOLD HAS MADE THE SUBURB A CONVENIENT METAPHOR
FOR WASTEFULNESS IN MODERN SOCIETY %VEN WEEKEND HOMES ON SITES OUTSIDE OF
TRADITIONAL PLANNED SUBURBS ° WHAT WEALTHY .EW 9ORKERS FOR EXAMPLE CALL
±THE COUNTRY² ° ARE GETTING BIGGER AND MORE EXTRAVAGANT 0RIMARY RESIDENCE OR
VACATION RETREAT THESE HOUSES AT THEIR MOST WASTEFUL ARE LESS ABOUT LIVING CLOSER
TO NATURE THAN AN ARCHITECTURAL PLOY TO HAVE ONE´S CAKE AND EAT IT TOO ° TO COMBINE
THE CONVENIENCE OF AN URBAN AREA WITH THE PRIVATE OPEN SPACE OF THE COUNTRYSIDE
7HILE ARCHITECTS ARE MAKING GREAT STRIDES IN BRINGING SUSTAINABILITY TO THE
SUBURBS THEY CONTINUE TO FACE UNIQUE CHALLENGES THERE ! SITE FOR A HOUSE IN THE
DESERT CAN BE PICKED IN ACCORDANCE WITH SUSTAINABLE PLANNING PRINCIPLES ° FOR
EXAMPLE ON THE SOUTHERN INCLINE OF A HILL INSTEAD OF THE NORTHERN "UT A TYPICAL
QUARTER ACRE SUBURBAN PLOT PERMITS NO SUCH ¾EXIBILITY )N LARGE TRACT DEVELOPMENTS
PROSPECTIVE HOMEOWNERS USUALLY HAVE NO SAY OVER WHAT MATERIALS OR CONSTRUCTION
METHODS ARE USED OR HOW A HOUSE IS SITED %COLOGICAL SOLUTIONS HOWEVER CAN BE
INTRODUCED DURING SUBSEQUENT RENOVATIONS
)F SUBURBS ARE TRULY TO GO GREEN PLANNERS MUST LOOK BEYOND THE CLASSIC
STAND ALONE FAMILY HOUSE WITH PRIVATE GARAGE AND FRONT AND BACK YARDS 2EAL
PROGRESS TOWARD SUSTAINABILITY DEPENDS ON INCREASING DENSITY AND REDUCING
INDIVIDUAL HOUSE SIZE 4HE EMBODIED ENERGY IN BUILDING MATERIALS ACCOUNTS FOR
MOST OF THE ENERGY USED IN CONSTRUCTION SO SMALLER HOMES AND SEMI DETACHED
52
OR TOWNHOUSE
STYLE BUILDINGS CAN HELP TO REDUCE OVERALL ECOLOGICAL IMPACT 3UCH
DESIGNS ALSO REDUCE HEATING AND COOLING COSTS AND ALLOW FUNCTIONS SUCH AS LAUNDRY
STORAGE PARKING AND GARDENS TO BE SHARED WITH NEIGHBORS
4HERE IS NO SHORTAGE OF SUCCESSFUL MODELS ALONG THESE LINES ,ONDON´S 'ARDEN
3UBURBS OF THE S AND S PROVIDED AN EARLY EXAMPLE OF HOW TO RETHINK THE
BALANCE OF INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE SPACE IN SUBURBAN DEVELOPMENTS !ND FROM THE
'ERMAN 3IEDLUNGEN OF THE S AND S TO POSTWAR 3CANDINAVIAN EXPERIMENTS
IN SUBURBAN DENSITY MOST NOTABLY BY !RNE *ACOBSEN AND *RN 5TZON ARCHITECTS
HAVE LONG SOUGHT TO PROVIDE MODELS FOR A ±COMPRESSED SUBURBIA² -ORE RECENTLY
THE .EW 5RBANIST MOVEMENT HAS RAISED VALID CONCERNS ABOUT SUBURBAN SPRAWL
AND NEIGHBORHOODS THAT ARE SCALED FOR CARS RATHER THAN PEOPLE
/NE OF THE SUBURB´S MOST DAMAGING ECOLOGICAL CONSEQUENCES ° POLLUTION
FROM RESIDENTS´ LONG DAILY COMMUTES ° CANNOT BE MITIGATED BY ARCHITECTURE ALONE
"UT OTHER ISSUES FROM ENERGY EF½CIENCY TO THE USE OF RECYCLED MATERIALS TO DRIVE
WAYS THAT USE PERMEABLE PAVING INSTEAD OF ASPHALT CAN BE DIRECTLY ADDRESSED BY
DESIGNERS !ND FOR THOSE SUBURBANITES AND WEEKEND
HOME BUYERS LUCKY ENOUGH
TO BUILD FROM SCRATCH THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS ARE LIMITED ONLY
BY THE IMAGINATION
/F COURSE NEW HOMES ARE OFTEN SUBJECT TO COMMUNITY BUILDING CODES THAT
DETERMINE SIZE COLOR SETBACK DISTANCE AND OTHER FEATURES "UT WITHIN THE CON½NES
OF EVEN THE MOST RIGID NEIGHBORHOOD RULE BOOK NEW HOUSES CAN BE SITED FOR OPTIMAL
SOLAR EXPOSURE CONSTRUCTED FROM LOCAL RENEWABLE MATERIALS AND EQUIPPED WITH
MAXIMALLY EF½CIENT HEATING COOLING AND WASTE SYSTEMS !ND WHEN THE NEIGH
BORS HEAR HOW MUCH THE OWNERS OF THE NEW SUSTAINABLE HOUSE DOWN THE BLOCK ARE
SAVING ON THEIR ENERGY BILLS THEY MAY JUST RALLY FOR A GREENER SET OF COMMUNITY
PLANNING REGULATIONS
Suburb
53
68
villa sari
ARCHITECTURAL FIRM DESIGNER
LOCATION
Pori, Finland
YEAR
ARRAK
R Arkkitehdit Hannu Kiiskilä 2000
4HOUGH THE WINTERS IN 0ORI A TOWN ON THE WEST COAST OF ADVANTAGES IN THAT REGARD 3LOPING DOWN GENTLY
FROM NORTH TO SOUTH IT ALLOWED +IISKILi TO EXPOSE
&INLAND ABOUT MILES NORTHWEST OF (ELSINKI AREN´T AS THE SOUTHERN EDGE OF THE HOUSE WHICH HOLDS
FRIGID AS THOSE FARTHER NORTH IN THE COUNTRY THE REGION IS THE DINING AREA KITCHEN AND A COURTYARD WHILE
TUCKING THREE BEDROOMS ON THE NORTHERN SIDE
NONETHELESS A PLACE OF EXTREMES )N THE DEAD OF WINTER THE INTO THE ROCKY HILLSIDE ! FOURTH BEDROOM IS BELOW
IN THE BASEMENT 4HE COURTYARD IS THUS USABLE
SUN STAYS ABOVE THE HORIZON FOR A FEW PRECIOUS HOURS HANGING THROUGH MUCH OF THE YEAR WARMED BY SOUTHERN
LOW IN THE SKY )N THE SUMMER IT SETS ONLY BRIE¾Y 4HE SPREAD EXPOSURE AND PROTECTED BY A U SHAPED EXTENSION
OF THE WINGS OF THE HOUSE ° WITH THE KITCHEN ON
BETWEEN A YEAR´S LOWEST AND HIGHEST TEMPERATURES CAN TOP ONE SIDE AND A SAUNA ON THE OTHER ° AROUND IT
! SECOND OUTDOOR TERRACE CONSTRUCTED OF STONE
DEGREES "ECAUSE CONDITIONS CAN BE HARSH AND WINTER QUARRIED AT THE SITE EXTENDS FROM THE WESTERN SIDE
HEATING BILLS HIGH SAYS ARCHITECT (ANNU +IISKILi ±WE HAVE OF THE HOUSE
3OLAR LOSS AND GAIN ARE TIGHTLY CONTROLLED IN A
GOOD REASON HERE TO PAY ATTENTION TO SUSTAINABILITY² NUMBER OF WAYS BEGINNING WITH THE BUILDING´S
+IISKILi´S DESIGN FOR A YOUNG COUPLE AND THEIR ORIENTATION 4HE WINDOWS ON THE SOUTHERN FACADE
THREE CHILDREN KEEPS THOSE CONSIDERATIONS AT THE ARE RELATIVELY LARGE BUT THEY ARE COVERED WITH
FOREFRONT WHILE ALSO PRODUCING A REMARKABLY MOVEABLE LOUVERED PANELS ALIGNED TO BLOCK SUMMER
ASSURED PIECE OF ARCHITECTURE 4HE 6ILLA 3ARI IS A SUNLIGHT WHILE LETTING WINTER SUN STREAM INTO THE
FOUR BEDROOM SQUARE FOOT HOME MOSTLY HOUSE ! THIN BAND OF CLERESTORY WINDOWS ALONG
ON ONE LEVEL WITH A ½NISHED BASEMENT BELOW THE TOP OF THE FACADE IS SIMILARLY POSITIONED TO
AND GENEROUS EXTERIOR SPACE ° A RARITY FOR THIS MAXIMIZE WINTER SUNLIGHT INDOORS )N ADDITION
REGION ° THAT ALLOWS FOR A MIXTURE OF INDOOR AND THE WINDOWS HAVE A RE¾ECTIVE GLAZING ON THE INNER
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN NICE WEATHER 4HE STRUCTURE LAYER THAT BOUNCES HEAT BACK INTO THE INTERIOR
ACTS AS BOTH A BARRIER AGAINST WINTER COLD AND BEFORE IT CAN ESCAPE
AS A BREATHABLE SHELL 4HE EXTERIOR MATERIALS ARE 7ITH THE EXCEPTION OF SOME #ANADIAN
HARDY ° THEY INCLUDE RECTANGULAR PANELS OF A STIFF CEDAR IN THE LATTICEWORK ALL OF THE WOOD USED
LAMINATE MADE OF RECYCLED NEWSPAPER AND COATED IN CONSTRUCTION ° MOSTLY PINE AND ½R ° WAS
IN RESIN ° BUT THEY ALSO PROMOTE A VISUAL SENSE GROWN WITHIN A FEW DOZEN MILES OF THE SITE 4HE
OF VARIETY AND OPENNESS AIR CIRCULATION SYSTEM IS EVEN MORE AMBITIOUS
±7E HAVE A TRADITION IN &INLAND OF MAKING IN TERMS OF SUSTAINABILITY )T CONSTANTLY MOVES
VERY WARM BOXES ² SAYS +IISKILi A PRINCIPAL IN THE APPROXIMATELY PERCENT OF THE INTERIOR AIR
(ELSINKI ½RM !22!+ !RKKITEHDIT ±WITH BARRIERS THROUGH THE HOUSE ½LTERING IT AND MIXING IT WITH
BETWEEN OUTSIDE AND INSIDE THAT ARE VERY STRICT AIR FROM THE OUTSIDE AS IT DOES SO THIS HELPS KEEP
: !22!+´S 6ILLA 3ARI IS LOCATED /UR HOUSES DON´T GIVE US VERY MANY OPPORTUNITIES THE TEMPERATURE INSIDE THE HOUSE STEADY FROM
ON A ROCKY SITE NEAR THE WESTERN TO EXTEND OUR LIVING SPACES TO THE OUTDOORS (ERE ONE END TO THE OTHER
COAST OF &INLAND )TS HORIZONTAL WE´VE TRIED TO USE A VERY ¾EXIBLE ARRANGEMENT )T ALSO HELPS KEEP THE HEATING BILL LOW 7HEN
DESIGN SOAKS IN WINTER SUN AND WHICH KEEPS THE HOUSE WARM IN AN EF½CIENT WAY THE ½REPLACE IS LIT +IISKILi EXPLAINS THE HEAT IS
USES DEEP OVERHANGS TO PROVIDE IN WINTER BUT ALSO OPEN TO THE LAND TO THE SUN AND DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT THE HOUSE !LL IN ALL THE
SHADE TO OUTDOOR SPACES IN TO THE AIR² ARCHITECT ESTIMATES THAT THE 6ILLA 3ARI USES ABOUT
SUMMER
4HE SITE A ROCKY OUTCROPPING ABOUT ½VE MILES THREE QUARTERS AS MUCH ENERGY AS A TYPICAL HOUSE
INLAND FROM THE 'ULF OF "OTHNIA WHICH SEPARATES OF ITS SIZE IN THIS PART OF &INLAND
&INLAND FROM 3WEDEN OFFERED SOME NATURAL )N PLAN THE HOUSE IS ORGANIZED AROUND A CENTRAL
Villa Sari
69
OPEN KITCHEN 4HE REST OF THE ROOMS SPIN OUT FROM < 4HE SOUTHERN FACADE IS COVERED
THERE IN A SORT OF ¾YWHEEL PATTERN WITH A DINING WITH HARD LAMINATE PANELS MADE
AREA AND ADJACENT SUNKEN LIVING ROOM IN ONE OF RECYCLED NEWSPAPER AND COATED
DIRECTION AND THE SLEEPING QUARTERS IN THE OTHER IN RESIN 7INDOWS ARE SHADED BY
ADJUSTABLE LOUVERS
3OUTH OF THE BEDROOMS IS A SAUNA ° PRACTICALLY A
REQUIREMENT IN ANY &INNISH HOME
&ROM THE OUTSIDE THE HOUSE SUGGESTS A CUBIST
ASSEMBLAGE OF INTERLOCKING BOXES ARRANGED ALONG A
HORIZONTAL PLANE°AS IF ONE OF &RANK ,LOYD 7RIGHT´S
PRAIRIE STYLE HOUSES HAD BEEN CROSSED WITH THE
WORK OF A 3CANDINAVIAN MODERNIST
Suburb
70
: 4HE SITE´S EXISTING PINE < .ESTLED INTO THE UNDULATING
AND ½R TREES WHICH WERE TERRAIN THE HOUSE IS OUT½TTED
CAREFULLY PROTECTED DURING WITH LARGE WINDOWS THAT PERMIT
CONSTRUCTION ENCLOSE THE UNUSUALLY GOOD EXPOSURE ON ITS
HOUSE ON ITS WESTERN EDGE SOUTHERN SIDE
Villa Sari
71
3OUTH %LEVATION
3ECOND &LOOR 0LAN
7EST %LEVATION
&IRST &LOOR 0LAN
3ECTION THROUGH 5PPER #OURTYARD !REA
3ECTION THROUGH ,IVING 2OOM !REA
Suburb
72
:< !N AMBITIOUS CIRCULATION
SCHEME ALLOWS HEAT FROM THE
½REPLACE TO ¾OW THROUGHOUT THE
INTERIOR 4HE WINDOWS´ INTERIOR
RE¾ECTIVE COATING KEEPS HEAT FROM
ESCAPING DURING THE WINTER
Villa Sari
73
Little tesseract
ARCHITECTURAL FIRM DESIGNER
LOCATION
Rhinebeck, New York
YEAR
Y
Steven Holl Architects Steven Holl 2004
3TEVEN (OLL IS ONE OF THE BEST REGARDED !MERICAN ARCHITECTS STEEL AND GLASS WRAPPING AROUND TWO SIDES OF A
NEW SLIGHTLY WARPED CUBE 3HEATHED IN STUCCO
OF HIS GENERATION WELL KNOWN FOR DESIGNS INCLUDING THE PAINTED A CHARCOAL GRAY COLOR THE CUBE IS PUNCHED
+IASMA -USEUM IN (ELSINKI AND 3IMMONS (ALL AT -)4 (E THROUGH WITH STEEL FRAMED WINDOWS 4HE L SHAPED
PORTION OF THE ADDITION ON THE WESTERN AND
WAS ALSO A MEMBER WITH ARCHITECTURE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHTS SOUTHERN SIDES OF THE NEW CUBE FORMS WHAT (OLL
CALLS ±A TEMPERATE ZONE ² HELPING RETAIN WARMTH
0ETER %ISENMAN #HARLES 'WATHMEY AND 2ICHARD -EIER IN FROM THE SUN IN WINTER AND BRING IN COOLING BREEZES
THE SO CALLED $REAM 4EAM GROUP THAT WAS NAMED A ½NALIST IN SUMMER
!T THE SAME TIME THAT HE WAS BEGINNING TO
IN THE MASTER PLAN COMPETITION FOR THE 7ORLD 4RADE #ENTER SKETCH PLANS FOR THE ADDITION (OLL WAS WORKING ON
A NEW ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL FOR #ORNELL 5NIVERSITY
SITE 7HAT HE HASN´T BEEN KNOWN FOR IS A COMMITMENT TO A PROJECT THAT ULTIMATELY FELL THROUGH 4HE CONCEPT
SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE AT #ORNELL WAS TO BUILD THE NEW ARCHITECTURE
4HAT MAY CHANGE HOWEVER ONCE MORE ARCHITECTS SCHOOL USING THE TESSERACT WHICH IS ESSENTIALLY A
CRITICS AND ENVIRONMENTALISTS GET A LOOK AT THE FOUR DIMENSIONAL VERSION OF A CUBE AS A SYMBOLIC
,ITTLE 4ESSERACT AN ADDITION TO (OLL´S OWN WEEKEND GUIDEPOST SUGGESTING AN EFFORT TO EXPAND THE
HOUSE IN 2HINEBECK .EW 9ORK ABOUT MILES NORTH TRADITIONAL ARCHITECTURAL CUBE ±7HAT A SQUARE IS TO
OF -ANHATTAN 4HE NEW STRUCTURE ° WHICH WAS A CUBE ² (OLL EXPLAINS ±A CUBE IS TO A TESSERACT² 4HAT
LARGELY ½NISHED BY THOUGH (OLL SAYS HE IS STILL PROJECT WITH A BUDGET OF MILLION WAS TAKING UP
TINKERING WITH IT ° ADDS ABOUT SQUARE FEET OF MOST OF HIS CREATIVE ATTENTION NOT SURPRISINGLY IDEAS
SPACE ON TWO LEVELS TO A SMALL EXISTING STONE HOUSE FROM #ORNELL BEGAN TO OVER¾OW INTO HIS WORK ON
BUILT IN THE S "Y ANY STANDARD THE ADDITION THE WEEKEND HOUSE ° ENOUGH THAT (OLL BEGAN
QUALI½ES AS GREEN !ND IT IS ALSO PERHAPS LESS OF AN REFERRING TO IT AS THE ,ITTLE 4ESSERACT
ANOMALY FOR (OLL THAN IT WOULD APPEAR (E SAYS HE !T #ORNELL (OLL WANTED TO INCLUDE A HUGE STACK OF
HAS BEEN EXPLORING A RANGE OF SUSTAINABLE STRATEGIES GLASS PLANKS ON THE SOUTH AND EAST WALLS THAT WOULD
IN RECENT PROJECTS INCLUDING A GEOTHERMAL PROJECT TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SO CALLED CHIMNEY EFFECT )N
IN .ANJING #HINA THE WINTER THEY WOULD ABSORB SUNLIGHT AND SLOWLY
4HE ½RST SUSTAINABLE DECISION (OLL MADE IN RELEASE IT BACK INTO THE BUILDING )N SUMMER THEY
2HINEBECK WAS NOT TO TEAR DOWN HIS EXISTING HOUSE WOULD DRAW WARM AIR UP AND THEN RELEASE IT AT THE
WHICH WAS BUILT OF ½ELDSTONE GATHERED FROM THE TOP OF THE BUILDING (OLL HAD RECEIVED SOME SAMPLE
PROPERTY ITSELF ±4HE ORIGINAL HOUSE IS SMALL ² HE VERSIONS OF THE GLASS PLANKS FROM A MANUFACTURER
SAYS ±BUT ) ½GURED WHY TEAR SOMETHING DOWN IF AND HE DECIDED TO PUT THEM TO USE IN 2HINEBECK
IT´S GOOD 7HY NOT JUST EXPAND IT ² ±) PUT THEM IN AS AN EXPERIMENT ² HE SAYS ±BUT IT´S
4HAT WAS A LITTLE BIT EASIER SAID THAN DONE AS IT BEEN AN EXPERIMENT THAT HAS REALLY WORKED /N A
TURNED OUT 4HE EXISTING HOUSE IS U SHAPED AND SUNNY DAY WHEN IT´S DEGREES OUTSIDE THE STUDIO
ALTHOUGH IT WOULD HAVE MADE THE MOST SENSE TO UPSTAIRS IS CLOSE TO DEGREES WITHOUT TURNING ON
EXTEND THE NEW LIGHT ½LLED WING TOWARD THE SOUTH THE HEAT²
: 3TEVEN (OLL´S ADDITION TO HIS
TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF WINTER SUNLIGHT THAT EDGE OF )N WARM WEATHER THE PLANKS COMBINE WITH
OWN WEEKEND HOUSE NORTH OF
THE OLD STRUCTURE FORMS THE CLOSED OFF END OF THE U OTHER FEATURES TO KEEP THE HOUSE COOL "REEZES
.EW 9ORK #ITY IS POSITIONED
WHICH MADE AN ADDITION THERE IMPRACTICAL 3O (OLL COME ALONG A SPECIALLY DESIGNED POND WHICH IS FED
NEAR A POND ! SMALLER POND
CAME UP WITH A PLAN TO BUILD THE NEW STRUCTURE EXCLUSIVELY BY RAINWATER COLLECTED FROM SCUPPERS ON
WAS ALSO ADDED IMMEDIATELY
ADJACENT TO THE HOUSE TO HELP COOL ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE AT THE OPEN END OF THE U 4HE THE ROOF 4HEN THOSE BREEZES ARE DRAWN UP THE SOLAR
APPROACHING BREEZES ADDITION TAKES THE FORM OF AN L SHAPED STRUCTURE IN STACK WALL WHICH HAS SUMMER VENTS OPEN AT THE TOP
Little Tesseract
75
: 4HE TWO
STORY ADDITION IS MADE !S (OLL EXPLAINS ±!LL THE WINDOWS IN THE STEEL SUSTAINABILITY IT IS COVERED WITH PHOTOVOLTAIC SOLAR
UP OF A WARPED CUBE COVERED WITH L ARE HINGED AND THEY PIVOT OUT TO OPEN ALMOST PANELS THAT THE ARCHITECT ADDED IN THE LATE S
CHARCOAL
GRAY STUCCO AND PUNCHED COMPLETELY SO THAT IT CAN BECOME ESSENTIALLY AN ±7HEN WE HAD THAT HUGE BLACKOUT ;IN THE
THROUGH WITH STEEL
FRAME WINDOWS
OUTDOOR SPACE IN SUMMERTIME 4HE WIND BLOWS SUMMER OF = ² (OLL RECALLS ±WE HAPPENED TO BE
RIGHT THROUGH 7E DON´T HAVE AIR CONDITIONING UP AT THE HOUSE %VERYBODY ELSE WAS GOING OUT TO
< 4HE SO
CALLED TEMPERATE ZONE
AND YOU KNOW WHAT 7E HAVEN´T MISSED IT /N A BUY GAS GENERATORS AND THEN HAD TO LINE UP AT THE
IN THE ADDITION CREATED A NEW
DINING ROOM LINED BY LARGE HINGED REALLY HOT DAY IF THE HOUSE HAS BEEN SHUT UP YOU GAS STATION² 7HILE HIS NEIGHBORS ½DDLED WITH THEIR
WINDOWS THAT PIVOT OUT ALMOST OPEN THOSE WINDOWS AND POP THE SKYLIGHT AND GENERATORS (OLL WAS ABLE TO RELAX INSIDE THANKS TO
COMPLETELY TO PROMOTE NATURAL YOU CAN DROP THE TEMPERATURE DEGREES IN ABOUT THE POWER GENERATED BY THE SOLAR PANELS ±)T´S NOT A
VENTILATION MINUTES² HUGE AMOUNT IF THAT´S ALL YOU´RE RELYING ON ² HE SAYS
(OLL´S ½NAL GREEN TOUCH ON THE BUILDING LITERALLY ±JUST ENOUGH TO POWER A FEW LIGHT BULBS A STEREO
9 4HE ADDITION INCLUDES A STUDIO WILL BE PLANTING A SEDUM ROOF ON THE ADDITION AND A FAN FOR ONE ROOM "UT FOR THOSE NIGHTS THAT
ABOVE A BEDROOM AND DINING ROOM TO HELP KEEP IT COOL IN SUMMER 4HE ROOF OF THE WAS THE PERFECT AMOUNT²
WITH A SMALL TRIANGULAR PATIO 'LASS
ORIGINAL HOUSE ALREADY SIGNALS (OLL´S INTEREST IN
PLANKS LINE THE SOUTHWEST FACADE
Little Tesseract
77
9 \ 99 4HE ADDITION IS DESIGNED
TO MAXIMIZE LIGHT AND AIR 4HE
NEW DINING ROOM IS SURROUNDED
BY WINDOWS
; \ ;; ! STAIR LEADS FROM THE
DINING ROOM TO THE STUDIO ABOVE
! LADDER LEADS TO THE ROOF
50
25
10
0
3ITE 0LAN
bedroom
studio
cooling pond dining room
3ECOND &LOOR 0LAN &IRST &LOOR 0LAN
Suburb
78
Mill valley straw-bale house
ARCHITECTURAL FIRM DESIGNERS
LOCATION
Marin County, California
YEAR
Arkin Tilt Architects David Arkin and Anni Tilt 2001
!RKIN 4ILT !RCHITECTS IS A SMALL ENVIRONMENTALLY MINDED USED 4HE ROOF IS INSULATED WITH SPRAYED CELLULOSE
A MATERIAL MADE FROM TREATED RECYCLED NEWSPAPER
½RM IN "ERKELEY #ALIFORNIA FOUNDED IN BY THE HUSBAND AND STRAWBOARD PANEL CEILINGS
AND WIFE DUO OF !NNI 4ILT AND $AVID !RKIN 4ILT WORKED FOR /THER GREEN FEATURES INCLUDE A UNIQUE BUILT
IN SYSTEM THAT ALLOWS THE HOMEOWNERS TO PUT
NINE YEARS WITH THE "AY !REA ½RM &ERNAU AND (ARTMAN RECYCLABLE MATERIALS INTO BINS IN THE KITCHEN THAT
CAN BE EMPTIED VIA A HATCH ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE
!RKIN IS A VETERAN OF THE GREEN DESIGN PIONEERS 6AN DER 2YN HOUSE A COMPOSTING BIN BUILT INTO THE KITCHEN
!RCHITECTS !CCORDING TO THE PRINCIPALS THE ½RM KEEPS ½VE ISLAND CUTTING BOARD POSTS IN THE GREAT ROOM MADE
OF EUCALYPTUS TRUNKS HARVESTED ON SITE COUNTERTOPS
GOALS IN MIND WITH EVERY PROJECT 4HE ½RST IS TO HARMONIZE MADE FROM RECYCLED GLASS SALVAGED DOORS AND RE
MILLED 0ORT /RFORD CEDAR USED AS WINDOW AND DOOR
WITH THE SITE 4HE SECOND IS TO BUILD AS LITTLE AS POSSIBLE TRIM ON BOTH THE INTERIOR AND THE EXTERIOR
WHICH ±IS SOMEWHAT IRONIC FOR ARCHITECTS BECAUSE WE´RE IN 4HE ARCHITECTS ARE OFTEN INTERESTED IN MAKING
THE SUSTAINABLE ELEMENTS OF THEIR DESIGNS VISIBLE
THE BUSINESS OF BUILDING ² !RKIN SAYS ±"UT WE ALWAYS TRY INSTEAD OF KEEPING THEM UNDER WRAPS 5SUALLY THIS
TO CONVINCE CLIENTS TO BUILD LESS HOUSE OF HIGHER QUALITY² MEANS KEEPING MATERIALS CHOSEN FOR THEIR GREEN
CREDENTIALS LIKE CERTI½ED SUSTAINABLY HARVESTED
4HE THIRD GOAL IS TO DESIGN HOMES THAT WILL HEAT AND COOL LUMBER IN AS NATURAL A STATE AS POSSIBLE "UT
SUSTAINABLE FEATURES ARE NOT ALWAYS SO EASILY SEEN
THEMSELVES 4HE FOURTH IS TO MAXIMIZE RESOURCE EF½CIENCY AND IN THESE CASES !RKIN 4ILT ° LIKE MORE THAN A
&INALLY THE ARCHITECTS ALWAYS AIM TO SHOW THAT AS THEY PUT FEW GREEN ½RMS ° USES A DEVICE KNOWN AS A ±TRUTH
WINDOW² A GLAZED CUTOUT DESIGNED TO REVEAL WHAT
IT ±ECOLOGICAL DESIGN CAN BE BEAUTIFUL ² WHICH HELPS TO LIES BENEATH A WALL CEILING OR ¾OOR )N THE -ILL
6ALLEY HOUSE A TRUTH WINDOW PROUDLY DISPLAYS THE
BRING IT INTO THE MAINSTREAM ! SUPERB EXAMPLE OF THE !RKIN 4ILT PHILOSOPHY STRAW BALE CONSTRUCTION SYSTEM
IS THIS COMPACT FOUR BEDROOM SQUARE FOOT 4HE DESIGN OF THE HOUSE IS COMFORTABLE OPEN
STRAW BALE RESIDENCE IN THE COASTAL HILLS ABOUT AND PRAGMATIC ! LONG LOAD BEARING WALL THAT RUNS
MILES NORTH OF 3AN &RANCISCO 4HOUGH THE SITE LOOKS NEARLY THE ENTIRE HORIZONTAL LENGTH OF THE HOUSE
EXCEEDINGLY PRIVATE AND ACTUALLY INCLUDES A GOAT DIVIDES PUBLIC FROM PRIVATE SPACES AND PROVIDES A
PASTURE THE ARCHITECTS SHAPED THE STRUCTURE SO AS SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF ¾EXIBLE STORAGE 4HE WALL IS
: 3TRAW BALES MAKE UP THE NOT TO BLOCK THE VIEWS OF AN EXISTING HOUSE ON A TOPPED BY A CUPOLA LINED WITH CLERESTORY WINDOWS
GROUND ¾OOR STRUCTURAL SYSTEM NEIGHBORING PROPERTY AND TO PRESERVE PRECIOUS OPEN THAT HELP KEEP THE INTERIOR AWASH IN DAYLIGHT !T
AND ALSO PROVIDE EF½CIENT SPACE !S A RESULT THEY POSITIONED THE HOUSE ON A BOTH THE CLERESTORY AND GROUND LEVELS THE WINDOWS
INSULATION FOR THIS HOUSE WHICH NORTH SOUTH AXIS RATHER THAN AN EAST WEST AXIS ARE SHADED BY DEEP OVERHANGS THAT KEEP OUT
SITS ON A RELATIVELY PRIVATE LOT JUST WHICH MIGHT HAVE BEEN MORE ADVANTAGEOUS FOR SUMMER SUN WHILE ALLOWING IN WARMING WINTER
NORTH OF 3AN &RANCISCO PASSIVE SOLAR GAIN $ESPITE THAT SEEMING HANDICAP RAYS 4HESE OVERHANGS ALSO SERVE TO PROTECT THE
THE HOUSE MAINTAINS AN INTERIOR TEMPERATURE THAT STRAW BALE WALLS 4HE CUPOLA ZONE IS TALL ENOUGH TO
TYPICALLY STAYS WITHIN DEGREES OF DEGREES PROVIDE SPACE FOR A FUTURE OF½CE ADDITION IF NEEDED
&AHRENHEIT THROUGHOUT THE YEAR WITHOUT THE USE OF ADDING ROOM WITHOUT SIGNI½CANTLY COMPROMISING
ADDITIONAL HEATING OR COOLING METHODS THE LIGHT THAT ¾OODS THE INTERIOR EACH DAY
4HE STRUCTURAL SYSTEM USES STRAW BALES WITH A !LTOGETHER !RKIN SAYS THE HOUSE REPRESENTS THE
SPRAYED EARTH ½NISH )N A FEW AREAS SUCH AS THE ½RM´S ONGOING EFFORTS TO ACHIEVE ±MAXIMUM KICK
SLEEPING BAYS AND THE CUPOLA A MORE CONVENTIONAL WITH MINIMUM IMPACT²
SYSTEM OF WOOD FRAME WALLS CLAD IN ½BER CEMENT IS
Mill Valley Straw-Bale House
81
9 4HE PUBLIC ROOMS OF !RKIN
4ILT´S COMPACT "REEZE (OUSE ARE
CONTAINED IN A SINGLE DOUBLE
HEIGHT SPACE WITH LARGE CLERESTORY
WINDOWS ! LOAD BEARING STORAGE
WALL DIVIDES THAT SPACE FROM
BEDROOMS ON THE OTHER SIDE
Suburb
82
: !N EXTERIOR ½REPLACE MAKES
SOCIALIZING OUTDOORS POSSIBLE
DESPITE .ORTHERN #ALIFORNIA´S COOL
SUMMER EVENINGS
: /PENINGS IN THE LONG INTERIOR
STORAGE WALL GIVE WAY TO BEDROOMS
THESE TWO ARE SEPARATED BY A
SLIDING DOOR THAT CAN BE OPENED TO
CONNECT THEM
0LAN
%NTRY
,IVINGDINING ROOM
+ITCHEN
,AUNDRY
/F½CE
"EDROOM
"ATH
3HOWER
-ECHANICAL ROOM
: 4HE KITCHEN INCLUDES COLUMNS
OF UN½NISHED LOCALLY HARVESTED
EUCALYPTUS COUNTERTOPS THAT
CONTAIN RECYCLED GLASS AND A
HATCH THAT ALLOWS THE RESIDENTS
TO PUT RECYCLABLE MATERIAL INTO A
BIN THAT CAN BE ACCESSED DIRECTLY
FROM THE OUTSIDE
3ECTION
Mill Valley Straw-Bale House
83
Naked house
ARCHITECTURAL FIRM DESIGNER
LOCATION
Kawagoe, Japan
YEAR
Shigeru Ban Architects Shigeru Ban 2001
)N THE LATE S AN UNUSUAL FAX CAME CHUGGING THROUGH THE AND FOR "AN A CHALLENGE IS ALMOST ALWAYS A POSITIVE
THING ° BECAUSE THE FAMILY WANTED TO SPEND
MACHINE AT 3HIGERU "ANS 4OKYO OF½CE ! MAN WHO WANTED ONLY MILLION YEN OR ABOUT !ND SO
"AN TO DESIGN A NEW HOUSE FOR HIS FAMILY ° AND WHOM "AN "AN ACCEPTED THE COMMISSION AND GOT TO WORK
ON WHAT TURNED OUT TO BE A HIGHLY UNUSUAL HOUSE
HAD MET JUST ONCE BEFORE ° WAS WRITING TO MAKE SOME VERY ABOUT SQUARE FEET IN SIZE 4HE ARCHITECT CALLS
IT THE .AKED (OUSE BECAUSE OF HOW EXPOSED AND
PRECISE AND UNUSUAL REQUESTS ABOUT THE PROJECT 4HE NOTE UNADORNED HE HAS LEFT ITS STRUCTURE AND ROOMS
EXPLAINED THAT THE MAN WHO WAS IN HIS THIRTIES AND LIVED 4HE SITE IS NEAR A RIVER IN +AWAGOE A CITY
MILES OR SO NORTH OF 4OKYO 4HOUGH +AWAGOE HAS A
WITH HIS WIFE HIS TWO CHILDREN AND HIS SEVENTY ½VE YEAR POPULATION OF MORE THAN THE SITE FOR THE
.AKED (OUSE IS QUIET EVEN PASTORAL "AN HIMSELF
OLD MOTHER WANTED A HOUSE FOR ALL OF THEM THAT AS "AN DESCRIBES THE AGRICULTURAL SETTING AS LOCATED ±BY A
REMEMBERS THE MAN DESCRIBING IT ±PROVIDES THE LEAST PRIVACY RIVER AND¨SURROUNDED BY ½ELDS WITH GREENHOUSES
HERE AND THERE²
SO THAT THE FAMILY MEMBERS ARE NOT SECLUDED FROM ONE )T IS FROM THOSE GREENHOUSES MORE THAN ANY
ANOTHER ° A HOUSE THAT GIVES EVERYONE THE FREEDOM TO HAVE MODERNIST PRECEDENT THAT THE SPARE SUPREMELY
FUNCTIONAL .AKED (OUSE TAKES ITS AESTHETIC CUES
INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITIES IN A SHARED ATMOSPHERE IN THE MIDDLE THOUGH CERTAINLY THE WAY IT DOES SO RECALLS THE
WAY EARLY MODERN ARCHITECTS LOOKED TO GRAIN
OF A UNI½ED FAMILY² %VEN IN *APAN A COUNTRY KNOWN FOR TIGHT FAMILY ELEVATORS AND WAREHOUSES INSTEAD OF CHURCHES
BONDS AND FOR RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE THAT TAKES AND VILLAS FOR THEIR FORMAL INSPIRATION 4HE DESIGN
PAINS TO RESPECT THEM THIS WAS A STARTLING DESIGN IS BASIC A DOUBLE HEIGHT RECTANGULAR SHELL MADE
GOAL AS LITTLE PRIVACY AS POSSIBLE )T WAS CERTAINLY OF CORRUGATED PLASTIC PANELS AF½XED TO A WOODEN
ENOUGH TO PIQUE THE INTEREST OF "AN WHO AS ONE OF FRAME AND LINED ON THE INTERIOR WITH SHEETS OF
THE MOST TALKED ABOUT YOUNG ARCHITECTS IN THE WORLD NYLON ATTACHED WITH 6ELCRO STRIPS )NSULATION IS
AND ONE OF THE BUSIEST RECEIVES FAR MORE REQUESTS FOR PROVIDED BY CLEAR PLASTIC BAGS ° THE SAME TYPE
DESIGN HELP THAN HE CAN POSSIBLY ACCOMMODATE )T USED TO SHIP FRUIT°STUFFED WITH POLYETHYLENE FOAM
ALSO HELPED THAT THE MAN TRANSMITTED HIS THOUGHTS $URING THE DAY THE INTERIOR IS LIT BY SOFT DIFFUSE
IN THE FORM THAT HE DID THE PERIPATETIC "AN WHO LIGHT ½LTERING THROUGH THOSE MATERIALS
KEEPS HIS OF½CE SMALL AND REJECTS THE USUAL TRAPPINGS !LONG THE EDGES OF THE MAIN RECTANGULAR SPACE
: 3HIGERU "AN´S .AKED (OUSE THAT ACCOMPANY HIS LEVEL OF PROMINENCE IS KNOWN ARE A FEW ½XED ELEMENTS LIKE A KITCHEN WHICH
DESIGNED FOR A THREE GENERATION FOR COMMUNICATING ALMOST EXCLUSIVELY BY FAX CAN BE CLOSED OFF BY DRAWING A CURTAIN AND A
FAMILY IS MADE UP OF A COMPLETELY ±)T ALWAYS TAKES SOME TIME OF CAREFUL THINKING BATHROOM )N THE MIDDLE OF THE STRUCTURE ¾OAT FOUR
OPEN TWO STORY BUILDING ENVELOPE BEFORE ACCEPTING A PRIVATE RESIDENTIAL PROJECT ² "AN OPEN ROLLING BOXES RAISED ON CASTERS AND OPEN
WITHIN WHICH FOUR PORTABLE EXPLAINS ±) OFTEN WONDER IF WHAT ) WANT TO ACHIEVE ON TWO SIDES WHICH SERVE AS BEDROOMS )N PRO½LE
BEDROOMS RAISED ON CASTERS AS A DESIGNER IN A PROJECT MEETS THE CLIENT´S NEEDS THESE MOBILE UNITS RECALL THE BOXES THAT MAGICIANS
CAN BE MOVED AROUND #URTAINS AND DESIRES FOR HIS HOME WITHOUT EITHER OF US HAVING PULL TOGETHER AND APART WHILE THEY SEEMINGLY
HELP TURN THE OPEN KITCHEN FOR TO COMPROMISE OUR OWN BELIEFS² SAW A WOMAN IN HALF 4HE BEDROOMS CAN BE JOINED
EXAMPLE INTO A PRIVATE SPACE
4HIS PROJECT SUGGESTED NONE OF THAT COMPROMISE TOGETHER THEIR SLIDING DOORS REMOVED TO CREATE A
4HE CLIENT HIMSELF AFTER ALL WAS THE ONE WHO WANTED LARGER COMBINED SPACE BUT INDIVIDUALLY THEY ARE
TO PURSUE A RADICAL DESIGN ASKING "AN IN EFFECT TO SMALL "AN SAYS IN ORDER TO ENCOURAGE SIMPLICITY
RE IMAGINE THE WAY FAMILY SPACE IS DIVIDED WITHIN AND MINIMAL FURNISHINGS AND TO ALLOW THEM TO
A HOUSE 4HE BUDGET ALSO PRESENTED A CHALLENGE ° BE MOVED AROUND MORE EASILY ° EVEN IN GOOD
Naked House
85
< 4HE SIMPLE EXTERIOR FORM WITH WEATHER TO THE OUTSIDE %SSENTIALLY *APANESE TATAMI LOWERING THE OPERATING COSTS AND USE OF RESOURCES
ITS MINIMAL NUMBER OF DOORS ROOMS ON WHEELS THEY COMBINE WITH THE BASIC 4HE ARCHITECT SUGGESTS FOR EXAMPLE ROLLING THE
AND WINDOWS IS MEANT TO EVOKE BUILDING SHELL TO CREATE THE ULTIMATE OPEN PLAN BEDROOMS NEAR THE AIR CONDITIONING UNITS ON WARM
THE GREENHOUSES RISING FROM THE 7HAT MAKES THE HOUSE GREEN EXACTLY -ORE DAYS OR THE HEATERS ON COLD ONES TO KEEP THE FAMILY
½ELDS NEARBY
THAN ANYTHING ITS MODEST EF½CIENCY OF MATERIALS COMFORTABLE WHILE KEEPING ENERGY DEMAND DOWN
SIZE AND BUDGET 4HE AMOUNT OF MATERIALS "AN 0ERHAPS IT IS THE HOUSE´S NAKEDNESS BOTH LITERAL
USED WAS STUNNINGLY SMALL GIVEN THE FACT THAT HE AND ½GURATIVE THAT MAKES IT MOST GREEN IT IS
WAS BEING ASKED TO CREATE A CUSTOM HOUSE FOR A COMPLETELY COMFORTABLE BARING THE WAYS IT SOLVES
FAMILY OF ½VE 4HE DESIGN IS FULL OF ELEMENTS THAT ITS ARCHITECTURAL AND BUDGETARY CHALLENGES )T IS A
CAN BE RECON½GURED OR SIMPLY USED FOR MORE THAN RADICAL DESIGN BUT IT IS ALSO HOSPITABLE AND FULL OF
ONE FUNCTION 4HE TOPS OF THE ROLLING BEDROOMS FOR LESSONS FOR ANY ARCHITECT OR CLIENT WHO WANTS TO LIVE
EXAMPLE SERVE AS PLAY AREAS FOR THE CHILDREN !ND SIMPLY AND STYLISHLY AT THE SAME TIME
"AN HAS CLEARLY THOUGHT INVENTIVELY ABOUT WAYS OF
Suburb
86
< 3ET INTO BASIC WOOD STUD
FRAMES THE WALL PANELS ARE MADE
OF CORRUGATED PLASTIC ON THE
EXTERIOR AND LINED WITH NYLON
FABRIC ON THE INSIDE #LEAR PLASTIC
BAGS STUFFED WITH POLYETHYLENE
FOAM INSERTED IN BETWEEN SERVE
AS INSULATION
Naked House
87
Suburb
88
: ! COVERED BREEZEWAY IS LINED
WITH A SERIES OF DOORS INSTEAD OF
WINDOWS THAT CAN BE OPENED TO
BRING IN LIGHT AND AIR
:: 4HE PORTABLE BEDROOMS
ON
WHEELS CAN BE JOINED TOGETHER TO
CREATE LARGER COMBINED SPACES
7EATHER PERMITTING THEY CAN
EVEN BE MOVED OUTSIDE
: 4HE BATHROOM LIKE THE REST
OF THE HOUSE IS DESIGNED AS
A SERIES OF CONTIGUOUS SPACES
THAT CAN BE ENCLOSED OR KEPT
COMPLETELY OPEN
&LOOR 0LAN
!XONOMETRIC $RAWING !LTERNATE #ON½GURATIONS
OF 2OLLING "EDROOMS
Naked House
89
MOUNTAINSIDE
More than ten billion acres
of the Earth’s surface are covered in forest, and most of that
land falls in sparsely populated mountainous regions. These
stunning landscapes, among the last to resist industrializa-
tion, urbanization, and suburban sprawl, are essential to the
survival of the planet. They promote water and soil conser-
vation, provide flood control, synthesize huge amounts of
oxygen, help protect against climate change, and promote
long-term biodiversity.
"UT MORE THAN ACRES OF FORESTED LAND ARE BEING DESTROYED EVERY DAY
!LTHOUGH GREAT STRIDES ARE BEING MADE IN FOREST MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION
JUST PERCENT OF FORESTS WORLDWIDE ARE OF½CIALLY PROTECTED THE MAJORITY OF THESE IN
%UROPE AND THE 5NITED 3TATES !ND WHILE MOST OF THE PROBLEMS THAT PLAGUE MOUN
TAINOUS REGIONS WON´T BE SOLVED BY ARCHITECTURE ALONE IT´S NOT HARD TO SEE THAT
BUILDING IN THESE AREAS CARRIES ITS OWN SPECI½C RESPONSIBILITIES
4HE MOUNTAINSIDE´S OFTEN STEEP ELEVATED TERRAIN ALSO SUGGESTS ITS OWN SPECI½C
ARCHITECTURAL GESTURES AND RESPONSES )N NO OTHER GEOGRAPHIC LANDSCAPE DOES
RESIDENTIAL DESIGN TAKE ITS CUES SO DIRECTLY FROM THE LANDSCAPE (ISTORICALLY MOUN
TAINSIDE HOUSES HAVE DISPLAYED AN AESTHETIC OF ROUGH HEWN DURABILITY AND TIME
LESSNESS !ND WHILE CONTEMPORARY EXAMPLES ARE A FAR CRY FROM THE LOG CABINS
AND MOUNTAIN LODGES OF THE POPULAR IMAGINATION THEY SHARE WITH THOSE EARLIER
BUILDINGS A TASTE FOR THE VERNACULAR AND A LOYALTY TO LOCAL MATERIALS 0ART OF THAT
HAS SIMPLY TO DO WITH REMOTENESS IT MAKES LITTLE SENSE PRACTICALLY OR ENVIRON
MENTALLY TO HAUL EXOTIC MATERIALS HALFWAY UP A MOUNTAIN AND AS A RESULT THE
ARCHITECTS WHO WORK IN SUCH REGIONS HAVE LEARNED TO USE LOCAL STONES AND EVEN
BOULDERS ° NATURAL BUILDING BLOCKS FOUND CLOSE BY !ND ASSUMING THE FORESTS
FROM WHICH IT COMES ARE MANAGED SUSTAINABILITY WOOD CAN BE AN ECO FRIENDLY
BUILDING MATERIAL
90
-OUNTAINOUS BUILDING SITES LIKE THOSE IN THE TROPICS AND DESERT FACE THE
CHALLENGE OF EXTREME WEATHER (OUSES MUST WITHSTAND FREEZING TEMPERATURES
AND FREQUENT RAIN AND SNOW AND PROTECT THEMSELVES AGAINST THE POSSIBILITY
OF MUDSLIDES 4HE SUN WHEN IT SHINES CAN BE HARSHER AT HIGH ALTITUDES THAN AT
SEA LEVEL "UT THESE EXTREMES ALSO MAKE IT POSSIBLE FOR GREEN ARCHITECTS TO TAKE
ADVANTAGE OF SOLAR AND WIND POWER AND EVEN THE RUSHING WATER OF RIVERS AND
STREAMS TO GENERATE ELECTRICITY 3NOW ACCUMULATION AND FREQUENT RAINFALL
PERMIT THE HARVESTING OF FRESH WATER
!RCHITECTS WORKING IN THE MOUNTAINS HAVE TO BE PARTICULARLY MINDFUL OF THE
LANDSCAPE $URING CONSTRUCTION IT MAKES SENSE TO LIMIT THE USE OF HEAVY TRUCKS AND
MACHINERY AND TO MINIMIZE THE DAMAGE TO EXISTING TREES AND PLANTS WHOSE SHADE
GIVING PROPERTIES AND PROTECTION AGAINST EROSION WILL BE MISSED IF THEY ARE KNOCKED
DOWN WHILE THE HOUSE IS GOING UP &INALLY IT´S WORTH REMEMBERING THAT A HOUSE
ON A MOUNTAIN SLOPE IS MORE VISIBLE THAN ONE ON A ¾AT PIECE OF LAND WHICH MEANS
ITS ARCHITECTURE WILL NECESSARILY HAVE A VISUAL IMPACT ON MORE THAN JUST ITS IMME
DIATE NEIGHBORS 4HIS DOESN´T MEAN THAT CONTEMPORARY DESIGN IS AUTOMATICALLY
INAPPROPRIATE IN SUCH AREAS OR THAT ARCHITECTS OUGHT TO RELY EXCLUSIVELY ON TRADI
TIONAL OR QUIET FACADES WHEN BUILDING HOUSES ON THE MOUNTAINSIDE )T SIMPLY MEANS
THAT SIGHTLINES FROM THE OUTSIDE IN HAVE TO BE CONSIDERED AS CAREFULLY AS THOSE
FROM THE INSIDE OUT
Mountainside
91
Mountainside
92
House with shades
ARCHITECTURAL FIRM DESIGNERS
LOCATION
Jebenhausen, Germany
YEAR
Achenbach Architekten + Designer Joachim and Gabriele Achenbach 2000
)N THE "AVARIAN SECTION OF THE 4ESSIN A SCENIC STRETCH OF LAKE TEN MILES AWAY 4HE HOUSE´S MOST PROMINENT
FEATURE A ROW OF RETRACTABLE TEXTILE SHADES THAT
LACED !LPINE FOOTHILLS AT THE INTERSECTION OF )TALY 3WITZERLAND RUNS THE ENTIRE LENGTH OF THE FACADE MAKES A
AND 'ERMANY TRADITION GOVERNS HOME BUILDING IN BOTH STYLE BOLD DEFENSE AGAINST UNWANTED SOLAR GAIN IN THE
SEARING SUMMER MONTHS WITHOUT BLOCKING OUT THE
AND STRUCTURE 7OOD FRAMES THICK WALLS VAULTED CEILINGS AND MAGNI½CENT MOUNTAIN VISTAS
WHITE TRIMMED WINDOWS ARE PART OF THE REGIONAL PROTOCOL #OMPOSED OF A SERIES OF INTERSECTING BOXES THE
HOUSE HAS FOUR BEDROOMS THREE BATHROOMS AN
"UT WHEN A LOCAL COUPLE APPROACHED !CHENBACH !RCHITEKTEN OPEN LIVING DINING AREA OFF THE KITCHEN A GARAGE
AND A ½NISHED BASEMENT RESTING ON A REINFORCED
$ESIGNER ° A HIGH TECH ½RM KNOWN FOR BRAVURA STEEL AND CONCRETE BASE 4HE RESIDENTIAL PORTION WHICH
GLASS STRUCTURES ° TO BUILD THEIR NEW HOME THEY KNEW THEY MEASURES FEET DEEP BY FEET WIDE SITS WITHIN
AN EXTERIOR STEEL SKELETON WHICH EXTENDS ALMOST
WOULD NOT END UP IN A QUAINT VILLA WITH GERANIUM ½LLED FEET LENGTHWISE ! CENTRAL STAIRCASE ASCENDS FROM
THE SUNKEN GROUND ¾OOR TO THE TOP LEVEL GARDEN
WINDOW BOXES 4HE CLIENTS A 'ERMAN DOCTOR AND HER "RITISH CONNECTING ALL THE PRIVATE AREAS TO THE OPEN
HUSBAND A STAY AT HOME DAD WERE ±OPEN TO DOUBLE HEIGHT GALLERY THAT RUNS THE ENTIRE LENGTH
UNCONVENTIONAL BUILDING SOLUTIONS ² SAYS ARCHITECT OF THE MIDDLE ¾OOR )NTERIOR SLIDING DOORS MADE OF
*OACHIM !CHENBACH WHO HAS OVERSEEN THE SMALL TRANSLUCENT LIGHT DIFFUSING GLASS PROVIDE A MEASURE
EPONYMOUS ½RM IN 3TUTTGART WITH HIS WIFE AND OF PRIVACY IN THE OTHERWISE OPEN INTERIOR
PARTNER 'ABRIELE SINCE 5NCONVENTIONAL IS &OR THEIR TEENAGE DAUGHTER THE CLIENTS REQUESTED
EXACTLY WHAT THEY GOT )N LOOK AND IN FUNCTION THE ADDITION OF A SPACIOUS MUSIC ROOM AND
THE SHARPLY RECTANGULAR ENERGY EF½CIENT HOUSE IS WORKSHOP WHICH THE !CHENBACHS PLACED IN THE
UNLIKE ANYTHING THE SMALL VILLAGE OF *EBENHAUSEN PARTIALLY SUBMERGED GROUND LEVEL NEXT TO THE
AND ITS RESIDENTS HAVE EVER SEEN 7ITH AN CANOPIED MAIN ENTRANCE 4HE FRONT DOOR HAD TO BE
EXPOSED STEEL FRAME ¾OOR TO CEILING WINDOWS AND LOCATED ON THE VALLEY SIDE DUE TO INGRESS CONSTRAINTS
A PROMINENT EXTERIOR AWNING SYSTEM IT LOOKS MORE ON THE SITE A DRAWBACK THAT THE ARCHITECTS TURNED
LIKE A CHIC URBAN STOREFRONT THAN A RURAL CHALET TO THE HOUSE´S ADVANTAGE SINKING THE ENTRY ON ONE
4HE INTERIOR IS SIMILARLY ANOMALOUS )TS OPEN SIDE OF A THIN TRENCH SLICED FROM THE GARDEN NOT
LIGHT ½LLED SPACE HAS NOTHING IN COMMON WITH THE ONLY MAKES ROOM FOR AN EXTERNAL STAIRCASE WHICH
LAYOUTS OF NEIGHBORING HOMES WHICH ADHERE TO THE SMOOTHLY CONNECTS THE GARDEN AND VERANDA IT ALSO
TRADITIONAL PRACTICE OF DIVIDING LIVING AREAS INTO ALLOWS LIGHT TO PENETRATE THE SUB GRADE ROOMS
CLUSTERS OF COZY ROOMS %NERGY EF½CIENCY IS THE THREAD THAT BINDS
$ESPITE APPEARANCES SITE SPECI½CITY GUIDED THE THE VARIOUS ELEMENTS OF THE HOUSE TOGETHER 4HE
!CHENBACHS´ EVERY DESIGN DECISION &ROM ITS SUB !CHENBACHS´ GOAL WAS TO INTRODUCE AS MUCH NATURAL
GRADE ENTRYWAY TO ITS ROOFTOP PERGOLA THE HOUSE LIGHT INTO THE INTERIOR AS POSSIBLE ALLOWING THE
HAS THE HIGH ALTITUDE APTITUDE OF A CHAMPIONSHIP SPACE TO CAPTURE AND STORE SOLAR HEAT AND REDUCE
SKIER 4HE THREE STORY STRUCTURE IS NESTLED DEEP INTO ARTI½CIAL LIGHTING NEEDS DURING THE DAY 4HE HIGH
A NARROW SLOPING PLOT ITS TRANSVERSE PLACEMENT RATIO OF INSULATED ENVELOPE SURFACE TO BUILDING
ON THE SITE ALLOWS FOR A SOUTHWEST ORIENTATION !N VOLUME MAXIMIZES THESE EFFECTS ! MECHANICALLY
: *OACHIM AND 'ABRIELE INSULATED GLASS CURTAIN WALL OPTIMIZES THE SOLAR CONTROLLED VENTILATION SYSTEM WITH A THERMAL
!CHENBACH´S SENSOR DRIVEN BENE½TS OF THE REGION´S BOUNTIFUL SUNLIGHT WHILE MASS EXCHANGE UNIT WORKS IN CONCERT WITH
AUTOMATIC SHADES BLOCK THE SUN AFFORDING PANORAMIC VIEWS OF THE SNOW CAPPED THE EXTERIOR SHADING TO MINIMIZE HEAT LOSS AND
BUT NOT THE !LPINE VIEWS 3CHWiBISCHE !LB THE REGION´S TOWERING PEAK REGULATE TEMPERATURES 4WO LARGE SOLAR PANELS ON
House with Shades
93
: )N THE WINTER THE EXTERIOR 9 ,AMINATED WOOD ¾OORS CEILING
SHADES STAY UP NEARLY ALL THE TIME PANELS AND SIDING MADE FROM
ALLOWING THE WARMING RAYS OF THE LOCALLY GROWN PINE TREES HELP TO
SUN TO HELP HEAT THE HOUSE VISUALLY AND ACOUSTICALLY SOFTEN
THE GLASS ENCLOSED SPACES
: )N THE SUMMER THE SHADES ARE
RAISED OR LOWERED DEPENDING ON
SUN AND WEATHER CONDITIONS !
SOLAR SENSOR TRIGGERS AUTOMATIC
ADJUSTMENTS BASED ON LIGHT LEVELS
THE ROOF TRANSFORM SUNLIGHT INTO ELECTRIC POWER FOR 4HE !CHENBACHS WHOSE PRACTICE RANGES
HEATING WATER WHILE A SERIES OF PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS FROM NEW CONSTRUCTION TO PRESERVATION WORK TO
GENERATE ENOUGH ENERGY TO FUEL THE AIR CIRCULATION EXPERIMENTAL STRUCTURAL INNOVATIONS FOR EXAMPLE
SYSTEM ! WOOD BURNING STOVE WHICH DEPENDS THEY DEVELOPED A HIGH LOAD BEARING LAMINATED
ON AIR CIRCULATION FOR HEAT DISTRIBUTION GENERATES GLASS TUBE THAT FUNCTIONS AS A BUILDING BLOCK
EXTRA WARMTH IN THE COOLER MONTHS 7HEN EVEN HAVE EXPERIMENTED WITH SHADE SYSTEMS BEFORE
MORE HEAT IS NEEDED A GAS BURNING HEATER DOES BUT NEVER ON THIS SCALE ±7E WERE VERY GLAD TO ½ND
THE TRICK .ATIVE GRASSES PLANTED ON THE ROOF ABSORB CLIENTS WHO WERE WILLING TO TRY IT AND EVEN MORE
THE ABUNDANT RAINWATER IMPROVING THE HOUSE´S GLAD THAT THEY ENDED UP LIKING IT 4HEY LOVE THE FACT
MICROCLIMATE AND MITIGATING EXCESSIVE RUNOFF THE THAT WHEN THE SHADES ARE DRAWN THE INTERIOR STILL
MAIN SOURCE OF THE FREQUENT ¾OODING THAT PLAGUES SEEMS VERY LARGE²
THE AREA 4UCKED IN AMONG ITS TRADITIONAL NEIGHBORS THE
4HE HOUSE´S TEXTILE SHADING SYSTEM EXTENDS HOUSE MAKES NO PRETENSE AT TRYING TO ½T IN 3TILL
OVER THE ENTIRE SOUTHWEST FACADE AND TERRACE IT WAS ONLY AFTER THE PLANNING PROCESS WHEN THE
7HEN DRAWN DOWN THE NYLON PANELS WHICH HANG HOUSE WAS ACTUALLY BUILT THAT THE CLIENTS BEGAN
OFF A STEEL TRUSS A FEW FEET OUT FROM THE GLASS TO REALIZE JUST HOW MUCH IT WOULD STAND OUT
FRONT EXTEND THE SPATIAL BOUNDARIES OF THE HOUSE 4HESE DAYS THE PROJECT HAS BECOME SOMETHING OF
3TRATEGICALLY DEPLOYED LIGHT AND WIND SENSORS A DESTINATION ESPECIALLY FOR ARCHITECTS AND DESIGN
AUTOMATICALLY REGULATE THE OPTIMAL AMOUNT OF SUN BUFFS WHO FREQUENTLY COME BY TO SEE IT ±4HE
AND HEAT EXPOSURE TRIGGERING THE SHADES TO RISE CLIENTS NEEDED A COUPLE YEARS UNTIL THEY WERE
OR DESCEND ACCORDINGLY )N THE SUMMER THE NYLON STRONG ENOUGH TO COPE WITH THE DIFFERENCE ²
SHADES ARE PROGRAMMED TO FOLLOW THE SUN AND TO *OACHIM !CHENBACH SAYS ±.OW THEY FEEL ½NE
FOLD UP IN PERIODS OF HEAVY WIND )N THE WINTER THEY "UT AS FAR AS ) KNOW THE NEIGHBORS STILL THINK
!XONOMETRIC $RAWING STAY UP NEARLY ALL THE TIME THE HOUSE IS STRANGE²
House with Shades
95
Mountainside
96
solarhaus iii
ARCHITECTURAL FIRM DESIGNER
LOCATION
Ebnat-Kappel, Switzerland
YEAR
Schwarz Architektur Dietrich Schwarz 2000
7HEN IT COMES TO $IETRICH 3CHWARZ´S 3OLAR(AUS ))) THE 2OMAN TECHNIQUES )T WAS A MANIFESTO IN A WAY TO DRAW
ATTENTION TO THE PROGRESS WE WERE MAKING WITH
NUMERAL TELLS A STORY 4HE HOUSE WHICH SITS IN A LOW RISE LOW SOLAR MATERIALS "UT THE HOUSE IN %BNAT +APPEL IS
DENSITY COLLECTION OF SINGLE FAMILY DESIGNS IN THE 3WISS TOWN DIFFERENT IT´S ACTUALLY MORE EF½CIENT THAN THE ½RST
ONE AND AT THE SAME TIME WAS BUILT FOR VERY LITTLE
OF %BNAT +APPEL LOOKS SIMPLE )TS LONG WOOD AND GLASS PRO½LE MONEY²
IS ATTRACTIVELY SPARE AND RECTILINEAR AND NOTICEABLY HORIZONTAL )NDEED THE HOUSE IS SOMETHING OF A CASE
STUDY IN MODEST EF½CIENCY FEATURING THE KIND OF
AGAINST THE RISING BACKDROP OF THE !LPS "UT THE BUILDING´S SUSTAINABILITY THAT DOESN´T CALL ANY ATTENTION TO
ITSELF 4HE SINGLE STORY TWO BEDROOM ONE BATH
VERY SIMPLICITY ALSO REPRESENTS A SUBSTANTIAL BREAKTHROUGH FOR HOUSE MEASURES ONLY ABOUT SQUARE FEET /N
THE ARCHITECT WHEN IT COMES TO HIS APPROACH TO GREEN DESIGN THE NORTH EAST AND WEST SIDES IT TURNS A TIMBERED
FACADE WITH VERY FEW WINDOWS TO THE OUTSIDE
3CHWARZ´S ½RST 3OLAR(AUS WAS ½NISHED IN IN WORLD 4HOSE PANELED SURFACES ARE ½LLED WITH
THE NEARBY TOWN OF $OMAT%MS )T NOW HOLDS THE ENERGY EF½CIENT CELLULOSE INSULATION MADE MOSTLY
ARCHITECT´S OF½CES AS WELL AS A RENTAL APARTMENT FOR FROM NEWSPAPERS
A YOUNG FAMILY )N THAT DESIGN COMPLETED WHEN 4HE SOUTHERN FACADE IN CONTRAST IS MADE UP
3CHWARZ WAS JUST THIRTY TWO YEARS OLD THE ARCHITECT ENTIRELY OF ALTERNATING BANDS OF TRIPLE INSULATED
USED A HOST OF CUTTING EDGE EVEN EXPERIMENTAL GLASS AND 0OWER 'LASS 4HE ROOF OF THE HOUSE SLOPES
GREEN FEATURES )T WAS THE ½RST BUILDING IN FACT IN UP FROM NORTH TO SOUTH ALLOWING THE SOUTHERN
WHICH 3CHWARZ EMPLOYED 0OWER 'LASS A MATERIAL FACADE TO CATCH AS MUCH WINTER SUN AS POSSIBLE
OF THE ARCHITECT´S OWN INVENTION THAT IS ATTACHED TO &OR 3CHWARZ THE PRO½LE CREATED BY THE SLOPE
A STRUCTURE´S FACADE )T ABSORBS SOLAR ENERGY WITH SUGGESTS WHAT HE CALLS ±A REVIVAL² OF THE -ODERNIST
AN UNUSUAL LEVEL OF EF½CIENCY WHILE ALSO ALLOWING CREDO ±FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION² IN THE SERVICE OF
SOME TRANSLUCENCY TO HELP LIGHT THE INTERIOR ENVIRONMENTALISM
3OLAR(AUS )) MEANWHILE WAS ½NISHED IN IN )N HIS ½RST TWO SOLAR HOUSES 3CHWARZ SAYS HE
'ELTERKINDEN NEAR "ASEL )T IS A BOLD MODERNIST WAS PREOCCUPIED WITH PURSUING ±A GAIN STRATEGY²
: 4HIS LOW LYING AND SUPREMELY BUILDING THAT LOOKS A BIT LIKE A CUBE RAISED ON STILTS THAT IS USING 0OWER 'LASS AND OTHER MATERIALS TO
EF½CIENT WOOD AND GLASS DESIGN )F IT APPEARS PERHAPS A BIT LESS FUTURISTIC THAN ITS CREATE AS MUCH ELECTRICITY FROM THE SUN AS POSSIBLE
BY $IETRICH 3CHWARZ IS SET AGAINST PREDECESSOR IT NONETHELESS STANDS OUT ON ITS SITE AS "UT IN DOING SO HE ADMITS HE LOST SIGHT OF THE
AN IDYLLIC LANDSCAPE HE KNOWS A VISITOR FROM SOME OTHER PLACE ±LOSS STRATEGY² KEEPING A TIGHT LID ON THE AMOUNT
WELL ° THE !LPS ° IN THE SMALL 3OLAR(AUS ))) IS DIFFERENT )T IS THE SIMPLEST OF ENERGY LOST IN THE COLD 3WISS WINTERS )N %BNAT
3WISS TOWN OF %BNAT +APPEL OF THE THREE PROJECTS BUT ALSO A SAVVY EFFECTIVE +APPEL HE TRIED COMBINING THE TWO APPROACHES
COMBINATION OF NEW MATERIALS AND AGE OLD AND THE RESULT IS A ZERO ENERGY HOUSE¯¯AN AIRTIGHT
< 4HE MAIN ENTRANCE IS TUCKED
KNOWLEDGE ABOUT MAKING THE MOST OF A SITE )TS BOX THAT PRODUCES PERCENT OF THE ELECTRICITY IT
AWAY NEAR THE REAR OF THE HOUSE
DESIGN SUGGESTS AN ARCHITECT WHO IS COMFORTABLE NEEDS FOR ITS OPERATION &OR 3CHWARZ THE THIRD TIME
AT THE END OF A GRAVEL PATH AND
ENOUGH WITH HIS TALENT TO STEP BACK FROM BOLD REALLY HAS BEEN THE CHARM
THUS DOESN´T INTERFERE WITH THE
SPARE REGULARITY OF THE WIDE GESTURES AND CONCENTRATE ON EF½CIENT WELL MADE
SOUTHERN FACADE ARCHITECTURE ° NOT UNLIKE A WRITER WHOSE STYLE
GROWS SPARER AND LESS ¾ASHY AS HE BECOMES MORE
CON½DENT AND EXPERIENCED
±4HE ½RST 3OLAR(AUS WAS LIKE A &ORMULA /NE
RACE CAR ² 3CHWARZ SAYS ±)T HAD A VERY HIGH BUDGET
BECAUSE WE WERE TRYING OUT A LOT OF ADVANCED
SolarHaus III
97
: 4HE ROOF OF THE HOUSE SLOPES
UP ALLOWING THE SOUTHERN FACADE
TO BE AS TALL AS POSSIBLE 'LASS
PANELS ALTERNATE WITH BANDS OF
0OWER 'LASS A MATERIAL 3CHWARZ
INVENTED TO CATCH AND STORE THE
WINTER SUN
: 4HE 0OWER 'LASS PANELS APPEAR
GREENISH
BLUE WHEN SEEN FROM
THE INSIDE
Mountainside
98
9 4HE SIMPLE INTERIOR FEATURES
UN½NISHED PLYWOOD PANELS ON
THE WALLS CEILINGS AND ¾OOR
+ +
,
+++
" ! # !+
+
+
! .
*
3OUTH %LEVATION
+ ,
+
+
+
+
+
! .
.ORTH %LEVATION
SolarHaus III
99
Mountainside
100
Great (bamboo) wall
ARCHITECTURAL FIRM DESIGNER
LOCATION
Commune by the Great Wall,
Shuiguan-Badaling, China
YEAR
Kengo Kuma & Associates Kengo Kuma 2002
&IFTY ONE YEAR OLD +ENGO +UMA AMONG THE BEST KNOWN OF THE DEVELOPMENT´S EXISTENCE AS A MARKETING
VEHICLE THE VILLAS ARE BEING RENTED OUT ON A PER
*APANESE ARCHITECTS OF HIS GENERATION TENDS TO USE EACH OF NIGHT BASIS TO TOURISTS AND FOR CORPORATE GATHERINGS
HIS RESIDENTIAL COMMISSIONS TO EXPLORE A SINGLE BUILDING FORMING THE MOST EXCLUSIVE ° AND PROBABLY AMONG
THE MOST EXPENSIVE ° BOUTIQUE HOTEL IN !SIA 4HE
MATERIAL )N A DENSE 4OKYO NEIGHBORHOOD FOR EXAMPLE HE 'REAT "AMBOO 7ALL HOUSE FOR EXAMPLE RENTS FOR
PER NIGHT ° A FEE THAT INCLUDES THE SERVICES
DESIGNED THE SO CALLED 0LASTIC (OUSE IN WHICH NEARLY ALL OF A PRIVATE BUTLER
THE WALLS AND ¾OORS AND EVEN THE SCREWS ARE MADE OF A +UMA´S DESIGN FOR THE HOUSE BORROWS ITS LOW
HORIZONAL PRO½LE FROM THE 'REAT 7ALL ITSELF "UT
TRANSLUCENT LUMINOUS PLASTIC THE COLOR OF GREEN TEA &INISHED WHILE THE 7ALL SYMBOLIZES PERMANENCE SOLIDITY
IN IT IS A SURPRISINGLY BEAUTIFUL PIECE OF ARCHITECTURE ° AND EXCLUSION +UMA´S BAMBOO WALL IS MEANT TO
SUGGEST THE EASY TRANSFER OF LIGHT AND BREEZES FROM
A MEDITATION ON THE HIDDEN AESTHETIC PROPERTIES OF A MATERIAL ONE SIDE OF THE HOUSE TO THE OTHER AS WELL AS A
CERTAIN LIGHTWEIGHT UN½NISHED AND EVEN FRAGILE
RESCUED FROM THE SCRAP HEAP OF THE DESIGN WORLD QUALITY /F BAMBOO +UMA SAYS HE ½NDS ±CHARM IN
)N HIS DESIGN FOR A VILLA IN A NEW DEVELOPMENT THE MATERIAL´S WEAKNESS²
NORTH OF "EIJING CALLED THE #OMMUNE BY THE 4HE HEART OF THE PLAN IS A DELICATE TEA HOUSE
'REAT 7ALL +UMA USED THE SAME APPROACH ° AND THAT ¾OATS ON A SQUARE POOL JUST OUTSIDE THE LIVING
DISPLAYED THE SAME KNACK FOR WRINGING BEAUTIFUL ROOM AND IS SURROUNDED BY WHAT +UMA CALLS A
FORMS FROM COMMONPLACE MATERIALS ° IN BUILDING ±SCAFFOLD² OF BAMBOO THAT OFFERS PRIVACY AS WELL AS
A HOUSE THAT IS AS MUCH AN ODE TO BAMBOO AS A VIEWS OF A MOUNTAINSIDE THAT IS DENSE AND GREEN
HOUSE CONSTRUCTED FROM IT "AMBOO IS ONE OF THE EVEN IN WINTER
MOST SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS ARCHITECTS AND 4HE HOUSE IS ALSO DESIGNED TO MIMIC THE WAY THE
BUILDERS HAVE AT THEIR DISPOSAL BECAUSE IT GROWS 'REAT 7ALL AS +UMA PUTS IT ±RUNS ALMOST ENDLESSLY
SO QUICKLY THAT ITS STOCKS CAN BE REPLENISHED VERY ALONG THE UNDULATING RIDGE LINE WITHOUT BEING
EF½CIENTLY #OMMONLY MISTAKEN FOR A TYPE OF TREE ISOLATED FROM THE SURROUNDING ENVIRONMENT² +UMA
BAMBOO IS ACTUALLY A GRASS WHICH HELPS EXPLAIN WANTED TO KEEP THE HOUSE LONG AND LOW RATHER THAN
THE RATE ° AMONG SOME VARIETIES SEVERAL FEET PER HAVE IT STAND OUT AS AN OBJECT WITH A SINGLE STORY AT
DAY ° AT WHICH IT SHOOTS UPWARD GRADE ABOVE A BASEMENT LEVEL 4HAT SHAPE HELPS THE
4HE #OMMUNE BY THE 'REAT 7ALL PLANNED BY THE HOUSE LOOK SMALLER THAN IT IS
: +ENGO +UMA´S BAMBOO HOUSE AMBITIOUS #HINESE HUSBAND AND WIFE DEVELOPERS 4HE DESIGN PROBABLY DOESN´T QUALIFY AS THE MOST
NORTH OF "EIJING INCLUDES AN OPEN 0AN 3HIYI AND :HANG 8IN FEATURES ELEVEN PRIVATE MODEST PROJECT IN +UMA´S PORTFOLIO )NDEED THE
AIR TEA HOUSE WHICH SEEMS TO ¾OAT VILLAS AND A CLUBHOUSE EACH DESIGNED BY A LEADING #OMMUNE DEVELOPMENT HAS ALREADY DRAWN ½RE FROM
ABOVE A SHALLOW RE¾ECTING POOL !SIAN ARCHITECT !LONG WITH +UMA THE LIST INCLUDES CRITICS WHO TAKE ISSUE WITH THE WAY IT CHEEKILY USES
4HE SPACE PROVIDES VIEWS OF THE 3HIGERU "AN FROM *APAN 'ARY #HANG AND 2OCCO 9IM ICONS OF #HINESE COMMUNISM BEGINNING OF COURSE
SURROUNDING HILLSIDE ON TOP OF FROM (ONG +ONG AND SEVERAL MAINLAND #HINESE WITH THE WORD ±COMMUNE² ITSELF AND CONTINUING
WHICH THE 'REAT 7ALL ITSELF STANDS ARCHITECTS 4HE DEVELOPMENT IS LOCATED IN THE WITH THE -AOIST UNIFORMS ° ALL BLACK WITH A RED STAR
SHADOW OF THE 'REAT 7ALL ABOUT AN HOUR´S DRIVE PIN ° WORN BY THE STAFF AS BRANDING AND MARKETING
< /F BAMBOO THE ARCHITECT SAYS
NORTH OF "EIJING AND ONLY SIX MILES FROM "ADALING TOOLS AS IT TRIES TO SELL LUXURY HOUSING TO THE COUNTRY´S
HE ½NDS ±CHARM IN THE MATERIAL´S
THE SPOT WHERE MOST 7ESTERN TOURISTS VISIT THE WALL GROWING RANKS OF ENTREPRENEURS
WEAKNESS²
4HE DEVELOPERS HOPE TO EVENTUALLY SELL THE HOUSES 4HOSE CRITICISMS NOTWITHSTANDING +UMA HAS DONE
OR COPIES OF THEM ON A SECONDARY SITE UP THE HILL TO MUCH HERE TO DRAMATIZE THE DESIGN POSSIBILITIES OF
PRIVATE OWNERS "UT AT LEAST IN THE ½RST PHASE BAMBOO JUST AS HE DID WITH PLASTIC IN THE 4OKYO
Great (Bamboo) Wall
101
< 4HE HOUSE WITH ITS LONG 9 "OTH INSIDE AND ON EXTERIOR
HORIZONTAL PRO½LE IS DESIGNED TO WALKWAYS +UMA PLAYS UP THE
MIMIC THE 'REAT 7ALL WHICH RUNS CONTRAST BETWEEN THE POLISHED
ALONG THE RIDGELINE ABOVE MARBLE ¾OORING AND THE ROUGH
BAMBOO SIDING
3ITE 0LAN
Mountainside
102
< "OTH THE KITCHEN AND THE HOUSE 7HO KNEW AFTER ALL THAT BAMBOO COULD BE INVITATION TO TAKE PART IN THIS EARLY STAB AT #HINESE
DINING ROOM HAVE A BAMBOO
SCULPTURAL OR CAST SUCH A VARIETY OF SHADOWS OR LUXURY HOUSING WILL BE FULLY JUSTI½ED
CLAD CEILING ADD RHYTHM TO A FACADE SO EFFECTIVELY )F +UMA THUS +UMA HAS ALSO SHOWN HOW LUXURIOUS SUSTAIN
INSPIRES OTHER ARCHITECTS TO TRADE MAHOGANY OR SOME ABILITY CAN APPEAR IF PUT IN THE RIGHT ARCHITECTURAL
OTHER ENDANGERED HARDWOOD FOR THIS MOST FRIENDLY HANDS )N THE END THE HOUSE MAY WIND UP OPERATING
OF ENVIRONMENTAL MATERIALS ° ESPECIALLY IN #HINA AS A KIND OF ARCHITECTURAL 4ROJAN HORSE HELPING TO
WHERE THERE IS RISING DEMAND FOR !MERICAN
STYLE SNEAK GREEN
DESIGN IDEAS BEHIND THE LINES DRAWN
RESIDENTIAL EXCESS AND NO GREEN DESIGN MOVEMENT BY ZEALOUS DEVELOPERS
TO SPEAK OF ° HIS DECISION TO ACCEPT THE DEVELOPERS´
Great (Bamboo) Wall
103
-AIN &LOOR 0LAN
ENTRANCE
KITCHEN
DINING ROOM
LIVING ROOM
%NTRY
+ITCHEN
STORAGE
$INING ROOM
LOUNGE
,IVING ROOM
BATH ROOM
3TORAGE
GUEST ROOM
,OUNGE
'ROUND &LOOR 0LAN
MACHINE ROOM "ATHROOM
STAFF ROOM 'UEST ROOM
-ACHINE ROOM
3TAFF ROOM
3OUTH ELEVATION
3OUTH %LEVATION
3ECTION
Mountainside
104
< 4HE TALL WINDOWS OF THE LIVING
ROOM PROVIDE EXPANSIVE VIEWS OF
THE LUSH HILLSIDE NEARBY
Great (Bamboo) Wall
105
Mountainside
106
R128
ARCHITECTURAL FIRM DESIGNER
LOCATION
Stuttgart, Germany
YEAR
Werner Sobek Ingenieure Werner Sobek 2002
7ERNER 3OBEK´S DESIGN PHILOSOPHY IS SIMPLE ±!RCHITECTURE *OHNSON´S 'LASS (OUSE IT IS CLEARLY INTENDED AS THE
LATEST CHAPTER IN THE HISTORY OF TRANSPARENT CASE
IS ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN )T THEREFORE MIRRORS SOCIETY ITS STUDY HOUSES DESIGNED BY MODERNIST ARCHITECTS
BEHAVIOR AND AMBITIONS ² HE SAYS 4HE FOUR STORY RESIDENCE 0ERCHED ON A STEEP HILLSIDE OVERLOOKING
DOWNTOWN 3TUTTGART THE CRYSTAL BOX OF A HOUSE
3OBEK DESIGNED FOR HIS FAMILY IN IS AN ELEGANT HAS A GLASS SKINNED STEEL FRAME THAT WAS ERECTED
ON SITE IN A MERE FOUR DAYS 4HE BUILDING REUSES
EMBODIMENT OF THAT CREDO 4HE GLASS HOUSE IS SO EF½CIENT THE CEMENT FOUNDATION OF THE DILAPIDATED
IT ACTUALLY GENERATES MORE ENERGY THAN IT USES )TS OPEN HOUSE THAT ONCE STOOD THERE $ESIGNED TO BE
INSTALLED AND DISMANTLED WITH MINMAL IMPACT
PLAN INTERIORS AND ITS HIGH TECH FEATURES ° TOUCH SCREEN ON THE LAND THE MODULAR STRUCTURE ARRIVED IN JUST
ONE TRUCKLOAD %VERY PART CAN BE EASILY DETACHED
TEMPERATURE CONTROLS COMPUTER CONTROLLED HEATING SYSTEM AND RECYCLED 4HE WOODEN ¾OORS FOR EXAMPLE ARE
VOICE ACTIVATED DOORS AND RADAR CONTROLLED FAUCETS ° SAY MADE OF PREFABRICATED PANELS THAT ARE SUSPENDED
BETWEEN THE STEEL ) BEAMS WITHOUT SCREWS OR BOLTS
A LOT ABOUT SOCIAL BEHAVIOR IN A TECHNOLOGICALLY ADVANCED !LL PIPES AND COMMUNICATION LINES ARE CONCEALED
SOCIETY )TS SLEEK IMPECCABLE DESIGN PROJECTS AN AESTHETIC IN SHALLOW TROUGHS BEHIND REMOVABLE LAMINATED
METAL COVERS POSITIONED ALONG THE ¾OORS 3INCE THE
AMBITION RARELY SEEN IN SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS "UT 3OBEK DID HOUSE CONTAINS NO PLASTER WALLS ALMOST NOTHING
WOULD HAVE TO GO TO WASTE IF THE STRUCTURE WERE
NOT SET OUT TO CREATE A HIGH TECH WONDER ±) WAS GOVERNED EVER DEMOLISHED
BY THE IDEAL OF LIVING IN THREE DIMENSIONAL TRANSPARENCY SO 4HE STEEL FRAMEWORK THAT HOLDS THE HOUSE
TOGETHER WEIGHS ONLY TONS )T CONSISTS OF TWELVE
THAT ) COULD ALWAYS FEEL CLOSE TO NATURE 4HE TECHNOLOGY JUST PILLARS REINFORCED WITH A NETWORK OF HORIZONTAL AND
DIAGONAL ) BEAMS !DDITIONAL CANTILEVERED STEEL
HELPED ME ACHIEVE THAT IDEAL² ELEMENTS AND EXTERNAL STAIRCASES AND WALKWAYS
3OBEK WHO HAS A DOCTORATE IN STRUCTURAL COMPLETE THE HOUSE 6ISITORS ENTER THROUGH A STEEL
ENGINEERING AND IS DIRECTOR OF THE )NSTITUTE FOR FOOTBRIDGE ON THE FOURTH ¾OOR WHICH CONTAINS THE
,IGHTWEIGHT 3TRUCTURES AND #ONCEPTUAL $ESIGN LIVING AND DINING AREAS "EDROOMS FOR 3OBEK AND
AT THE 5NIVERSITY OF 3TUTTGART SPENT A YEAR AT HIS WIFE AND FOR THEIR SON AS WELL AS ADDITIONAL
3KIDMORE /WINGS -ERRILL IN #HICAGO IN ON LIVING OF½CE AND SERVICE AREAS ARE LOCATED ON THE
THE ½RST &AZLUR +HAN FELLOWSHIP WHICH HAS BEEN LOWER ¾OORS !LL ¾OORS ARE COMPLETELY OPEN AND
AWARDED TWICE SINCE (IS ARCHITECTURE REMAINS ¾EXIBLE WITH THE EXCEPTION OF A TWO STORY UNIT THAT
½RMLY ROOTED IN THE IDEALS OF MODERNISM AND HOUSES THE TOILETS AND BATHROOMS
HIS ½RM 7ERNER 3OBEK )NGENIEURE WHICH HAS 4HE HOUSE BRINGS TOGETHER SOME OF THE MOST
PEOPLE WORKING IN 3TUTTGART AND THREE OTHERS UP TO DATE ENERGY MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGIES
IN .EW 9ORK HAS CONSULTED ON SUCH LARGE SCALE AVAILABLE TO HOME BUILDERS TODAY ±-Y GOAL WAS
PROJECTS AS THE "ANGKOK )NTERNATIONAL !IRPORT TO BUILD A HOUSE THAT WOULD BE PERFECTLY GREEN
AND THE 3ONY #ENTER IN "ERLIN (IS FUTURISTIC MORE ECOLOGICALLY ADVANCED THAN ANYTHING TO
: &ACING SOUTHWEST ON A STEEP
2 ° SO NAMED AFTER ITS STREET ADDRESS NUMBER DATE THAT WAS THE CHALLENGE ) SET FOR MYSELF ² SAYS
HILLSIDE OUTSIDE 3TUTTGART 7ERNER
2yMERSTRASSE ° IS A COMPENDIUM OF 3OBEK´S 3OBEK ±) DIDN´T WANT TO CREATE SOMETHING THAT
3OBEK´S 2 IS AN EMMISSION FREE
HOUSE THAT REQUIRES NO EXTERNAL IDEAS AND RESEARCH ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY ENERGY FUTURE GENERATIONS WOULD HAVE TO COPE WITH SO
ENERGY INPUT FOR HEATING OR COOLING CONSERVATION AND RECYCLING 7ITH ITS ALLUSIONS TO ) MADE SURE EVERYTHING IS EASILY RECYCLABLE² 4HE
-IES VAN DER 2OHE´S &ARNSWORTH (OUSE AND 0HILIP COATED AND TRIPLE GLAZED BY INCH WINDOW
R128
107
PANELS ° WHICH HAVE THE INSULATING PROPERTIES
OF INCHES OF ROCKWOOL AND HAD NEVER BEEN USED
IN RESIDENTIAL CONSTRUCTION BEFORE ACCORDING TO
3OBEK ° ALLOW SOLAR RADIATION TO PASS THROUGH THE
FACADE AND INTO THE HOUSE WHERE IT IS ABSORBED
BY WATER
COOLED PANELS IN THE CEILING ! HEAT
TRANSFORMER CONVEYS ENERGY TO AN ACCUMULATOR
WHICH THEN RELEASES IT OVER THE COLDER MONTHS
THROUGH CEILING RADIATORS 4HE TRIPLE GLAZING ALSO
MAKES SURE THE HOUSE DOESN´T OVERHEAT IN THE
SUMMER THERE ARE NO SHADES OR CURTAINS INSIDE
THE HOME PRIVACY IS PROVIDED BY TREES %LECTRICITY
IS GENERATED BY FORTY
EIGHT ROOF
MOUNTED
PHOTOVOLTAIC CELLS )N PEAK TIMES THE HOUSE DRAWS
ENERGY FROM THE PUBLIC NETWORK BUT ON BALANCE IT
ACTUALLY ADDS ENERGY TO THE MUNICIPAL POWER GRID
"ECAUSE IT IS COMPLETELY SELF
SUSTAINING THE HOUSE
PRODUCES NO EMISSIONS OF ANY KIND
,IFE IN THIS RADICAL GLASS BOX MAY NOT BE FOR
EVERYBODY #ONVENTION CLEARLY TAKES A BACK SEAT
TO PURIST DESIGN SOLUTIONS LIKE THE ABSENCE OF
DOOR HANDLES SWITCHES AND CLOSETS 4HE ARCHITECT
AND HIS FAMILY OWN ONLY A FEW ITEMS OF FURNITURE
SEVERAL PIECES DESIGNED BY 3OBEK HIMSELF 4HERE
IS NOT MUCH PRIVACY OR CREATURE COMFORT IN A
HOUSE SO DIRECTLY EXPOSED TO NATURE (OWEVER FOR
ENTHUSIASTS OF ARCHITECTURAL MINIMALISM AND HIGH
TECH SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS 2 HAS FEW PEERS
)T IS A FUNCTIONING LABORATORY FOR THE HOME LIFE OF
THE FUTURE
< !LL OF THE ELECTRICAL ENERGY
NEEDED TO POWER THE HOUSE IS
SUPPLIED BY FORTY
EIGHT FRAMELESS
SOLAR PANELS EMBEDDED IN THE
ROOF 4HE SYSTEM USES THE PUBLIC
GRID AS A ZERO
LOSS ENERGY STORE
TAPPING IN ONLY WHEN THERE´S AN
ENERGY SHORTFALL
: 4HE TRIPLE
GLAZED PANELS OF THE
FACADE CONTAIN A METAL
COATED
PLASTIC FOIL THAT DE¾ECTS THE
LONG INFRARED RAYS THAT WOULD
PASS THROUGH NORMAL GLASS AND
OVERHEAT THE SPACE
Mountainside
108
Green Features
S OLA R PA NELS
The electrical energy needed
to run the mechanical
ventilation system is
supplied by solar receptors
embedded in the roof.
S P LIT- S YST EM
A IR C OND ITION IN G
Each floor has a separate
temperature control, which
allows the system to cool
or heat only the space
being used.
R E CYC LA B LE M ATERI ALS
From the wood panel
flooring and glass walls to
the bolted steel skeleton,
every component of the
house was chosen for its
capacity to be recycled.
TR IP LE GLAZIN G
With three layers of glass
containing a film of metal-
coated plastic foil in the air
space between the outer
and central panes, as well
as inert gas between each
layer, the windows have
an extremely low heat
transmission value.
NATUR AL LIGH T
Floor-to-ceiling
windows eliminate the
need for artificial light
during the day.
Mountainside
110
:: 4HE ¾OORS CONSIST OF 9 %NERGY STUDIES FOR SUMMER
PREFABRICATED PLASTIC
COVERED DAYTIME SUMMER NIGHTIME
WOOD PANELS THAT ARE LESS THAN AND WINTER SHOW THE CHANGES IN
INCHES THICK AND REST ON BEAMS BOTH INCOMING AND OUTBOUND
WITHOUT SCREWS OR BOLTS AIR TEMPERATURES
: !LUMINIUM PANELS CLIPPED
TO CEILINGS INCORPORATE AN #OOLING %LEMENTS
ACCOUSTICALLY ABSORBENT SURFACE AS %XCHANGE THROUGH
HEAT PUMP
WELL AS THE LIGHTING SYSTEM AND
WATER
½LLED PIPE COILS FOR HEATING
,ONG
TERM BUFFER
STORAGE USED FOR
COOLING IN SUMMER
AFTER HAVING BEEN
DISCHARGED IN WINTER
%NERGY \ SUMMER DAYTIME
:: 4HE FOUR
STORY STAIRCASE AND
LARGE OPENINGS IN THE ¾OORPLATES
CREATE A FEELING OF CONTINUOUS
VERTICAL SPACE 4HE ABSENCE OF
INTERNAL PARTITIONS EXTENDS THE
SPACE HORIZONTALLY
: "ATHROOMS ARE THE ONLY ENCLOSED
#OOLING %LEMENTS
SPACES IN THE HOUSE /PENING AND %XCHANGE THROUGH
HEAT PUMP
CLOSING THEIR OPAQUE DOORS REQUIRES
SWIPING A HAND IN FRONT OF AN
INFRARED SENSOR ,ONG
TERM BUFFER
STORAGE USED FOR
#OOLING THROUGH AIRING COOLING IN SUMMER
AFTER HAVING BEEN
DISCHARGED IN WINTER
%NERGY \ SUMMER NIGHTTIME
:: !LL PIPES AND CABLES
FOR ELECTRICITY WATER AND
COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS ARE RUN
IN ALUMINIUM DUCTS ALONG THE
INSIDE OF THE FACADE
: 4HE EXPOSED INTERNAL DUCT
SYSTEM ALLOWS FOR MAXIMUM
¾EXIBILTY ! FREE
STANDING (EATING %LEMENTS
BATHTUB FOR EXAMPLE MAY BE %XCHANGE THROUGH
HEAT PUMP
±PLUGGED IN² TO THE WATER LINE AT
ANY POINT SIMPLY BY OPENING THE
APPROPRIATE DUCT ,ONG
TERM BUFFER
STORAGE USED FOR
COOLING IN SUMMER
AFTER HAVING BEEN
DISCHARGED IN WINTER
%NERGY \ WINTER
R128
111
Waterside
While few of us make a living from
the sea or a river these days, more and more people are moving
to the water’s edge. Communities small and large are disman-
tling ports, repurposing docks, and greening embankments
for the benefit of their citizens and businesses. The recent
evolution of cities like Barcelona, London, and New York has
been closely tied to the renaissance of their once-decrepit
waterfronts, with the rehabilitation or addition of residential
units there among the most prominent improvements.
4HROUGHOUT HISTORY HOWEVER MOST WATERFRONT HOMES HAVE BEEN BUILT AS PLACES
OF ESCAPE FROM THE CITY &ROM SECLUDED CABINS TO MODERN BEACH HOUSES TO LAKE
FRONT RETREATS SUCH HOMES ARE USUALLY DESIGNED TO MAXIMIZE A SENSE OF CONNEC
TION TO NATURE AND EVEN TO THE ELEMENTS FOR THIS REASON WATERSIDE LIVING HAS LONG
BEEN SYNONYMOUS WITH SENSITIVITY TO THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT´S BEAUTY ° AND
ITS VULNERABILITY
)T IS NO COINCIDENCE THAT SOME OF THE MOST NOTABLE EXPERIMENTS IN RETHINKING
THE PRINCIPLES OF RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY LIFE HAVE OCCURRED IN
WATERSIDE LOCATIONS BOTH BECAUSE THEY ARE SEEN AS ISOLATED EVEN UTOPIAN SITES
AND BECAUSE THEY CAN BE SO FRAGILE (ERE AS ELSEWHERE GREEN DESIGN GOES HAND IN
HAND WITH PROGRESSIVE APPROACHES TO LAND USE AND URBAN PLANNING !MSTERDAM´S
%ASTERN (ARBOUR $OCKLANDS DEVELOPMENT WITH ITS EIGHT THOUSAND ROW HOUSES
STANDING ON RECLAIMED DOCKS AND THE PARADIGMATIC .EW 5RBANIST TOWN OF 3EASIDE
&LORIDA ARE GOOD EXAMPLES
!MONG THE MOST ARCHITECTURALLY CELEBRATED PLANNED WATERSIDE COMMUNITIES IS
.OTHERN #ALIFORNIA´S 3EA 2ANCH &OR OVER THREE DECADES IT HAS STOOD ON THE 0ACI½C
#OAST AS A TOUCHSTONE FOR DESIGNERS SEEKING A BETTER BALANCE BETWEEN THE NEEDS
OF INDIVIDUAL FAMILIES AND THOSE OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT %ARLY ON HOUSES AT
3EA 2ANCH WERE BUILT IN CLUSTERS TO ENHANCE ENERGY EF½CIENCY 4HE #ONDOMINIUM
112
/NE DEVELOPMENT WAS BUILT OF WEATHERED WOOD BY THE ½RM OF -OORE ,YNDON
4URNBULL 7HITAKER AND DESIGNED TO ±CAPTURE THE SUN AND SHIELD THE WIND² )N WHAT
AMOUNTED TO A RADICAL IDEA AT THE TIME LARGE PORTIONS OF THE WINDY BLUFFS WERE LEFT
FREE OF DEVELOPMENT SO THAT VIEWS OF THE SEA AND THE COASTAL MEADOWS COULD BE
SHARED BY THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY 3UCH MACRO
PLANNING CHOICES ARE JUST AS GREEN AS
THE DECISION TO ADD SOLAR PANELS TO ONE´S ROOF
7HETHER THEY ARE DESIGNED FOR RELAXATION OR YEAR
ROUND LIVING WATERFRONT PROP
ERTIES ARE COMMONLY EXPOSED TO EXTREME HEAT WIND SUNSHINE SALT WATER DAMAGE
AND SUDDEN CLIMATE CHANGE /N SMALL ISLANDS OR REMOTE LAKES WATERSIDE HOMES CAN
LACK ACCESS TO GAS ELECTRICITY WASTE DISPOSAL AND EVEN POTABLE WATER 'REEN HOUSES
IN THESE LOCATIONS COMBINE THE NECESSARY RESPONSES TO SUCH SITE CONDITIONS WITH
TECHNOLOGIES THAT MAXIMIZE ENERGY EF½CIENCY AND MINIMIZE THE HOUSE´S IMPACT
ON ITS SURROUNDINGS !ND GREEN BUILDERS KNOW THAT PRESERVING THE LAND ON WHICH
THE HOUSE SITS IS THE KEY FACTOR IN PROTECTING THE WATER ITSELF
7ATERSIDE HOMES CAN EXPLOIT THE ADVANTAGES OF THEIR LOCATION BY MAKING USE
OF SOLAR OR WIND POWER BY SIPHONING BREEZES THAT BLOW ACROSS THE TOP OF A POND
OR LAKE AND USING THEM FOR NATURAL VENTILATION AND BY EMPLOYING LOCALLY AVAIL
ABLE OFTEN INEXPENSIVE BUILDING MATERIALS FROM BEACH PEBBLES TO BAMBOO HUSKS
!T THE SAME TIME WATERSIDE HOMES HAVE A SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY TO PRESERVE THE
NATURAL RESOURCES OF BOTH THE LAND AND THE WATER 0ROTECTION GOES BOTH WAYS ° SAFE
GUARDING THE HOUSE FROM NATURE AND NATURE FROM THE HOUSE
4HE GREATEST DAMAGE TO WATERSIDE LOCATIONS STEMS FROM LARGE
SCALE COLLECTIVE
DEVELOPMENT RATHER THAN THE CHOICES MADE BY AN INDIVIDUAL HOMEOWNER OR ARCHI
TECT 3TILL OVERCROWDING AND SEASIDE DESTRUCTION HAPPEN ONE HOUSE AT A TIME AND
THERE IS PLENTY EACH ARCHITECT CAN DO BOTH TO CONSERVE THE LANDSCAPE AND TO SET A
STANDARD FOR OTHERS TO FOLLOW
&EARS ABOUT THE DEMISE OF THE SEASHORE AS A RESULT OF ENCROACHING URBAN DEVEL
OPMENT HAVE BEEN WITH US FOR GENERATIONS AND THEY ARE NOT LIKELY TO FADE ANYTIME
SOON ±7E SHALL HAVE BEFORE LONG TO CHANGE OUR IDEAS ABOUT THE SEASIDE )T IS LOSING
ITS OLD GLAMOUR THROUGH BEING BROUGHT SO NEAR TO THE TOWN ² COMPLAINED %LLA #ARTER
IN HER BOOK 3EASIDE (OUSES AND "UNGALOWS 7ITH CURRENT ADVANCES IN GREEN
DESIGN OUR IDEAS ABOUT THE WATERSIDE ARE CHANGING ONCE AGAIN
Waterside
113
Waterside
114
howard house
ARCHITECTURAL FIRM DESIGNER
LOCATION
West Pennant, Nova Scotia, Canada
YEAR
Brian MacKay-Lyons Architects Brian MacKay-Lyons 1999
)N THE SMALL CRAGGY ½SHING VILLAGES ALONG .OVA 3COTIA´S THERE )N ADDITION -AC+AY ,YONS CHOSE MATERIALS
THAT WERE LOCALLY AVAILABLE AND FORMS THAT RESPOND
REMOTE SOUTHEASTERN COAST LOCAL ½SHERMEN HAVE BEEN TO THE SITE´S COMPLEX MICROCLIMATE 4HE LACK OF OVER
RECYCLING FOR YEARS 4RANSFORMING OLD CARGO CONTAINERS INTO HANGS FOR EXAMPLE RE¾ECTS THE AREA´S CONSTANTLY
¾UCTUATING TEMPERATURES ±7ITH A REGULAR IF
BOATSHEDS THEY´VE CREATED A LANDSCAPE OF WEATHERED METAL UNPREDICTABLE FREEZE THAW CYCLE THANKS TO THE WARM
GULF STREAM AIR THAT RUNS THROUGH HERE OVERHANGS
BOXES THAT PLAINLY RE¾ECTS BOTH THE RUGGEDNESS AND MODESTY CREATE LEAKS ² HE EXPLAINS ±4HE FREQUENT FREEZING
OF THEIR TRADITION /N THE EDGE OF ONE SUCH VILLAGE WEDGED IN AND THEN EXPANDING AND THEN THAWING ACTION WILL
WREAK HAVOC ON MATERIALS AND JOINTS²
AMONG THE BOULDERS OF A HOOK SHAPED PENINSULA THAT REACHES &OR EACH OF ITS THREE OCEAN EXPOSURES -AC+AY
,YONS DEVISED DIFFERENT STRUCTURAL AND FENESTRATION
INTO THE SEA STANDS "RIAN -AC+AY ,YONS´S (OWARD (OUSE STRATEGIES 4HE LENGTHY WEST SIDE WHICH PARALLELS
,ONG AND LEAN AND CLAD IN CORRUGATED METAL THE OPEN OCEAN IS DEFENDED AGAINST THE PREVAILING
THE BY FOOT THREE BEDROOM SINGLE FAMILY WINDS WITH A CONCRETE CASEMENT *UTTING SQUARELY
RESIDENCE IS SO WELL CAMOU¾AGED THAT FOR SEVERAL OUT OF THE HOUSE´S NARROW PRO½LE IT FUNCTIONS LIKE
YEARS THE LOCAL GOVERNING COUNCIL ACTUALLY THOUGHT IT A JETTY OR ±SHOULDER AGAINST THE WIND ² AS -AC+AY
WAS JUST ANOTHER CONTAINER CUM BOATSHED AND TAXED ,YONS DESCRIBES IT 5NDERNEATH STURDY STEEL TRUSSES
IT ACCORDINGLY &OR -AC+AY ,YONS A .OVA 3COTIA HELP THE REST OF THE HOUSE MANAGE THE WIND LOAD
NATIVE WHO HAS BASED HIS PRACTICE ON WHAT HE CALLS /N THE EAST SIDE WHICH OVERLOOKS A GLACIATED
±AN ARCHITECTURE ROOTED IN PLACE ² THAT MISCALCULATION LANDSCAPE OF SHALLOW ROCKY POOLS A WIDE SWATH
WAS PROOF OF THE DESIGN´S SUCCESS ±) THINK OF THE OF CORRUGATED 'ALVALUME IS PUNCTUATED BY AN
BUILDING AS BEING A KIND OF DIDACTIC INSTRUMENT ASSORTMENT OF WINDOWS EACH SIZED DIFFERENTLY TO
THAT´S MEANT TO EXPLAIN THE CULTURAL LANDSCAPE FRAME A PARTICULAR VIEW &ACING SOUTH WHERE THE
TO ENHANCE THE SENSE OF THE PLACE ) THINK OF IT AS PENINSULA FORMS A QUIET BAY AND A BEACH THAT HAS
CULTURAL SUSTAINABILITY ² HE SAYS BECOME THE CHILDREN´S PLAYGROUND -AC+AY ,YONS
4HE (OWARDS ARE AN ACADEMIC COUPLE°HE´S AN ART PLACED DOUBLE HEIGHT STEEL FRAME WINDOWS FOR
HISTORIAN SHE´S A LIBRARIAN AND BOTH ARE PASSIONATE MAXIMUM SOLAR GAIN ! SET OF SLIDING GLASS DOORS
ABOUT ARCHITECTURE°WHO DECIDED TO RELOCATE FROM OPENS TO A NARROW BALCONY EXTENDING THE HOUSE OUT
"RITISH #OLUMBIA TO .OVA 3COTIA WITH THEIR TWO SMALL TOWARD THE WATER WHICH IS A MERE FEET AWAY
CHILDREN &OR THEM -AC+AY ,YONS WAS AN OBVIOUS 4HE WOOD FRAME BUILDING´S MONOLITHIC PITCHED
CHOICE (IS SITE SPECI½C ARCHITECTURAL INVESTIGATIONS ROOF CLIMBS TO THE SOUTH TOWARD THE WATER
APPEALED TO THEIR INTEREST IN THE CONCEPTUAL "ELOW ONE CONTINUOUS UNOBSTRUCTED LIVING SPACE
CONNECTIONS BETWEEN ART AND ARCHITECTURE )N EARLY PROGRESSES FROM GARAGE SEPARATED FROM THE HOUSE
DISCUSSIONS CLIENT AND ARCHITECT BEGAN FORMULATING BY A COVERED BREEZEWAY AND TWO MASSIVE BARN
THE PROJECT IN TERMS OF LAND ART°A CONCEPT THAT STYLE ROLLING DOORS TO ENTRY COURT TO KITCHEN AND
FOR BOTH PARTIES HAS AS MUCH TO DO WITH ARTISTIC LIVING ROOM AND THEN OUT TO THE CANTILEVERED DECK
: 4HE WESTERN OCEAN FACING
EXPRESSION AS IT DOES WITH RESPECT FOR THE LAND /N THE GROUND ¾OOR THREE BEDROOMS ARE LINED UP
FACADE OF "RIAN -C+AY ,YON´S
3ITED ON A NORTH SOUTH AXIS AT THE WESTERN EDGE ALONG A CORRIDOR 5PSTAIRS A MEZZANINE LOFT PROVIDES
(OWARD (OUSE IS PROTECTED
OF A ACRE PARCEL THE HOUSE INCORPORATES A HOST A SECLUDED SPACE FOR THE MASTER BEDROOM AND A
AGAINST .OVA 3COTIA´S PREVAILING
WINDS WITH A CONCRETE CASEMENT OF LOW IMPACT STRATEGIES°INCLUDING PASSIVE SOLAR STUDY ±0ART OF THE IDEA WAS TAKING A THIN TUBE AND
4HE SOUTHERN END FEATURES A COLLECTION PASSIVE VENTING THERMAL MASSING AND IN DOMESTICATING IT ² -AC+AY ,YONS EXPLAINS
BALCONY THAT CANTILEVERS OUT ¾OOR RADIANT HEATING°THAT MAKE IT NOT ONLY APPEAR 4HE OTHER PART WAS ½NDING AN ECONOMICAL MEANS
TOWARD THE WATER TO ½T INTO THE LANDSCAPE BUT ENSURE ITS WELCOME OF BUILDING 7ITH A BUDGET OF LESS THAN
Howard House
115
#ANADIAN EACH DECISION HAD TO BE ABOUT EF½CIENCY HIM TO CREATE A HOUSE MUCH MORE IN KEEPING WITH -AC+AY
,YONS IS KEENLY ATTUNED TO THE USE OF
BOTH IN TERMS OF MATERIALS AND LABOR COSTS -AC+AY
THE .OVA 3COTIA ETHOS ±)N THIS PLACE PEOPLE SHUN LANGUAGE BOTH VERBAL AND ARCHITECTURAL &OR HIM
,YONS CHOSE LOCALLY GROWN MAPLE FOR THE CABINETRY OSTENTATION 9OU WOULD NEVER WANT TO CALL ATTENTION MAKING REFERENCE TO THE VERNACULAR IS ABOUT MORE
EXPOSED POLISHED CONCRETE FOR THE ¾OORS EVEN IN TO YOURSELF "UILDINGS ARE SUPPOSED TO BE FRUGAL² THAN CLEVER QUOTATIONS 5SING THE MATERIALS AND
THE BEDROOMS SINCE THE WHOLE HOUSE HAS RADIANT 7ITH WHAT THE ARCHITECT DESCRIBES AS ±ZERO FORMS OF LOCAL BUILDINGS IS HIS WAY OF STAYING IN
HEATING AND DE
LAMINATED CHIP ROCK FOR THE DETAILING ² THE HOUSE HAS A CLEAN MODERN MINIMAL TUNE WITH THE UNIQUENESS OF HIS NATIVE LAND AND
WALLS 4HE EXPOSED CEILING REVEALS THE STRUCTURE´S LOOK "UT THIS IS NOT A HEAVY
HANDED OR OVER
HELPING HIS BUILDINGS DO THE SAME ±4HE ONLY SOURCE
CONVENTIONAL LIGHT
TIMBER PLATFORM FRAMING &OR WROUGHT MINIMALISM ±) LIKE TO DRAW A LINE BETWEEN OF REAL SUSTAINABLE BUILDING IS THE VERNACULAR ² HE
-AC+AY
,YONS THE LACK OF EXPENSIVE ½NISHES AND MINIMALISM AND PLAINNESS -INIMALISM IS A FANCY SAYS ±4HE VERNACULAR IS WHAT YOU BUILD WHEN YOU
ELABORATE DETAILING DID NOT DETRACT FROM THE DESIGN TERM 0LAINNESS IS THE TERM COMMON FOLKS USE ² CAN´T AFFORD TO GET IT WRONG ENVIRONMENTALLY²
AT ALL )N HIS VIEW THE RESTRICTIVE PALETTE ENABLED HE MAINTAINS
Waterside
116
: 4HE NARROW BOXY SILHOUETTE OF
THE (OWARD (OUSE WAS DESIGNED
TO RESEMBLE THE LOCAL BOAT SHEDS
.OVA 3COTIA ½SHERMEN HAVE BEEN
BUILDING IN THE AREA FOR DECADES
<< 4HE SOUTHERN END OF THE
HOUSE IS OPEN TO THE WATER ON
THREE SIDES ! SET OF METAL
FRAMED
GLASS DOORS LEADS OUT TO THE
BALCONY
Howard House
117
Waterside
118
:: 4HE BREEZEWAY IS CLAD IN
UN½NISHED PLYWOOD AND PAVED
WITH GRAVEL
: 4HE MEZZANINE OF½CE SPACE HAS
DE
LAMINICATED CHIP ROCK WALLS
AND CABINETS MADE OF LOCALLY
GROWN MAPLE 0RELIMINARY 3KETCH
:: 4HE LIVING ROOM FEATURES
PIGMENT
FREE CONCRETE ¾OORS AND
MAPLE CABINETS
: 4HE STAIRCASE IS MADE
OF INEXPENSIVE ANNODIZED
ALUMINUM TREDS
3ITE 0LAN
#OMBINED %LEVATION 0LAN
AND 3ECTION
Howard House
119
Swart RESIDENCE
ARCHITECTURAL FIRM DESIGNER
LOCATION
Melbourne, Australia
YEAR
Cocks Carmichael Peter Carmichael 2004
&OR YEARS -ELBOURNE RESIDENT 2ICCI 3WART MONITORED THE REAL TO WITHSTAND THE EFFECTS OF EVAPORATING SALT WATER
AND EXHAUST SPEWED BY THE PASSING TRAF½C (E ALSO
ESTATE LISTINGS FOR PROPERTIES ON "EACONS½ELD 0ARADE 4HE PAID PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO CONTEXT ±7E PICKED UP
TWO MILE STRETCH OF STATELY OLD TOWNHOUSES FACING 0ORT 0HILLIP THE RHYTHM OF THE ADJACENT ROW FOR EXAMPLE THE
COLUMNS ARE AT THE SAME SPACING AS THOSE OF THE
"AY HELD THE PROMISE OF SATISFYING HER CHILDHOOD DREAM HOUSES ON EITHER SIDE AND THE ARCH FORM THAT SITS
NEXT TO THE BIG FRONT DOOR IS A DIRECT REFERENCE TO THE
OF LIVING BY THE WATER "Y THE TIME HER OWN KIDS HAD GROWN NEO )TALIANATE NEIGHBORS ² HE SAYS 4HE FREESTANDING
UP 3WART A MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER WAS READY FOR A CHANGE FRONTISPIECE HAS SEVERAL PRACTICAL FUNCTIONS IN
ADDITION TO FRAMING THE BAY IT ABSORBS VIBRATIONS
3O WHEN SHE SAW A FOR SALE SIGN ON THE VERY BLOCK SHE HAD FROM THE PASSING TRAF½C BUFFERS THE INTERIOR FROM
EXTERIOR NOISE AND GUSTY WINDS AND BLOCKS OUT THE
COVETED SHE MADE HER MOVE 4HE FACT THAT THE PROPERTY WAS BURNING RAYS OF THE LATE AFTERNOON SUMMER SUN )TS
A COMPLETE EYESORE°THE OLD %DWARDIAN HAD BEEN BRUTALIZED GENTLE CURVE IS ANGLED TO ALIGN THE HOUSE WITH ITS
TWO NEIGHBORS EACH OF WHICH HAS A DIFFERENT SETBACK
BY AN INSENSITIVE RENOVATION DECADES EARLIER°ONLY INCREASED #ARMICHAEL ALSO DREW INSPIRATION FROM THE
HER ENTHUSIASM SINCE IT MEANT SHE COULD START FROM SCRATCH CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SITE 4HE COMBINATION OF
BEACH BOARDWALK AND OCEANSIDE MOTORWAY
3WART KNEW SHE WANTED TO BUILD A SUSTAINABLE SKIRTING A ROW OF GRACIOUS HOMES REMINDED HIM
HOUSE BUT THE FOOT WIDE LOT HEMMED IN ON OF THE -EDITERRANEAN TOWNS ALONG THE &RENCH
BOTH SIDES BY FRILLY NINETEENTH CENTURY TERRACE 2IVIERA WHERE (ENRI -ATISSE HAD PAINTED !ND THE
HOUSES AND SUBJECT TO TIGHT LOCAL BUILDING CODES GRACEFUL CURVING MOTIFS FOUND IN 4HE $ANCE AND
PRESENTED A HOST OF DESIGN CONSTRAINTS 0ETER OTHER -ATISSE WORKS ARE ECHOED IN THE GEOMETRY
#ARMICHAEL A PRINCIPAL OF THE -ELBOURNE BASED OF THE 3WART HOUSE MAKING SURPRISE APPEARANCES
ARCHITECTURAL ½RM #OCKS #ARMICHAEL HAS BEEN THROUGHOUT THE INTERIOR
EXPERIMENTING WITH SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIES IN HIS 4HE PROXIMITY OF BEACH AND MOTORWAY GUIDED
NEO MODERNIST PROJECTS SINCE THE S "UT HE IS MOST OF THE DESIGN DECISIONS FROM THE ADDITION OF
ALSO WELL VERSED IN THE COMPLEXITIES OF BUILDING IN SEALED FRONT WINDOWS THAT FEND OFF TRAF½C NOISE
HISTORIC DISTRICTS !FTER SEEING HIS BOLD YET RESPECTFUL AND POLLUTION TO THE GLAZED INTERIOR AIRSHAFT THAT
RENOVATION OF A NEARBY 6ICTORIAN 3WART GAVE HIM SLICES THROUGH THE CENTER OF THE HOUSE VENTILATING
THE COMMISSION (ER BRIEF WAS TRI FOLD SHE WANTED ALL THREE LEVELS WITH FRESH AIR DRAWN IN FROM A
: &ACING -ELBOURNE´S 0ORT 0HILIP A CONTEMPORARY HOUSE THAT NEVERTHELESS RESPECTED HEIGHT THAT LIMITS THE INTAKE OF VEHICULAR EXHAUST
"AY AND A BUSY MOTORWAY THE ITS TRADITIONAL NEIGHBORS A CON½GURATION OF ROOMS #ARMICHAEL´S AIM WAS TO OPTIMIZE AIR QUALITY AND
3WART 2ESIDENCE IS DESIGNED TO THAT DIDN´T WASTE ANY SPACE AND MATERIALS AND VIEWS OF THE BAY WHILE MINIMIZING ENERGY USE
ACCENTUATE VIEWS OF THE WATER SYSTEMS THAT REQUIRED LITTLE OR NO MAINTENANCE #ONSEQUENTLY THE ROOF IS HEAVILY INSULATED AND
WHILE MINIMIZING TRAF½C NOISE 4HE THREE STORY CONCRETE AND GLASS RESIDENCE IS A THE FRONT WALL IS INSET WITH HALF INCH¯THICK GLASS
AND POLLUTION ON THE INTERIOR HOUSE AT THE BEACH NOT A BEACH HOUSE 7ITH A SPARE PRIMARILY FOR ACOUSTIC REASONS BUT ALSO BECAUSE ITS
LOFTY AESTHETIC AND TWO SEPARATE APARTMENTS°A SKY THERMAL TRANSFER RESISTANCE IS MUCH BETTER THAN
< 0HOTOVOLTAIC CELLS AND SOLAR HOT
LIT UPPER DUPLEX WITH TWO BEDROOMS AND A STUDY FOR THAT OF THINNER GLASS 4O THE REAR OVERHANGS CONTROL
WATER PANELS ON THE ROOF CAPTURE 3WART PLUS A TWO BEDROOM GROUND ¾OOR APARTMENT THE INTENSE NORTH SUN PERMITTING PENETRATION IN
ENOUGH ENERGY TO MAKE THE HOUSE
THAT CAN BE RENTED OR LENT TO GUESTS°IT BELONGS AS WINTER BUT BLOCKING THE HARSH RAYS OF SUMMER
SELF SUF½CIENT MUCH OF THE YEAR
MUCH TO THE CITY AS TO THE SEASIDE 0HOTOVOLTAIC PANELS ON THE ROOF ARE CONNECTED TO
!N INVERTER ENSURES THAT EXCESS
#ARMICHAEL USED BOTH PASSIVE AND ACTIVE SOLAR THE ELECTRICITY GRID 7HEN SUNSHINE IS ABUNDANT
ELECTRICAL ENERGY CAN BE RETURNED TO
THE ELECTRICAL SUPPLY AUTHORITY STRATEGIES AND MATERIALS THAT WERE EITHER LOCALLY THEY ACCUMULATE A SURPLUS WHICH IS CREDITED BACK
AVAILABLE RENEWABLY HARVESTED OR DURABLE ENOUGH TO THE HOME FOR USE IN THE GRAY WINTER MONTHS
Swart Residence
121
:: \ : \ :
4HE NORTH
FACING REAR TERRACE
WHICH IS PROTECTED BY A DEEP
OVERHANG AND STAINLESS
STEEL
LOUVRES EXTENDS THE THIRD
¾OOR
LIVING SPACE OFFERING SWEEPING
VIEWS OF THE CITY BEYOND
9 -ADE OF POURED CONCRETE THE
SEMI
DETACHED CURVING FACADE
ACTS AS A VIBRATION SINK AS WELL
AS A SUN VISOR TO SHADE THE LIVING
ROOM FROM ALL BUT THE LOW
AFTERNOON SUN
Waterside
122
)NSULATION AND HEAT MANAGEMENT ARE PARTLY RELIANT WATER /N THE ADVICE OF A HYDRAULICS CONSULTANT A DIMMER CONTROLS AND HIGH
EF½CIENCY ¾UORESCENT
ON THE SITE´S PREEXISTING CHARACTERISTICS ° SHARING PLANNED GRAY
WATER SYSTEM WAS RULED OUT DUE TO BULBS THAT REDUCE POWER DEMANDS 3OLAR HOT WATER
SIDE WALLS WITH THE NEIGHBORING HOUSES HELPS THE COMPACT SITE AREA AVAILABLE AND THE LIKELIHOOD PANELS WHICH OPERATE ON A CLOSED
CIRCUIT THERMO
MODERATE TEMPERATURES ° AND PARTLY THROUGH OF SATURATING AND SOURING THE SOIL 7ATERING NEEDS SIPHON SYSTEM WITH GAS BOOSTERS OFFER THE MOST
THE DEPLOYMENT OF HIGH
TECH DEVICES 4HE HOUSE HOWEVER ARE RELATIVELY MINIMAL RATHER THAN AN EF½CIENT FORMAT FOR -ELBOURNE´S TEMPERATE CLIMATE
IS WIRED TO ACCOMMODATE A FULLY INTEGRATED INCESSANTLY THIRSTY LAWN #ARMICHAEL LAID OUT A ACCORDING TO #ARMICHAEL !ND SEVEN SEPARATE SPLIT
CONTROL NETWORK THAT ENABLES LIGHTS BLINDS AIR
STONE PATIO ¾ANKED BY TWO SMALL ¾OWERBEDS AND SYSTEM AIR
CONDITIONERS ALLOW FOR FOCUSED HEATING
CONDITIONING SECURITY AND EVEN LANDSCAPE FEATURES A VEGETABLE PATCH 4HE SCHEME APPEALED TO 3WART AND COOLING IN DESIGNATED AREAS OF THE HOUSE
TO BE PROGRAMMED TO RESPOND TO LIGHT CONDITIONS BOTH ENVIRONMENTALLY AND PRACTICALLY ±/NE OF MY ±$ESPITE ALL THE HIGH
TECH FEATURES OR PERHAPS AS
TEMPERATURE VARIATIONS OCCUPANCY CIRCUMSTANCES PRIMARY REQUIREMENTS WAS THAT THE HOUSE BE EASY A RESULT OF THEM )´VE BECOME MUCH MORE CONNECTED
AND SECURITY NEEDS TO RUN EASY TO TAKE CARE OF ² SHE SAYS ±) WANTED TO TO THE ENVIRONMENT SINCE LIVING HERE ² SAYS 3WART
2AINWATER COLLECTED FROM THE ROOFS OF BOTH THE BE ABLE TO WALK OUT OF THE HOUSE GET ON A PLANE ±3INCE THE HOUSE IS CONSTANTLY ADJUSTING ITSELF IT
MAIN HOUSE AND THE DETACHED GARAGE IS DISTRIBUTED AND STAY AWAY FOR THREE MONTHS WITHOUT WORRYING MAKES ME CONSCIOUS OF SUBTLE CHANGES IN THE WIND
TO THE BACK GARDEN BY AN AUTOMATED IRRIGATION ABOUT UPKEEP² AND THE TIDES AND THE LIGHT !ND ) REALLY LIKE THAT )
SYSTEM 4HE FRONT WATERFALL ° A POETIC FORM OF NOISE /THER LOW
MAINTENANCE AND ENERGY
EF½CIENT REALLY LIKE THE CONNECTION²
REDUCTION ° RUNS ON A SEPARATE SYSTEM OF RECYCLED SOLUTIONS INCLUDE LOW
VOLTAGE HALOGENS WITH
Swart Residence
123
ELEVATED
AIR INTAKE
SOLAR HOT PHOTOVOLTAIC
FACADE SCREENS SCREENED WATER MULTIZONE
PANELS
NORTH
WEST SUN 2 INSULATION SKYLIGHT SYSTEM AIR
CONDITIONING
THICK GLAZING TO
MAXIMISE THERMAL
AND ACOUSTIC RESISTANCE SUMMER SUN
WINTER SUN
RAINWATER RETICULATED TO
VENTILATION GARDEN FROM STORAGE TANK
COURTYARD
0ASSIVE AND !CTIVE 3YSTEMS
3OUTH %LEVATION .ORTH %LEVATION
Waterside
124
Green Features
C E N T R A L AIR S HA FT PH O T O VO LTA IC CELLS R A I NWAT E R C O L L E C T I O N AU T O MAT E D C L I MAT E
Cutting through all three The solar collectors on the Rain is collected from the C O NT R O L S
levels at the center of the roof, which supply most of roofs of the main house and An integrated system
house, the airshaft is a site- the house’s electric power, are the garage and distributed to controls lights, blinds, air-
specific feature that improves connected to the power grid the garden by an automated conditioning, and security,
the internal air quality by with a 0.2KV inverter so that irrigation system. and can be programmed
drawing fresh air from the excess electrical energy can to respond to light and
exterior above the traffic line. be returned to the electrical temperature conditions
supply authority. as well as patterns of
occupancy.
Swart Residence
125
Waterside
While few of us make a living from
the sea or a river these days, more and more people are moving
to the water’s edge. Communities small and large are disman-
tling ports, repurposing docks, and greening embankments
for the benefit of their citizens and businesses. The recent
evolution of cities like Barcelona, London, and New York has
been closely tied to the renaissance of their once-decrepit
waterfronts, with the rehabilitation or addition of residential
units there among the most prominent improvements.
4HROUGHOUT HISTORY HOWEVER MOST WATERFRONT HOMES HAVE BEEN BUILT AS PLACES
OF ESCAPE FROM THE CITY &ROM SECLUDED CABINS TO MODERN BEACH HOUSES TO LAKE
FRONT RETREATS SUCH HOMES ARE USUALLY DESIGNED TO MAXIMIZE A SENSE OF CONNEC
TION TO NATURE AND EVEN TO THE ELEMENTS FOR THIS REASON WATERSIDE LIVING HAS LONG
BEEN SYNONYMOUS WITH SENSITIVITY TO THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT´S BEAUTY ° AND
ITS VULNERABILITY
)T IS NO COINCIDENCE THAT SOME OF THE MOST NOTABLE EXPERIMENTS IN RETHINKING
THE PRINCIPLES OF RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY LIFE HAVE OCCURRED IN
WATERSIDE LOCATIONS BOTH BECAUSE THEY ARE SEEN AS ISOLATED EVEN UTOPIAN SITES
AND BECAUSE THEY CAN BE SO FRAGILE (ERE AS ELSEWHERE GREEN DESIGN GOES HAND IN
HAND WITH PROGRESSIVE APPROACHES TO LAND USE AND URBAN PLANNING !MSTERDAM´S
%ASTERN (ARBOUR $OCKLANDS DEVELOPMENT WITH ITS EIGHT THOUSAND ROW HOUSES
STANDING ON RECLAIMED DOCKS AND THE PARADIGMATIC .EW 5RBANIST TOWN OF 3EASIDE
&LORIDA ARE GOOD EXAMPLES
!MONG THE MOST ARCHITECTURALLY CELEBRATED PLANNED WATERSIDE COMMUNITIES IS
.OTHERN #ALIFORNIA´S 3EA 2ANCH &OR OVER THREE DECADES IT HAS STOOD ON THE 0ACI½C
#OAST AS A TOUCHSTONE FOR DESIGNERS SEEKING A BETTER BALANCE BETWEEN THE NEEDS
OF INDIVIDUAL FAMILIES AND THOSE OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT %ARLY ON HOUSES AT
3EA 2ANCH WERE BUILT IN CLUSTERS TO ENHANCE ENERGY EF½CIENCY 4HE #ONDOMINIUM
112
/NE DEVELOPMENT WAS BUILT OF WEATHERED WOOD BY THE ½RM OF -OORE ,YNDON
4URNBULL 7HITAKER AND DESIGNED TO ±CAPTURE THE SUN AND SHIELD THE WIND² )N WHAT
AMOUNTED TO A RADICAL IDEA AT THE TIME LARGE PORTIONS OF THE WINDY BLUFFS WERE LEFT
FREE OF DEVELOPMENT SO THAT VIEWS OF THE SEA AND THE COASTAL MEADOWS COULD BE
SHARED BY THE ENTIRE COMMUNITY 3UCH MACRO
PLANNING CHOICES ARE JUST AS GREEN AS
THE DECISION TO ADD SOLAR PANELS TO ONE´S ROOF
7HETHER THEY ARE DESIGNED FOR RELAXATION OR YEAR
ROUND LIVING WATERFRONT PROP
ERTIES ARE COMMONLY EXPOSED TO EXTREME HEAT WIND SUNSHINE SALT WATER DAMAGE
AND SUDDEN CLIMATE CHANGE /N SMALL ISLANDS OR REMOTE LAKES WATERSIDE HOMES CAN
LACK ACCESS TO GAS ELECTRICITY WASTE DISPOSAL AND EVEN POTABLE WATER 'REEN HOUSES
IN THESE LOCATIONS COMBINE THE NECESSARY RESPONSES TO SUCH SITE CONDITIONS WITH
TECHNOLOGIES THAT MAXIMIZE ENERGY EF½CIENCY AND MINIMIZE THE HOUSE´S IMPACT
ON ITS SURROUNDINGS !ND GREEN BUILDERS KNOW THAT PRESERVING THE LAND ON WHICH
THE HOUSE SITS IS THE KEY FACTOR IN PROTECTING THE WATER ITSELF
7ATERSIDE HOMES CAN EXPLOIT THE ADVANTAGES OF THEIR LOCATION BY MAKING USE
OF SOLAR OR WIND POWER BY SIPHONING BREEZES THAT BLOW ACROSS THE TOP OF A POND
OR LAKE AND USING THEM FOR NATURAL VENTILATION AND BY EMPLOYING LOCALLY AVAIL
ABLE OFTEN INEXPENSIVE BUILDING MATERIALS FROM BEACH PEBBLES TO BAMBOO HUSKS
!T THE SAME TIME WATERSIDE HOMES HAVE A SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITY TO PRESERVE THE
NATURAL RESOURCES OF BOTH THE LAND AND THE WATER 0ROTECTION GOES BOTH WAYS ° SAFE
GUARDING THE HOUSE FROM NATURE AND NATURE FROM THE HOUSE
4HE GREATEST DAMAGE TO WATERSIDE LOCATIONS STEMS FROM LARGE
SCALE COLLECTIVE
DEVELOPMENT RATHER THAN THE CHOICES MADE BY AN INDIVIDUAL HOMEOWNER OR ARCHI
TECT 3TILL OVERCROWDING AND SEASIDE DESTRUCTION HAPPEN ONE HOUSE AT A TIME AND
THERE IS PLENTY EACH ARCHITECT CAN DO BOTH TO CONSERVE THE LANDSCAPE AND TO SET A
STANDARD FOR OTHERS TO FOLLOW
&EARS ABOUT THE DEMISE OF THE SEASHORE AS A RESULT OF ENCROACHING URBAN DEVEL
OPMENT HAVE BEEN WITH US FOR GENERATIONS AND THEY ARE NOT LIKELY TO FADE ANYTIME
SOON ±7E SHALL HAVE BEFORE LONG TO CHANGE OUR IDEAS ABOUT THE SEASIDE )T IS LOSING
ITS OLD GLAMOUR THROUGH BEING BROUGHT SO NEAR TO THE TOWN ² COMPLAINED %LLA #ARTER
IN HER BOOK 3EASIDE (OUSES AND "UNGALOWS 7ITH CURRENT ADVANCES IN GREEN
DESIGN OUR IDEAS ABOUT THE WATERSIDE ARE CHANGING ONCE AGAIN
Waterside
113
126
Lake Washington HOUSE
ARCHITECTURAL FIRM DESIGNER
LOCATION
Mercer Island, Washington
YEAR
Olson Sundberg Kundig Allen Architects Jim Olson 2004
±4HE MAIN IDEA WAS TO MAKE BEAUTY OUT OF GREEN TECHNIQUES ²
AND SUN
CONTROL SHADES NOT ONLY HELP DE½NE THE
CLEAN CONTEMPORARY LOOK OF THE LAKEFRONT FACADE BUT
SAYS *IM /LSON OF THE HOUSE HE DESIGNED AT THE EDGE OF ,AKE STOP THE SUN´S HEAT BEFORE IT ENTERS THE HOUSE %VEN
7ASHINGTON ON -ERCER )SLAND A PREDOMINANTLY SUBURBAN IN THE SUMMER NO AIR CONDITIONING IS REQUIRED
/UTSIDE THE NOTED LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT +ATHRYN
COMMUNITY JUST EAST OF 3EATTLE /LSON A PRINCIPAL IN THE 'USTAFSON WHO IS BASED IN 3EATTLE AND 0ARIS HAS
CONTINUED THE GREEN THEME 3HE DESIGNED A DRIVEWAY
3EATTLE ½RM /LSON 3UNDBERG +UNDIG !LLEN IS KNOWN FOR WITH PERMEABLE PAVING AND ADDED SHADE TREES TO
COMBINING THE CLEAN LINES OF MODERNIST DESIGN WITH A 0ACI½C AID CLIMATE CONTROL FOR THE HOUSE 3HE RETAINED
EXISTING TREES WHEREVER POSSIBLE AND ADDED MOSTLY
.ORTHWEST REGIONALISM FEATURING WOOD STEEL AND GLASS NATIVE DROUGHT
TOLERANT PLANTS ALONG WITH WHAT
SHE CALLS ±LIMITED CONSOLIDATED ³INJECTIONS´ OF
4HOUGH HE HAS CERTAINLY DESIGNED HIS SHARE OF ORNAMENTAL PLANTINGS REQUIRING MORE WATER²
EXPANSIVE SINGLE
FAMILY RESIDENCES /LSON HAS ALSO "UT FOR /LSON THE CURVED WALL OR CHIMNEY STANDS
SHOWN A CONTINUING INTEREST IN MODEST DESIGN AND AS AN ICON FOR THE ENTIRE PROJECT ±4HE CHIMNEY
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSCIOUSNESS (IS OWN FAMILY CABIN BECOMES A SCULPTURAL FORM EXPRESSING ITS FUNCTION°
IN WESTERN 7ASHINGTON FOR EXAMPLE WHICH HE HAS TURNING FUNCTION INTO ART ² HE SAYS )T FORMS THE
SLOWLY UPDATED OVER THE YEARS IS A TINY EXERCISE IN BACKDROP FOR A PERMANENT INSTALLATION BY GLASS ARTIST
ARCHITECTURAL RESTRAINT AND SITS LIGHTLY ON ITS THICKLY %D #ARPENTER WHICH WILL REFRACT SUNLIGHT ENTERING
WOODED SITE THE HOUSE AND THEN PROJECT IT INTO THE INTERIOR OF THE
4HIS ,AKE 7ASHINGTON HOUSE ½NISHED IN CURVING WALL /LSON CALLS THE RESULT A ±LIGHT PAINTING²
IS BIGGER BUT IN ITS OWN WAY NO LESS CONCERNED WITH /N A SYMBOLIC LEVEL THE WALL REPRESENTS A
SUSTAINABILITY /LSON ARRANGED THE DESIGN AROUND A SUCCESSFUL EFFORT TO MARRY ORGANIC AND MODERNIST
LARGE CURVED WALL SHEATHED IN RECYCLABLE 2HEINZINK FORMS 4HE REST OF THE HOUSE IS LARGELY RECTILINEAR
PANELS WHICH IS FEET LONG AND FEET TALL AT ITS HEAVY ON HORIZONTAL LINES AND ROOMS ARRANGED
HIGHEST POINT 4HE CENTERPIECE OF THE HOUSE´S NATURAL AS A SERIES OF BOXY REDWOOD
COVERED FORMS "UT
VENTILATION SYSTEM THE WALL ACTS AS A CHIMNEY TO IN THE END THOSE RIGHT ANGLES ARE FORCED°PERHAPS
FUNNEL AIR UP DOWN OR SIDEWAYS DEPENDING ON THE PERSUADED IS A BETTER WORD°TO YIELD TO THE CURVE
SEASON AND FOLLOWS A U
SHAPED PATH AS IT CURVES AND TILT OF THE WALL AND BY EXTENSION TO THE
THROUGH THE CENTER OF THE RESIDENCE )T IS ALIGNED TO NATURAL WORLD
FOLLOW THE PATH OF THE SUN ATOP THE HOUSE´S LAKEFRONT
SITE )N SUMMER IT PULLS LAKE BREEZES THROUGH THE
HOUSE AT ITS LOWER LEVEL AND PUSHES WARMER AIR
OUT THE TOP )N COOLER PARTS OF THE YEAR IT BOUNCES
DAYLIGHT BACK INTO THE LIVING AND DINING ROOMS
4HE SKYLIGHT ADJOINING IT HEATS AIR DURING THE WINTER
THAT AIR IS TRAPPED BY THE CHIMNEY AND THEN VENTED
DOWN TO HEAT THE ROOMS
: #OVERED BY 2HEINZINK PANELS
4HERE ARE OTHER SUSTAINABLE FEATURES IN THE DESIGN
THE HOUSE´S LARGE CURVED WALL
TO BE SURE 2ADIANT HEATING WARMS THE ¾OORS 0ART OF
LOOKS PURELY SCULPTURAL BUT IS IN
FACT HIGHTLY PRACTICAL ITS ROUNDED THE ROOF IS PLANTED WITH SEDUM A DROUGHT
TOLERANT < 4HE ARCHITECTS USED A DIGITAL
FORM CATCHES BREEZES COMING OFF PLANT THAT HELPS KEEP HEAT INSIDE IN WINTER AND REPEL CLIMATE
MODELING PROGRAM TO
THE LAKE AND DIRECTS THEM INTO THE IT IN SUMMER 4HE HANDSOME SIDING IS RECLAIMED PREDICT AND CONTROL THE EFFECT OF
HOUSE KEEPING THE INTERIOR COOL REDWOOD 4RICKLE VENTS BRING IN FRESH AIR YEAR
ROUND SOLAR GAIN INSIDE THE HOUSE
Lake Washington House
127
: 4HE HOUSE IS A COLLECTION OF
BOXY MODERNIST ROOMS 4HE SEDUM
ON THE ROOF HELPS REPEL HEAT IN
SUMMER AND RETAIN IT IN WINTER
: 4HE LARGELY GLAZED LAKEFRONT
FACADE PROVIDES THE DOUBLE
HEIGHT LIVING ROOM AND BEDROOMS
WITH LAKE VIEWS !LUMINUM SUN
SHADES ON THE WINDOWS DE¾ECT
SUNLIGHT IN SUMMER
128
9 \ 99 )NTERIOR SPACES GAIN
DRAMA FROM HIGH CEILINGS 6IEWS
OF THE LAKE FROM THE LIVING ROOM
AND OF TREES FROM THE LIBRARY ARE
PRECISELY FRAMED
9 $IAGRAMS BY *IM /LSON
ILLUSTRATE THE WAY THE HOUSE IS
DESIGNED TO DIRECT BREEZES THROUGH
THE INTERIOR IN SUMMER PUSHING
WARM AIR OUT THE TOP OF A NATURAL
CHIMNEY CREATED BY A U
SHAPED
WALL )N WINTER THE WALL DIRECTS
SUNLIGHT INSIDE LESSENING THE
NEED FOR ARTI½CIAL LIGHT ° NOT AN
INSIGNI½CANT DETAIL IN THE RAINY
0ACI½C .ORTHWEST
Lake Washington House
129
walla womba guest house
ARCHITECTURAL FIRM DESIGNERS
LOCATION
Bruny Island, Tasmania, Australia
YEAR
1+2 Architecture Cath Hall, Mike V
Verdouw, Fred Ward 2003
2EACHING THIS VACATION HOUSE ON "RUNY ONE OF THE SMALLER OF ADVANTAGE OF THE LOW HANGING WINTER SUN )NDEED
THE STRIKING FORM OF THE HOUSE ¾OWS NATURALLY FROM
SEVERAL ISLANDS THAT MAKE UP THE !USTRALIAN STATE OF 4ASMANIA THIS PASSIVE SOLAR STRATEGY ITS TWO SWOOPING ROOFS
FROM (OBART THE STATE´S CAPITAL REQUIRES THE FOLLOWING ½RST ONE MUCH TALLER THAN THE OTHER RISE AS THEY EXTEND
NORTH TO ALLOW FOR LARGER WINDOWS ON THAT SIDE OF
DRIVE ABOUT THIRTY MINUTES FROM (OBART TO THE COASTAL TOWN OF THE PROPERTY
5NDER THE LOWER ROOF ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE
+ETTERING THEN TAKE THE CAR FERRY ACROSS THE $´%NTRECASTEAUX HOUSE ONE PAVILION HOLDS THREE BEDROOMS AND TWO
#HANNEL TO "RUNY ½NALLY DRIVE ABOUT ONE HOUR MUCH OF IT BATHROOMS°WHAT THE ARCHITECTS CALL THE ±SLEEPING
PRIVATE² SPACES 5NDER THE MORE DRAMATIC HIGHER
ON UNPAVED ROAD TO A REMOTE PART OF THE THIN ISLAND THAT ROOF ON THE NORTH SIDE ARE THE DOUBLE HEIGHT ±LIVING
PUBLIC² AREAS A COMBINED LIVING ROOM AND KITCHEN
OVERLOOKS THE WATER IN THREE DIRECTIONS INCLUDING A DRAMATIC WHICH OPENS ONTO A BROAD DECK ON THE WEST AND
VISTA THROUGH EUCALYPTUS AND SLENDER CASUARINA TREES BACK TO NORTH SIDES OF THE HOUSE AND A LARGE MASTER BED
ROOM ! HALLWAY RUNNING ALONG THE HOUSE´S PRECISE
THE 4ASMANIAN MAINLAND EAST WEST AXIS UNITES THE TWO PAVILIONS
)T WAS IN THIS REMOTE SETTING THAT THE 4ASMANIAN ±4HE BUSHLAND EXPERIENCE IS CENTRAL TO THE
½RM !RCHITECTURE SET OUT TO CREATE WHAT #ATH DESIGN ² SAYS &RED 7ARD ANOTHER OF THE ½RM´S
(ALL ONE OF THE ½RM´S THREE PRINCIPALS CALLS ±A PRINCIPALS 4HE TEMPERATE CLIMATE GENERALLY WITH
HIDDEN RETREAT² AND ±AN ESCAPE FROM THE PRESSURES WARM SUMMERS AND MILD IF WET WINTERS MEANS
OF CONTEMPORARY URBAN LIVING² &ROM THE START (ALL THAT SLIDING ALUMINUM FRAMED GLASS DOORS IN THE
SAYS THE ½RM WANTED THE HOUSE ±TO SLIP QUIETLY AND LIVING ROOM AND THE MASTER BEDROOM CAN BE KEPT
WITH MINIMUM IMPACT INTO ITS DELICATE CONTEXT² OPEN FOR MUCH OF THE YEAR 4HAT ALLOWS IMMEDIATE
4O THAT END PRACTICALLY EVERY FEATURE OF ITS ACCESS TO THE OUTDOORS WHERE THE CLIENTS HAVE
ARCHITECTURE HAS BEEN SELECTED WITH RESTRAINT°AND PLANTED ONLY NATIVE SPECIES
WITH SUSTAINABILITY°IN MIND 4O BEGIN WITH THE &ROM THE INSIDE LOOKING OUT THE DRAMA OF THE
ARCHITECTS AND A TIGHT BUDGET CONVINCED THE CLIENTS VIEWS IS HEIGHTENED BY THE USE OF AN UNASSUMING
TO BUILD A HOUSE MUCH SMALLER THAN THE ONE THEY PALETTE OF MATERIALS IN THE MAIN LIVING AND DINING
ORIGINALLY ENVISIONED THE TOTAL SQUARE FOOTAGE IS SPACE PALE HARDWOOD ¾OORS NEUTRAL CARPETING AND
AND TO KEEP IT TO A SINGLE STORY 4HE HOUSE PLASTERBOARD PAINTED OFF WHITE ALONG WITH JOINERY
SITS ON A RAISED STEEL FRAME THAT MINIMIZED THE AND CONTEMPORARY FURNITURE MADE FROM RECYCLED
: 4HIS WEEKEND HOUSE BY THE NEED FOR EXCAVATION AND KEEPS NATURAL DRAINAGE 4ASMANIAN TIMBERS 4HE RESULT IS A SPACE THAT DRAWS
4ASMANIAN ½RM !RCHITECTURE PATTERNS INTACT !LL WASTE IS DEALT WITH ON SITE AND ONE´S ATTENTION IMMEDIATELY OUTWARD THROUGH THE
USES A RAISED STEEL FRAME TO SIT RAINWATER IS COLLECTED FOR DRINKING AND HOUSEHOLD TREES AND BUSH TO THE WATER ! SIMILAR RESPECT FOR
LIGHTLY ON ITS THICKLY WOODED SITE USE 4HE HOUSE IS COMPLETELY INDEPENDENT OF LOCAL THE SITE LED TO CHOICES OF MATERIALS ON THE EXTERIOR
WHICH IS DOTTED WITH EUCALYPTUS POWER WATER AND SEWER CONNECTIONS %LECTRICITY FACADE FROM OILED TIMBER CLADDING TO DEEP GRAY
AND CASUARINA TREES AND OVERLOOKS IS GENERATED BY PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS ON THE ROOF PAINT FOR THE STEEL 4HE HOUSE SITS IN HARMONY WITH
THE WATER IN THREE DIRECTIONS WITH BACKUP PROVIDED BY A GAS GENERATOR THE REMOTE SETTING WITHOUT APOLOGIZING FOR ITS
,IFTING THE HOUSE ALSO HELPS KEEP /VERALL DEMAND FOR POWER IS KEPT LOW THROUGH A CONTEMPORARY PRO½LE
NATURAL DRAINAGE PATTERNS INTACT
NUMBER OF PASSIVE SOLAR STRATEGIES INCLUDING HIGH 7HILE THE ARCHITECTS ARE HAPPY TO TAKE CREDIT
VALUE INSULATION DOUBLE GLAZING AND SITING OF MOST FOR LEADING THE CLIENT TO ACCEPT A LONG LIST OF GREEN
SLEEPING AREAS ON THE COOLER SIDE OF THE LOT )N THE FEATURES THERE WAS ONE BATTLE THEY ADMIT THEY
SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE THAT SIDE FACES SOUTH /N THE LOST /RIGINALLY SAYS THIRD PRINCIPAL -IKE 6ERDOUW
NORTH SIDE OF THE HOUSE THE LARGE WINDOWS TAKE FULL THE ½RM DESIGNED A WALKING ROUTE FROM A PARKING
Walla Womba Guest House
131
: 4HE WAY THE HOUSE IS ALIGNED TO
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF SUMMER SHADE
AND WINTER SUN CAN BE EASILY
DISCERNED FROM ITS DRAMATICALLY
SWEEPING ROOF AND DEEP OVERHANGS
: 0ORCHES A KEY AMENITY IN
4ASMANIA´S MILD CLIMATE ARE
DIRECTLY ACCESSIBLE FROM THE
DOUBLE
HEIGHT LIVING ROOM
4HIN STEEL COLUMNS AND VERTICAL
MEMBERS ECHO THE SITE´S SLENDER
EUCALYPTUS TREES
AREA SET ROUGHLY YARDS FROM THE HOUSE SO THAT
THE ½RST
TIME VISITOR WOULD FOLLOW A PRESCRIBED
±SEQUENCE OF ARRIVAL ENTRY AND DISCOVERY OF THE
BUILDING² IN THE TREES "UT THE CLIENTS BALKED
INSISTING THAT THEY BE ABLE TO DRIVE THEIR CARS RIGHT
UP TO THE EDGE OF THE HOUSE
%VEN IN REMOTE 4ASMANIA APPARENTLY AND EVEN
WHEN IT COMES TO CLIENTS WHO ARE CLEARLY COMMITTED
TO SUSTAINABILITY THE LESSON IS THE SAME AS IT MIGHT
BE IN ,OS !NGELES OR A SUBURB OF !TLANTA DON´T MESS
WITH THE DRIVEWAY
< 4HE LIVING ROOM USES PALE
HARDWOOD ¾OORS AND NEUTRAL
CARPETING TO DRAW THE EYE THROUGH
THE WINDOWS TOWARD THE VIEW OF
TREES AND THE WATER SURROUNDING
THE ISLAND OF "RUNY
spa
3 1
s ov b
s ct
1 2 rh cw
dw fw
fr sh
r
3 2
3 3 3
b t h
b
m
w
rh rh
cw fw
t cw
fw
b b
0 1 3 6m sh
r
1 outdoor living
2 living
3ECTION &LOOR 0LAN
3 sleeping
4 entry
/UTDOOR LIVING ROOM
,IVING ROOM
3LEEPING ROOM
%NTRY
Walla Womba Guest House
133
McKinley HOUSE
ARCHITECTURAL FIRM DESIGNERS
LOCATION
Venice, California
V
YEAR
David Hertz Architects/Syndesis David Hertz and Stacy Fong 2004
$AVID (ERTZ CALLS IT ±-C+INLEY ² COVERED WITH CAST CONCRETE THAT IS SMOOTH AND
POLISHED ENOUGH TO BE NEARLY RE¾ECTIVE
4HE 3OUTHERN #ALIFORNIA ARCHITECT RUNS A ½RM CALLED 3YNDESIS /NE OF THE NEW BUILDINGS HOLDS A PLAY ROOM ON
THAT IS WELL KNOWN FOR ITS SUSTAINABLE DESIGN EXPERTISE AND THE GROUND ¾OOR AND TWO BEDROOMS FOR THE KIDS
ON THE UPPER STORY IT IS CONNECTED TO THE ORIGINAL
FOR DEVELOPING A ±GREEN² CONCRETE CALLED 3YNDECRETE (E ½RST CHILDREN´S BEDROOM ABOVE THE GARAGE BY A GLASS
ENCLOSED BREEZEWAY WHICH MEANS THAT A NEW
DESIGNED A
SQUARE
FOOT HOUSE FOR HIMSELF AND HIS FAMILY ±CHILDREN´S AXIS² NOW RUNS ALONG THE EASTERN EDGE
IN IN 6ENICE #ALIFORNIA WHICH HE DUBBED THE -C+INLEY OF THE PROPERTY ON THE SECOND STORY 4HE SECOND
NEW BUILDING HOLDS A POOL HOUSE WITH A STUDIO
(OUSE AFTER THE STREET ON WHICH IT SITS JUST A STONE´S THROW FROM ABOVE WHICH CAN ALSO BE USED AS A GUEST HOUSE FOR
VISITORS OR EVEN AS (ERTZ PUTS IT ±FOR A GARAGE BAND
THE 0ACI½C /CEAN 3INCE THEN HIS FAMILY HAS EXPANDED°HE AND ONCE THE KIDS GET A LITTLE OLDER² )T IS CONNECTED TO
HIS WIFE NOW HAVE THREE CHILDREN BETWEEN THE AGES OF EIGHT THE KIDS´ BUILDING BY A THIRD BRIDGE THAT ECHOES THE
BRIDGE LINKING THE TWO PARTS OF THE ORIGINAL HOUSE
AND TWELVE°AND AFTER A WHILE HE DECIDED MAYBE THE HOUSE AND INCLUDES A SECOND
¾OOR BATHROOM DESIGNED
NEEDED EXPANDING TOO ,UCKILY ENOUGH THE PROPERTY DIRECTLY TO GLOW LIKE A LANTERN ¾OATING ABOVE THE GROUND
AT NIGHT
NORTH OF THE EXISTING HOUSE BECAME AVAILABLE (ERTZ BOUGHT IT 4HERE WAS ONLY ONE SNAG IN THE WHOLE PROCESS
(ERTZ SAYS !S AN ARCHITECT WHO THINKS OF HIMSELF
AND FOUND HIMSELF WITH A LOT THAT HAD PRECISELY DOUBLED IN SIZE AS A STAUNCH PROPONENT OF GREEN DESIGN THE MERE
FROM BY FEET TO BY FEET FACT OF ADDING THAT MUCH SPACE HOWEVER MUCH
HIS FAMILY NEEDED IT NAGGED AT HIM ±4HERE´S NO
(ERTZ´S ORIGINAL DESIGN FOR THE HOUSE FEATURED GETTING AROUND THE FACT ² HE SAYS ±THAT ON A PURELY
TWO SEPARATE VOLUMES ONE HOLDING THE MAIN ECOLOGICAL LEVEL SQUARE FEET IS A LOT OF HOUSE
RESIDENCE AND THE OTHER A GROUND LEVEL GARAGE BY MOST OF THE WORLD´S STANDARDS²
BELOW CHILDREN´S BEDROOMS WITH THE TWO BOXES (IS SOLUTION WAS TO TRY TO MAKE IT THE GREENEST
LINKED BY A SECOND STORY BRIDGE AND PASSAGEWAY HOUSE OF ITS SIZE HE´D EVER SEEN ±) EMPLOY GREEN
)N DESIGNING AN ADDITION HE DECIDED TO EXTEND THAT TECHNIQUES IN ALL MY WORK ² HE SAYS ±BUT )´VE
THEME OF SEPARATE SMALLISH STRUCTURES EACH WITH THOUGHT OF MY OWN HOUSE°BOTH THE ORIGINAL
ITS OWN USE AND CREATED TWO NEW BUILDINGS ON AND NOW THIS ADDITION°AS A KIND OF CASE
: 4HE POOL HOUSE FEATURES DOORS THE NEW LOT "Y PUSHING THEM TO THE PERIPHERY OF STUDY EVEN A WORKING LABORATORY FOR ME TO LIVE
OF CERTI½ED SUSTAINABLY HARVESTED THE PROPERTY HE OPENED UP SPACE IN BETWEEN FOR A WITH ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS MATERIALS AND
MAHOGANY THAT SLIDE ON CUSTOM SEMI ENCLOSED COURTYARD METHODOLOGIES²
DESIGNED TRACKS ALLOWING NEARLY 4HE RESULT WHICH (ERTZ SAYS WAS INSPIRED BY !N ARRAY OF TWENTY SOLAR PANELS ON THE ROOF
THE ENTIRE GROUND ¾OOR TO BE )NDONESIAN ARCHITECTURE AND IS EXECUTED IN A GENERATES ABOUT PERCENT OF THE HOUSE´S ENERGY
OPENED TO THE OUTDOORS 3OLAR STYLE THAT MIGHT BE CALLED "ALINESE -ODERN WITH NEEDS /THER SECTIONS OF THE ROOF ARE GIVEN OVER
PANELS HIDDEN ON THE ROOF HEAT MAHOGANY STAIRS AND TRELLISES IS A COMPOUND MADE TO ¾AT PLATE COLLECTORS THAT PROVIDE HOT WATER TO
THE POOL ITSELF UP OF FOUR DISCRETE TWO STORY BUILDINGS LINKED BY THE WATER HEATER WHICH THEN SENDS IT INTO THE
THREE ENCLOSED BRIDGES !LL FOUR STRUCTURES FACE ONTO CONCRETE ¾OORS AS PART OF A RADIANT HEATING SYSTEM
THE COURTYARD WHICH NOW INCLUDES A THIN LAP POOL !DDITIONAL HOT WATER IS PROVIDED BY VACUUM
WITH ITS OWN OPEN AIR SHOWER /N THE EXTERIOR THE TUBING ON THE ROOF WHICH USES A PARABOLIC COLLECTOR
BUILDINGS FEATURE ROUGH POURED IN PLACE CONCRETE TO FOCUS THE SUN´S RAYS !LL THE WOOD USED IN THE
WALLS /N THE INTERIOR COURTYARD SIDE THEY ARE HOUSE HAS BEEN SUSTAINABLY HARVESTED AND MUCH
McKinley House
135
<< (ERTZ USED CERTI½ED EPE
A TROPICAL HARDWOOD ON THE
BALCONY RAILINGS
< 4HE SAME WOOD MAKES UP
THE SLATS THAT HELP SHADE THE
BREEZEWAY RUNNING ALONG THE
LENGTH OF THE NEW WING
:: 4HE GROUND ¾OOR REUSES AN
EXISTING FOUNDATION SLAB AS A
½NISH ¾OOR NEGATING THE NEED
FOR ADDITIONAL ¾OORING
: .ATURAL LIGHT IS ABUNDANT IN
THE TOP ¾OOR OF THE POOL HOUSE
WHICH INCLUDES A ±FRAMELESS²
SKYLIGHT ABOVE THE STAIR AND
WINDOWS PLACED TO MAXIMIZE
NATURAL VENTILATION
< 4HE COMBINED LIVING
DINING OF THE CONCRETE IS (ERTZ´S OWN 3YNDECRETE WHICH DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN INSIDE AND OUT ±) DESIGNED
ROOM IS HIDDEN FROM THE STREET CONTAINS ABOUT PERCENT RECYCLED CONTENT AND IS THE HOUSE IN THE SPIRIT OF ARCHITECTS LIKE 2UDOLF
BY A POURED
IN
PLACE CONCRETE TWICE AS LIGHT WITH TWICE THE COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH 3CHINDLER TRYING TO MATCH THAT MANNER OF LIVING
SLAB BUT LIGHT AIR AND A SLIVER OF OF NORMAL CONCRETE 4HE MATERIAL ACTS INSIDE THE IN THE #ALIFORNIA CLIMATE WHERE THE BUILDING JUST
PALM
TREE VIEW ARE BROUGHT IN BY
HOUSE AS A KIND OF ±SOLAR SINK² FOR PASSIVE SOLAR OPENS UP TO THE OUTSIDE ² (ERTZ SAYS ±"EING IN THIS
OPERABLE CLERESTORY WINDOWS
ENERGY TRANSFER STORING UP THE SUN´S WARMTH CLIMATE ZONE NEAR THE OCEAN ALLOWS FOR A LOT OF
DURING THE DAY°THUS KEEPING IT FROM OVERHEATING THESE ENERGY
EF½CIENT METHODOLOGIES TO BE USED²
THE INTERIOR°AND THEN SLOWLY RELEASING THAT HEAT )NDEED WHILE (ERTZ SAYS HE WAS CAREFUL TO
DURING THE NIGHT KEEP THE LITERAL GREEN
DESIGN ELEMENTS HIDDEN
(ERTZ HOPES THAT BY USING 3YNDECRETE IN THAT STRONG REGIONAL SENSE HELPED SHAPE THE
ARCHITECTURALLY SOPHISTICATED PROJECTS LIKE HIS ARCHITECTURE OF THE EXTENSION AS WELL AS THE ORIGINAL
OWN RESIDENCE HE CAN HELP SPEED THE ADOPTION OF HOUSE WITH WALKWAYS AND SLIDING DOORS DESIGNED
RECYCLED AND ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY PRODUCTS TO TO CATCH THE OCEAN BREEZES AND THE GROUND
¾OOR
WHAT HE CALLS ±A HIGH
END DESIGN
ORIENTED MARKET ROOMS ¾OWING SEAMLESSLY INTO THE COURTYARD
SEGMENT² THAT IN THE PAST HAS TURNED UP ITS NOSE AT ±) ALWAYS TRY TO MAKE THE SUSTAINABLE ELEMENTS
GREEN ARCHITECTURE EVEN IF THEY´RE AMBITIOUS SUBSERVIENT TO THE
(E WON´T BE HURT IN THAT EFFORT BY THE CHARISMA AESTHETIC OF THE ARCHITECTURE ² (ERTZ SAYS ±"UT YOU
OF THE HOUSE AS A WHOLE WHICH TAKES FULL ADVANTAGE COULD ALSO SAY THAT THE WAY THIS HOUSE RESPONDS TO
OF THE BALMY COASTAL CLIMATE OF 3OUTHERN #ALIFORNIA THE CLIMATE BECAME THE PROGENITOR OF ITS FORM²
7HEREVER POSSIBLE (ERTZ´S DESIGN BLURS THE
McKinley House
137
: 4HE COMBINED LIVING
DINING
ROOM INCLUDES A TABLE MADE FROM
3YNDECRETE A ±GREEN² CONCRETE
DESIGNED BY THE ARCHITECT
:: 4HIS DETAIL OF A POURED
IN
PLACE CONCRETE WALL SHOWS GLASS
OPENINGS THAT HAVE BEEN CUT
INTO IT
: 4HE MASTER BEDROOM WHICH
FEATURES RADIANT IN
¾OOR
HEATING AND EXPOSED RECYCLED
CEILING TIMBERS OPENS ONTO A
WRAPAROUND BALCONY
%XTERIOR 0ERSPECTIVE
BATH DN CL
UP
BATHROOM LOFT
TERRACE BEDROOM
KITCHEN POOL HOUSE BALCONY
STUDIO
CL BATH
BENCH
REC ROOM
PATIO
POOL
LINE OF ROOF CL
BATH BEDROOM
LAP POOL CL
SITTING
RM
BATHROOM BEDROOM
DINING ROOM KITCHEN
EXISTING
PATIO
MASTER BEDROOM
EXISTING GARAGE
LIVING ROOM
DEN TERRACE OFFICE BEDROOM
&IRST &LOOR 0LAN 3ECOND &LOOR 0LAN
McKinley House
139
desert
With its often unbearable temperatures
and scarce amounts of natural water, the desert is one of the
harshest environments on Earth. But it is also a place of refuge
and solace — a sanctuary for people seeking rejuvenation,
spiritual uplift, and relief from the crush of big cities. Recently,
however, especially in the United States, large tracts of desert
land have been metastasizing into suburbs, with homogenous
subdivisions connected by six-lane highways.
$ESERTS COVER ONE ½FTH OF THE %ARTH´S SURFACE INCLUDING LARGE SWATHS OF A THIRD
OF THE WORLD´S COUNTRIES FROM #HINA 3OUTH !SIA THE -IDDLE %AST AND MUCH OF
!FRICA TO PORTIONS OF 3OUTH !MERICA -EXICO AND THE SOUTHWESTERN 5NITED 3TATES
4HEY TAKE THE FORM OF SOFTLY UNDULATING SAND DUNES IMMENSE ARID PLAINS OF RED
CLAY CRUSTY SALT BASINS OR ROCKY MOUNTAINOUS TERRAIN 7HERE DAYS ARE DE½NED BY
PUNISHING HEAT TEMPERATURES CAN PLUMMET BY UP TO DEGREES AFTER THE SUN SETS
3EEMINGLY VOID THE DESERT IS IN FACT FULL OF LIFE ! RARE BURST OF RAINFALL CAN COAX A
CARPET OF WILD ¾OWERS FROM THE CRACKED DIRT THAT WILL BLOOM SEED AND WITHER IN THE
SPAN OF A FEW DAYS
"ECAUSE SO MANY PEOPLE MOVE TO THE DESERT TO DELIGHT IN ITS NATURAL BEAUTY AND
DRY AIR IT HAS BEEN THE SITE OF IMPORTANT EXPERIMENTS IN SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE
9ET ARCHITECTURE HAS NO CHOICE BUT TO BEND TO A CLIMATE SO EXTREME A FACT THAT HAS
GIVEN RISE TO A VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE BASED ON PASSIVE SOLAR HEATING AND COOLING
METHODS AND INGENIOUS SOLUTIONS FOR VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING 4HE THICK
WALLS OF AN ADOBE HOUSE ACT AS A SPONGE LIKE BARRIER AGAINST MIDDAY HEAT THEN AT
NIGHT THE WARMTH IS RELEASED SLOWLY FROM THE WALLS ° AN EXTRAORDINARILY EFFECTIVE
MEANS OF MANAGING INDOOR TEMPERATURES
4HE ½RST CONSIDERATION IN DESERT ARCHITECTURE IS THE QUANTITY OF SPACE THAT NEEDS
TO BE KEPT COOL ENOUGH FOR DWELLING 3MALLER IS ALWAYS BETTER ENVIRONMENTALLY
"UT WHATEVER THE SIZE THERE IS ALSO THE QUESTION OF MANAGING THE CHALLENGES OF
Desert
140
THE INTENSE SUN )F A BUILDING IS LONGER THAN IT IS WIDE AND PLACED ALONG THE TRACK
OF THE SUN THEN ONE MAIN WALL IS PROTECTED FROM DIRECT SUNLIGHT -ANY DESERT
HOMES CREATE A COOL ZONE BY FOLLOWING THIS SIMPLE RULE 3HADY INTERIOR COURTYARDS
SURROUNDED BY THE MOST IMPORTANT ROOMS OF THE HOUSE ARE ANOTHER TRADITION IN
ARID SETTINGS 3IMILARLY COMMON IS A U
SHAPE DESIGN OPEN TO THE NORTH OR SOUTH
DEPENDING ON THE HEMISPHERE WHICH CREATES A COURTYARD IN WHICH TO ENJOY COOL
EVENING BREEZES
4HE DESERT CLIMATE IS DE½NED NOT ONLY BY TEMPERATURE ¾UCTUATIONS BUT BY
EXTREME ARIDITY ,ESS THAN INCHES OF RAINFALL A YEAR IS TYPICAL %XTRACTING AND
STORING WATER FROM DEEP WELLS OR HARVESTING RAINWATER CAN BE SURPRISINGLY DIF½
CULT AND EXPENSIVE ° FALLING RAIN FOR EXAMPLE MUST BE SAVED AND SEALED BEFORE
IT EVAPORATES 7ATER CONSERVATION AND PLANNED STORAGE SOLUTIONS ARE THEREFORE
ESSENTIAL TO SUSTAINABLE DESERT BUILDING 3O
CALLED ±GRAY WATER² SYSTEMS ° WHICH
USE THE SAME WATER FOR MORE THAN ONE FUNCTION FROM WASHING DISHES TO LANDSCAPE
IRRIGATION ° CAN DRASTICALLY REDUCE WATER USE AND CONSEQUENTLY COSTS .EW TECHNO
LOGIES ARE BECOMING AVAILABLE FOR ±CLOUD HARVESTING² AND ±FOG CATCHING² COMMON
IN PLACES LIKE #HILE SUCH SYSTEMS CONVERT ATMOSPHERIC MOISTURE INTO USABLE WATER
7IND DUST AND SAND STORMS ARE ADDITIONAL MENACES )T´S CRUCIAL TO BUILD HOUSES
STRONG ENOUGH TO WITHSTAND THEM BUT THAT EFFORT IS SOMETIMES AT ODDS WITH A LIGHT
ON
THE
LAND SUSTAINABLE ETHIC !LTHOUGH THE DESERT DOES NOT OFFER A WIDE RANGE
OF LOCAL CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS BUILDERS TRY TO AVOID
TRUCKING IN LARGE QUANTITIES OF TIMBER AND OTHER MATERIALS FROM FARAWAY SOURCES
)NDIGENOUS MATERIALS LIKE LOCAL STONE ARE BETTER SUITED TO THE DESERT CLIMATE AND
THEY BLEND IN BETTER VISUALLY
! HOST OF OTHER ARCHITECTURAL SOLUTIONS CAN INCREASE THE DURABILITY AND REDUCE THE
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF A DESERT HOME ROOF OVERHANGS BLOCK THE HIGH SUMMER
SUN WHILE ALLOWING IN SLANTED WINTER RAYS A VARIETY OF TRADITIONAL AND HIGH
TECH
MATERIALS MIMIC THE ELABORATELY CARVED SCREENS OF 3OUTH !SIAN AND -IDDLE %ASTERN
HOUSES NARROW WINDOWS ALLOW IN JUST ENOUGH SUN WHILE PROJECTING BEAUTIFUL
STREAKS OF LIGHT ON THE INTERIOR WALLS 4HE PRINCIPLES INVOLVED ARE RARELY NEW BUT
THEY CONTINUE TO MAKE BUILDING IN THE DESERT NOT JUST POSSIBLE BUT REWARDING
Desert
141
Desert
142
tucson mountain house
ARCHITECTURAL FIRM DESIGNER
LOCATION
Tucson, Arizona
YEAR
Rick Joy Architects Rick Joy 2001
4HE 4UCSON -OUNTAIN (OUSE SITS IN A SECLUDED VALLEY MARKED FEET ° AS IF TO ANNOUNCE THAT IT CANNOT POSSIBLY
COMPETE WITH THE VAST MOUNTAINS LOOMING IN THE
BY UNUSUALLY HARSH METEOROLOGICAL EXTREMES 3EARING HEAT DISTANCE OR THE IMMENSE DOME OF THE PITCH
BLACK
ALTERNATES WITH NIGHTTIME CHILLS -ONSOON RAINS CRAWL NIGHT SKY ABOVE )TS LOW PRO½LE MAKES THE SINGLE
LEVEL HOME UNOBTRUSIVE IN THE GENTLY SLOPING
UP FROM THE SOUTH 4HUNDERSTORMS APPEAR OUT OF NOWHERE LANDSCAPE WHERE SAGEBRUSH AND CACTI RUN RAMPANT
4HE HOUSE CONSISTS OF A MASTER BEDROOM AND
ELECTRIFYING THE SCRUB WITH LIGHTNING BOLTS 4RADITIONALLY A GUEST ROOM ADJACENT TO A COMBINED KITCHEN
RESIDENTS IN THE AREA HAVE ADJUSTED TO THE CLIMATE BY BUILDING DINING
LIVING ROOM /N THE NORTH SIDE A LARGE
PORCH FUNCTIONS AS AN OUTDOOR ROOM 4O THE EAST
LOW
SLUNG ADOBE DWELLINGS WITH SMALL WINDOWS AND THICK A STEPPED ENTRYWAY LEADS DOWN TO THE FOYER ±/NE
OF MY RULES IS NO GARAGES ² *OY SAYS SO THE PARKING
WALLS AND MUCH OF THE AREA´S NEW CONSTRUCTION RECALLS THIS AREA IS HIDDEN BEHIND THE HOUSE AND A SIMPLE
CLASSIC SOUTHWESTERN REGIONAL STYLE "UT THE EARTH
COLORED PATH ALIGNED AXIALLY WITH THE CENTRAL SPINE OF THE
HOUSE PAVES THE WAY TO THE FRONT DOOR 4HE COMPACT
PAINT AND ROUNDED CORNERS TYPICAL OF RECENT SUBDIVISIONS ARRANGEMENT HAS AN ANGULAR BUTTER¾Y
SHAPED ROOF
CAN´T SUBSTITUTE FOR AN AUTHENTIC VERNACULAR OF CORRUGATED STEEL )TS DEEP EAVES SHADE EXPANSIVE
GLASS WALLS THAT FACE NORTH AND EAST OFFERING
2ICK *OY A .ATIONAL $ESIGN !WARD
WINNING UNOBSTRUCTED VIEWS OUT TO THE DESERT WITHOUT
PRACTITIONER OF ENVIRONMENTALLY RESPONSIBLE EXCESSIVE SOLAR GAIN )N THE OTHER DIRECTIONS SMALL
ARCHITECTURE ° OR ±ARCHITECTURE ROOTED IN ITS PLACE ² GEOMETRIC CUTOUTS FRAME THE OWNERS´ FAVORITE DESERT
AS HE DESCRIBES IT ° HAS PUT A NEW SPIN ON TIME
VISTAS 4HROUGHOUT THE HOUSE WINDOWS POSITIONED
HONORED DESERT BUILDING METHODS 4HE 4UCSON
CLOSE TO GROUND
LEVEL PROMOTE CROSS VENTILATION
BASED DESIGNER SPENT TWELVE YEARS WORKING AS A 2ANGING FROM DEEP RUST TO PALE TAUPE DEPENDING
MUSICIAN AND ½NISH CARPENTER IN -AINE BEFORE ON THE DIRECTION AND ANGLE OF THE SUN *OY´S
ENROLLING IN ARCHITECTURE SCHOOL AT THE 5NIVERSITY SIGNATURE RAMMED
EARTH WALLS ° A MIXTURE OF DESERT
OF !RIZONA !FTER GRADUATING IN HE WORKED FOR SOIL FROM THE BUILDING SITE AND
PERCENT 0ORTLAND
THREE YEARS IN 7ILL "RUDER´S 0HOENIX STUDIO BEFORE CEMENT ° ENDOW THE 4UCSON -OUNTAIN (OUSE
ESTABLISHING HIS SMALL COLLABORATIVE PRACTICE WITH WITH THE COLORS AND TEXTURES OF THE SURROUNDING
A SERIES OF STRIATED RAMMED
EARTH HOUSES THAT LANDSCAPE 0OURED INTO WOOD CASTS AND TAMPED
PAIR ANCIENT BUILDING TECHNIQUES WITH MODERN DOWN IN LAYERS THE COMPOUND APPEARS STRIATED
LINES AND ASTONISHING DESERT VIEWS !LL OF *OY´S WHEN IT HARDENS AND IS REMOVED FROM THE MOLD AS
PROJECTS ARE DRIVEN BY A CAREFUL CONSIDERATION IF EONS OF GEOLOGICAL SHIFTS HAD FORMED IT /N THE
OF SOLAR ORIENTATION AND RESOURCE CONSERVATION EXTERIOR THE RAMMED EARTH´S ROUGH POROUS SURFACE
%ACH ONE ALSO RE¾ECTS HIS PROFOUND RESPECT FOR THE BLENDS INTO THE TERRAIN )NSIDE WHERE A COATING OF
LANDSCAPE AND POETIC UNDERSTANDING OF SPACE 4HE SEALER PREVENTS IT FROM DUSTING OFF ITS COARSENESS
4UCSON -OUNTAIN (OUSE IS A PRIME EXAMPLE OF HOW MAKES AN IMPRESSIVE CONTRAST WITH THE SMOOTH
THE ARCHITECT´S CHARACTERISTIC BLEND OF TRADITIONAL POLISHED CONCRETE ¾OORS AND MINIMALIST BUILT
IN
: 3ET IN THE 3ONORA $ESERT ON A
BUILDING TECHNIQUES BOLDLY MODERN SHAPES AND FURNISHINGS MADE OF MAPLE %NVIRONMENTALLY
SITE FAR REMOVED FROM THE CITY
INDUSTRIAL MATERIALS HARMONIZES WITH THE DESERT´S THESE EARTHEN WALLS ° WHICH RUN FEET THICK AND
2ICK *OY´S 4UCSON -OUNTAIN
COLORS MOODS AND TOPOGRAPHY FEET HIGH ON THE NORTH AND SOUTH SIDES OF THE
(OUSE IS DESIGNED TO BLEND INTO
3ECLUDED IN THE 3ONORA $ESERT OUTSIDE OF HOUSE ° MAKE AN IDEAL MATCH FOR THE DESERT BY
THE LANDSCAPE BOTH AESTHETICALLY
AND ENVIRONMENTALLY 4UCSON THE ONE
FAMILY HOUSE FOR A LOCAL COUPLE PROVIDING PASSIVE AIR
CONDITIONING 4HEIR MASS
IS DELIBERATELY SMALL ° LESS THAN SQUARE EASILY ABSORBS DAYTIME HEAT WHEN ¯DEGREE
Tucson Mountain House
143
: /N THE NORTH SIDE OF THE HOUSE
BENEATH ONE WING OF THE PITCHED
ROOF AN EXPANSIVE PORCH WITH
½REPLACE LOUNGE AND VIEWS
FUNCTIONS AS AN OUTDOOR ROOM
TEMPERATURES ARE NOT UNCOMMON SO THAT THE INTERIOR ENVIRONMENT THAT ON CLOSE INSPECTION BRIMS WITH
REMAINS COOL !T NIGHT WHEN OUTSIDE TEMPERATURES MANY VARIETIES OF ¾ORA AND FAUNA (UMBLE YET
PLUMMET THE WALLS GRADUALLY TRANSFER THE STORED UP VISUALLY CON½DENT THE HOUSE SATIS½ES ITS OWNERS´
HEAT WARMING THE INTERIOR NEEDS WHILE INTRUDING ONLY MINIMALLY ON ITS
,IKE OTHER DESERT DWELLINGS BUILT BY *OY IN RECENT SURROUNDINGS ±-Y VERSION OF ENVIRONMENTALISM
YEARS THE 4UCSON -OUNTAIN (OUSE IS DESIGNED IS ABOUT A DEEP LEVEL OF RESPECT FOR THE LANDSCAPE ²
AND CONSTRUCTED WITH A GREAT DEAL OF REVERENCE FOR SAYS *OY ±4HAT TRANSLATES INTO HOW ) BUILD AND WHAT
THE FRAGILE 3ONORAN ECOSYSTEM A SPARE FORBIDDING ) BUILD 4HE DESERT IS ALWAYS THE ½RST CONSIDERATION²
9 4HE FRONT DOOR A GLASS PANEL
SET BETWEEN THE STUCTURE´S TWO
VOLUMES OFFERS A ½RST GLIMPSE
OF THE HOUSE´S STUNNING DESERT
VIEWS
Desert
144
Tucson Mountain House
145
Desert
146
:: ! WALL OF EAST
FACING GLASS
PANELS IN THE LIVING
DINING AREA
OPENS THE HOUSE TO THE DESERT´S
RICH ¾ORA AND WILDLIFE
: )N THE BATHROOM SLIDING GLASS
DOORS AND MIRRORED PANELS CREATE
THE ILLUSION OF AN OUTDOOR SHOWER
:: 4HE STRIATED RAMMED
EARTH
WALLS SUPPLY STRUCTURE AS WELL AS
TEXTURE INSIDE AND OUT
: 7HILE THE HOUSE HAS MANY LARGE
SWATHS OF GLASS ONLY A FEW PANELS
CONTAIN OPERABLE WINDOWS !LL OF
THESE ARE STRATEGICALLY POSITIONED
TO ENCOURAGE CROSS VENTILATION
.ORTH %LEVATION
H L
%AST %LEVATION 7EST %LEVATION
3OUTH %LEVATION
Tucson Mountain House
147
Desert
148
Giles Loft/Studio
ARCHITECTURAL FIRM DESIGNERS
LOCATION
San Antonio, Texas
YEAR
Lake/Flato Architects Ted Flato, Bob Harris, Heather DeGrella 2001
.O MATTER HOW ENERGY
EF½CIENT A NEW STRUCTURE MAY BE FROM SUSTAINABLE BUILDING IS NOT SO MUCH ABOUT WHAT
WE BUILD AS WHERE WE BUILD ² SAYS (ARRIS ±4HIS
THE STANDPOINT OF ECOLOGICAL IMPACT ALMOST NOTHING BEATS A HOUSE IS ON THE EDGE OF DOWNTOWN IN WHAT COULD BE
SUCCESSFUL EFFORT AT SAVING A BUILDING FROM THE WRECKING BALL CONSIDERED A MARGINALIZED AREA *UST BY REDOING ONE
DERELICT SPACE AND PUTTING A CONSCIENTIOUS PERSON IN
! RENOVATED LOW
SLUNG S INDUSTRIAL BUILDING IN THE EDGY THERE THE WHOLE AREA WILL BEGIN TO IMPROVE²
/CCUPIED SINCE THE BUILDING IS NOW
±)RISH &LATS² SECTION OF 3AN !NTONIO BECAME A CASE STUDY IN A LIVE
WORK SPACE CONSISTING OF TWO LARGE
ADAPTIVE REUSE AFTER SURVIVING A CLOSE CALL WITH A DEMOLITION BRICK STRUCTURES ° EACH ABOUT SQUARE
FEET ° CONNECTED BY A GATED COURTYARD 0ART OF THE
CREW NOT ONCE BUT TWICE PROPERTY´S INITIAL APPEAL FOR 'ILES WAS THE PROMISE
0URCHASED IN BY *ILL 'ILES A LOCAL GRAPHIC OF ELIMINATING HER COMMUTE 4HE SITE OFFERED
ARTIST THE ABANDONED WAREHOUSE WAS IN THE ½NAL PLENTY OF ROOM FOR BOTH DOMESTIC AND PROFESSIONAL
STAGES OF BEING CONVERTED INTO A LIVE
WORK LOFT SPACE SPACES ° ENOUGH TO KEEP THEM WELL SEPARATED ° PLUS
BY 3AN !NTONIO
BASED ,AKE&LATO !RCHITECTS WHEN EXTRA SPACE TO LEASE OUT FOR ADDITIONAL INCOME
A WELDING SPARK SET OFF A ½RE 4HE BLAZE OBLITERATED )N THE RESIDENTIAL BUILDING A SET OF LARGE BARN
MOST OF THE ARCHITECTS´ RENOVATION WORK AS WELL AS STYLE ROLLING DOORS SEPARATES THE BEDROOM AND PRIVATE
THE ORIGINAL WOOD SUPPORT STRUCTURE AND PART OF THE QUARTERS FROM THE MAIN LIVING SPACE &OR THE KITCHEN
ROOF 7HEN THE ½RE ENGINES ROLLED OUT NOT MUCH WAS (ARRIS DESIGNED LOW
COST CUSTOM
MADE STEEL CABINETS
LEFT OTHER THAN A STARK QUADRANGLE OF BRICK VENEER AND CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS (E FASHIONED THE DINING
AND CONCRETE WALLS ALCOVE FROM ONE OF THE ONLY PARTS OF THE STRUCTURE LEFT
5NDETERRED 'ILES AND PROJECT ARCHITECT "OB INTACT AFTER THE ½RE ° A STEEL BOX THAT ONCE HOUSED
(ARRIS A PARTNER AT ,AKE&LATO TOGETHER WITH SEISMIC INSTRUMENTS AND OTHER INDUSTRIAL MACHINERY
PRINCIPAL
IN
CHARGE 4ED &LATO AND (EATHER $E'RELLA 4UCKED INTO THE LOFT´S BACK CORNER THE BOX´S WARPED
DECIDED TO MAKE THE MOST OF AN UNEXPECTED TURN AND BUCKLED WALLS HAD TAKEN ON A SINUOUS TEXTURE
OF EVENTS !FTER NEARLY A YEAR OF CONSTRUCTION FROM THE HEAT OF THE ¾AMES "Y OPENING UP THE BOX
DELAYS AND ½GHTS WITH THE INSURANCE COMPANY THE TO THE MAIN ROOM THE DESIGN TEAM CREATED A RIVETING
DESIGN TEAM WENT BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD AND CONTRAST BETWEEN THE RUSTED STEEL AND THE SMOOTH
TRANSFORMED THE BURNED
OUT SHELL INTO AN OPEN
PLAN ½NISH OF THE SURROUNDING PLASTER WALLS 4HE ADDITION
LOFT THAT PUTS FEW DEMANDS ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND OF AN OLD WINDOW SALVAGED FROM A WAREHOUSE IN
THE OWNER´S POCKETBOOK THANKS TO A SPARE AESTHETIC !USTIN MADE A NATURAL COMPLEMENT
THE DEFT USE OF LOCAL MATERIALS AND A SAW
TOOTH ROOF "ETWEEN THE DOMESTIC SPACE AND THE OF½CE SPACE
THAT ¾OODS THE SPACE WITH NATURAL LIGHT A COURTYARD SHIELDED FROM NEIGHBORHOOD ACTIVITY BY
.AMED &IRM OF THE 9EAR IN BY THE !MERICAN A
FOOT CONCRETE WALL OFFERS A PLACID URBAN RETREAT
)NSTITUTE OF !RCHITECTS ,AKE&LATO ESTABLISHED 7ITH POTTED PLANTS AN OUTDOOR ½REPLACE AND A LAP
ITS PRACTICE BUILDING ENVIRONMENTALLY SENSITIVE POOL MODELED ON THE POOL IN ARTIST $ONALD *UDD´S
STRUCTURES ° MAINLY IN RURAL 4EXAS ° THAT COMBINE MINIMALIST COMPOUND IN -ARFA 4EXAS THE COURTYARD
THE PRAGMATIC SOLUTIONS OF THE VERNACULAR WITH THE BREATHES LIFE INTO THE HOUSE AND HUMANIZES THE
: )N KEEPING WITH THIS BUILDING´S
HONESTY OF MODERNISM 4HEIR SLEEK NO
NONSENSE INDUSTRIAL AESTHETIC
INDUSTRIAL ORIGINS ,AKE&LATO
RESIDENCES AND PUBLIC BUILDINGS EMPLOY THE VISUAL 4HE INTERIOR WALLS OF THE STUDIO IN THE ADJACENT
REPLACED THE ½RE
DAMAGED CEILING
PALETTE OF THE 3OUTHWEST WITHOUT FALLING VICTIM TO BUILDING ARE VENEERED IN BLACK CHALKBOARD TO PROVIDE
WITH A SAW
TOOTH ROOF &ROM THE
FRONTIER NOSTALGIA A SURFACE FOR NOTES AND DRAWINGS FOR THE BENE½T OF
NORTH END FACING SOUTH THERE
APPEARS TO BE NOTHING BUT SKY ±7HILE WRITING MY COLLEGE THESIS WHICH WAS 'ILES HER GRAPHIC DESIGN COLLEAGUES AND THE STAFF
OVERHEAD ABOUT GREEN DESIGN ) CAME TO THE CONCLUSION THAT OF THE ½LM PRODUCTION COMPANY THAT LEASES PART OF
Giles Loft/Studio
149
< "LACK
PAINTED CONCRETE
½BERBOARD A STURDY BLEND OF
RECYCLED PAPER CEMENT AND
CONCRETE SET INTO THE ORIGINAL
BRICK STRUCTURE PRESERVES THE
BUILDING´S INDUSTRIAL CHARACTER
FROM THE OUTSIDE WHILE ENSURING
PRIVACY AND SECURITY FOR THE
OWNER ON THE INSIDE
Desert
150
THE SPACE 7ITHIN THE OPEN
PLAN ARRANGEMENT NORTHERN AND EASTERN WALLS THESE NARROW EXPOSURES 4HE WARM TOBACCO
COLORED PATINA OF THE ¾OORS
A MEZZANINE LOFT ACCESSED BY A GALVANIZED
STEEL OFFER LIGHT WITHOUT SACRI½CING PRIVACY ±9OU SIMPLY MAKES HIS CASE )T WAS THE RESULT OF RUBBING THE
STAIRCASE ALLOWS FOR DISCRETE WORK AREAS ON TWO NEVER NEED TO TURN ON A LIGHT IN THERE DURING THE DAY ½RE
DAMAGED CEMENT WITH OLD CRANK
CASE OIL FROM
LEVELS 4HE EAST BUILDING´S PITCHED STEEL SUPPORT EVEN WHEN IT´S GRAY AND RAINY ² (ARRIS SAYS &OR A A LOCAL LUBE SHOP A TECHNIQUE THAT THE TEAM HAD
STRUCTURE A KIND OF INTERNAL SKELETON ADDED AFTER COMPLEX OF THIS SIZE THAT MEANS HUGE ENERGY SAVINGS DISCOVERED ON ANOTHER PROJECT BECAUSE ±IT SOUNDED
THE ½RE ENABLES HOT AIR TO RISE AND DISSIPATE (IGH
SINCE LIGHTS ARE THE LEADING SOURCE OF ENERGY USE IN LIKE A GOOD IDEA ² (ARRIS SAYS &INISHED WITH WAX
EF½CIENCY AIR
CONDITIONING UNITS ARE REQUIRED ONLY MOST HOMES THE PROCESS IS A RESOURCEFUL ALTERNATIVE TO TOXIC
TO REGULATE THE TEMPERATURE IN THE BOTTOM HALF OF &OR (ARRIS THE HOUSE IS A TESTAMENT TO ,AKE&LATO´S CHEMICAL CONCRETE STAINS
THE SPACE PARTICULAR BRAND OF LOW
IMPACT ARCHITECTURE ° AN &ROM THE COURTYARD WALLS OF UN½NISHED CONCRETE
"ECAUSE OF THE MASSIVE SAW
TOOTH ROOF INSPIRED APPROACH TO SUSTAINABLE DESIGN THAT EMPHASIZES BLOCK TO THE LOW
GRADE QUARTER
INCH PLYWOOD WALLS
IRONICALLY BY AN OLD &RIEDRICH AIR CONDITIONER LOW COST LOW MAINTENANCE AND OFTEN SEAT
OF
THE
TO THE LOCALLY PRODUCED GALVANIZED STAIR TREADS THAT
FACTORY NEARBY 'ILES´S LIVING SPACE RECEIVES ABUN
PANTS SOLUTIONS THAT SAVE ENERGY AND CONSTRUCTION COST ABOUT ONE DOLLAR EACH ,AKE&LATO´S RENOVATION
DANT LIGHT 4HE NORTH
FACING CLERESTORY WINDOWS COSTS BY AVOIDING UNNECESSARY WASTE AND REPLICATION FOCUSED ON CLEANING UP AND SECURING THE BUILDING
IN EACH PITCHED BAY ¾OOD THE SPACE WITH A SOFT ±7E´RE DISCOVERING THAT THERE´S A DIVIDE BETWEEN WITH THE SMALLEST AMOUNT OF MATERIALS AND
½LTERED GLOW &ROM THE SOUTH END FACING NORTH THE HARDCORE ENVIRONMENTAL TECHNOLOGISTS ° PEOPLE ½NISHES ±7E WANTED TO LEAVE IT SPARE ² (ARRIS SAYS
WINDOWS APPEAR TO FORM A CONTIGUOUS OPENING TO WORKING TOWARD ,%%$ CERTI½CATIONS AND USING HIGH
±4HAT´S ANOTHER WAY TO BE MORE ENVIRONMENTALLY
THE SKY !DDITIONAL LIGHT ENTERS THROUGH GLASS DOORS TECH MATERIALS AND SYSTEMS ° AND PEOPLE DOING FRIENDLY ° JUST PUT LESS STUFF IN IT &EWER ELEMENTS
THAT OPEN ONTO THE COURTYARD AS WELL AS THROUGH A SMART THOUGHTFUL LOCAL DESIGN 4HE ½RM WORKS ON TRANSLATE INTO MORE ¾EXIBILITY 4HIS BUILDING COULD
BAND OF WINDOWS COATED WITH TINY CERAMIC BEADS BOTH FRONTS BUT THIS HOUSE DE½NITELY FALLS INTO THE BE EASILY TRANSFORMED AGAIN SOMEDAY 4HAT´S THE
THAT DISFUSE THE LIGHT 0OSITIONED HIGH ON THE LATTER CATEGORY² MOST EF½CIENT WAY TO BUILD²
9 4HE SITE PLAN ILLUSTRATES THE
ARRANGEMENT OF HOME AND WORK
SPACES IN THE TWO BUILDINGS AS
WELL AS THE COURTYARD AND POOL
BETWEEN THEM
Giles Loft/Studio
151
<9 )N THE COURTYARD BETWEEN
THE RESIDENTIAL BUILDING AND THE
OF½CE SPACE A SCULPTURAL LAP POOL
HELPS TO COOL PASSING BREEZES AND
TO OFFSET THE COMPOUND´S URBAN
AUSTERITY
Desert
152
Green Features
HIG H- EFFICI EN CY FRIT T ER E D GL A SS PL A ST E R WA L L S SAW-T O O T H R O O F
AIR - C ON DI T I O N IN G Covered with small ceramic With a high sand content, The north-facing glass
Because the peaked roof dots that act like light- the plaster walls act as panels flood the house with
allows hot air to rise, transmitting blinds, the thermal collectors, aborbing light. Even on gray days,
less air conditioning is windows and skylights much of the heat so that the artificial light is rarely
needed and then, only on reduce heat gain and air temperature stays cool. necessary.
the hottest days. glare while keeping the
space bright.
153
Desert
154
LoLoma 5 Lofts
ARCHITECTURAL FIRM DESIGNER
LOCATION
Scottsdale, Arizona
YEAR
Will Bruder Architects Will Bruder 2004
4HE DRY HOT CITY OF 3COTTSDALE KNOWN FOR ITS FALSE
FRONTED YOU MAKE YOUR CHOICE ² "RUDER EXPLAINS ±9OU DO
SOMETHING CONVENTIONAL AND GO THROUGH THE OLD
/LD
7EST ARCHITECTURE AND AS A HOME FOR SPRING
TRAINING SLOW PROCESS /R YOU DO SOMETHING SUSTAINABLE AND
BASEBALL IS LOCATED JUST NORTHEAST OF 0HOENIX IN THE URBANIZED MOVE THAT MUCH MORE QUICKLY²
"RUDER WENT FOR GREEN AND FOR SPEED &OR A LOT
3ONORA $ESERT 4HE CITY DIDN´T HAVE ANY KIND OF MUNICIPAL JUST FOUR BLOCKS AWAY FROM THE MUSEUM ON A STREET
LINED WITH PALM TREES AND LOW
RISE APARTMENT
GREEN
BUILDING PROGRAM WHEN 7ILL "RUDER ONE OF THE BUILDINGS "RUDER AND HIS COLLEAGUES AT 7ILL "RUDER
3OUTHWEST´S LEADING ARCHITECTS BEGAN WORK ON AN EXTENSION !RCHITECTS PRODUCED A STRIKING COLLECTION OF ½VE
LIVE
WORK LOFTS THAT COMBINE ATTENTION TO REGION
TO THE 3COTTSDALE -USEUM OF #ONTEMPORARY !RT IN THE MID
AND SUSTAINABILITY WITH STRIPPED
DOWN BUT FORCEFUL
EVEN MUSCULAR CONTEMPORARY FORM %ACH UNIT OF
S (IS SCHEME FOR THE MUSEUM WHICH TURNED AN OLD ART
THE ,O,OMA ,OFTS INCLUDES SQUARE FEET ON
HOUSE MOVIE THEATER INTO GALLERY SPACE AND DRAPED ITS EXTERIOR THREE ¾OORS COMMERCIAL SPACE ON THE GROUND ¾OOR
TOPPED BY TWO
BEDROOM TWO
STORY APARTMENTS
IN VARIOUS KINDS OF GALVANIZED STEEL WAS EYE
CATCHING AND 4HE BUILDING IS LOCATED IN THE NEW 3COTTSDALE
POPULAR WHEN IT OPENED IN YES "UT NOT GREEN !RTS $ISTRICT AND IS WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE ° AT
LEAST ON A RELATIVELY COOL DAY OR IN THE MORNING
"Y THE TIME ANOTHER 3COTTSDALE COMMISSION OR EVENING ° NOT JUST OF THE MUSEUM BUT OF OTHER
THIS ONE RESIDENTIAL CAME "RUDER´S WAY A FEW YEARS CULTURAL FACILITIES RESTAURANTS AND MASS TRANSIT
LATER THE CITY HAD PUT AMBITIOUS NEW SUSTAINABILITY STOPS 4HE BUILDING QUALI½ED FOR DISTINCTION AT THE
GUIDELINES INTO PLACE 4HEY CALL FOR PROJECTS THAT !DVANCED ,EVEL OF THE CITY´S GREEN PROGRAM
ARE SMALL LESS THAN SQUARE FEET FOR A SINGLE
4HE GREEN ELEMENTS BEGIN JUST PAST THE CURB
FAMILY HOUSE FOR EXAMPLE CAREFUL TO PRESERVE WHAT THE ARCHITECTS CALL THE ±AUTO COURT² IS LINED
WATER AND OTHER RESOURCES NO SWIMMING POOLS WITH CRUSHED COMPACTED GRANITE WITH NO CONCRETE
OR LAWNS AND THAT PAY ATTENTION TO PASSIVE
SOLAR OR ASPHALT 4HIS PAVEMENT HELPS KEEP TEMPERATURES
STRATEGIES THE LONGEST AXIS OF THE PROJECT MUST BE DOWN ON A SURFACE THAT "RUDER SAYS ±COULD HAVE
ORIENTED TO FACE WITHIN DEGREES OF DUE SOUTH BEEN A HEAT TRAP² AND INTEGRATES THE BUILDING WITH
AND LOW
EMISSION WINDOWS ARE RECOMMENDED THE SURROUNDING LANDSCAPE
0OINTS ARE ALSO AWARDED FOR EF½CIENT INSULATION 4HE WESTERN FACADE FACING THE STREET IS
NON
TOXIC PAINTS AND ½NISHES AND LANDSCAPING AND RELATIVELY BUTTONED UP CLAD IN 2HEINZINK PANELS
DRIVEWAYS THAT MITIGATE IMPACT ON SITE TOPOGRAPHY AND NARROW
GAUGE WINDOWS THAT DIRECT THIN
AMONG OTHER CRITERIA "UILDINGS THAT MEET THE CITY´S COLUMNS OF EVENING LIGHT INTO THE KITCHENS !LSO
BASIC REQUIREMENTS RECEIVE AN %NTRY ,EVEL GREEN VISIBLE FROM THE STREET IS THE NORTHERN FACADE
RATING WHILE DESIGNS THAT MEET MORE STRINGENT WHICH TELLS A MORE COMPLICATED STORY ABOUT
ONES ARE RANKED AT THE !DVANCED ,EVEL SUSTAINABILITY IN A REGION WHERE THE SUN IS
: 4HE EXTERIOR OF EACH UNIT IN 4HE GUIDELINES ARE NOT PRESCRIPTIVE THEY SOMETHING BOTH TO BE TREASURED ° IT´S THE REASON
7ILL "RUDER´S ,O,OMA BUILDING DON´T REQUIRE THAT EVERY BIT OR EVEN A SET MOST PEOPLE MOVE TO THIS PART OF THE COUNTRY AFTER
INCLUDES A BALCONY CANTILEVERED PERCENTAGE OF NEW CONSTRUCTION IN THE CITY MEET ALL ° AND FEARED FOR THE DAMAGE IT CAN DO
FROM THE FACADE TO GRAB VIEWS GREEN BENCHMARKS "UT THEY ALLOW SUSTAINABLE 4HE NORTHERN FACADE FEATURES THE MOST GLASS
OF THE DESERT FROM TWO DIRECTIONS DEVELOPMENTS TO BE PUT ON AN EXPEDITED APPROVAL "UT BECAUSE EVEN $ECEMBER DAYS CAN BE HOT HERE
0ERFORATED METAL SCREENS HELP
TRACK WITH !DVANCED ,EVEL PROJECTS GETTING THE AND BECAUSE SPRING AND FALL ARE OFTEN DOWNRIGHT
CONTROL THE LEVEL OF SUNLIGHT INSIDE
MOST FAVORABLE TREATMENT THEY PROMOTE GREEN SCORCHING THIS SIDE OF THE BUILDING ALSO SHOWS SIGNS
ARCHITECTURE WITH A CARROT INSTEAD OF A STICK ±3O OF AN EFFORT TO PROTECT RESIDENTS FROM THE SUN 4HE
LoLoma 5 Lofts
155
<< 4HE WESTERN FACADE IS FACED 9 0ARKING SPACES AT THE BASE OF
IN 2HEINZINK PANELS SLICED THE BUILDING ARE ACCESSED VIA AN
THROUGH VERTICALLY WITH NARROW AUTO COURT MADE WITH CRUSHED
WINDOWS GRANITE INSTEAD OF ASPHALT OR
CEMENT ° MATERIALS THE ARCHITECT
< 4HE EASTERN FACADE HAS SLIGHTLY SAYS WOULD HAVE CREATED A HEAT
WIDER WINDOWS TRAP IN THE DESERT SUN
Desert
156
WINDOWS ARE SUBSTANTIALLY COVERED WITH PERFORATED )NSIDE THE LOFTS ARE OPEN AND AIRY "RUDER
METAL SCRIMS WHICH ARE ABOUT PERCENT SOLID AND ESTIMATES THAT THE VENTILATION SYSTEM WILL ALLOW
PERCENT VOID 4HE SCRIMS COVER THE UPPER HALF OF RESIDENTS TO USE NATURAL COOLING FOR MUCH OF THE
THE SECOND
STORY WINDOWS AND MOST OF THE WINDOWS YEAR -OST RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN THE AREA CLOSE
ON THE THIRD ¾OOR OFF TO THE ELEMENTS RATHER THAN TRY TO ENGAGE THEM
4HE VIEWS FROM INSIDE THROUGH THE SCRIMS ARE AS "RUDER´S DOES ±) DON´T THINK MOST PEOPLE HERE
MORE TRANSPARENT THAN YOU WOULD GUESS !ND THE WHO LIVE IN ROW
HOUSE UNITS LIKE THESE ARE USED
DESIGN DOES OFFER PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITY FOR RESIDENTS TO THE ABILITY TO OPEN AND CLOSE THE WINDOWS AND
TO STEP OUTSIDE AT TIMES OF THE DAY ° AND OF THE BRING VENTILATION ALL THE WAY THROUGH THE HOUSE ²
YEAR ° WHEN THE SUN IS LESS THAN INTENSE %ACH UNIT HE SAYS (E ESTIMATES THAT FROM THE MIDDLE OF
INCLUDES A BALCONY ON THE SECOND STORY CANTILEVERED 3EPTEMBER TO THE MIDDLE OF -AY RESIDENTS WILL BE
OUT FROM THE FACADE AND TWISTED A BIT TO GRAB VIEWS ABLE TO LIVE ESSENTIALLY WITHOUT AIR
CONDITIONING
TO THE NORTH AND WEST WHERE #AMELBACK -OUNTAIN REDUCING TO FOUR THE MONTHS OF THE YEAR WHEN THEY
RISES FEET ABOVE THE DESERT ¾OOR 4HERE IS ALSO WILL HAVE TO RELY HEAVILY ON ARTI½CIAL COOLING
A ROOF
TOP BALCONY FOR EACH LOFT ON THE SOUTHERN $ESPITE THEIR GREAT VIEWS AND STRIKING
SIDE OF THE BUILDING OFFERING VIEWS OF THE CITY THE ARCHITECTURE THE UNITS IN THE ,O,OMA PROJECT ARE
DESERT AND THE 3ANDSTONE 0APAGO "UTTES AS WELL AS NOT EXTRAVAGANT "RUDER SAYS HE PREFERS WORKING
A COOL PLACE TO SLEEP ON WARM NIGHTS ±7E WANTED WITH TIGHT SPACES WHERE EVERY SQUARE FOOT COUNTS
TO RECAPTURE THE WHOLE SPIRIT OF SLEEPING PORCHES ² < 4HE BUILDING INCLUDES A PALETTE (E SAYS THE ½NISHED LOFTS ±HAVE A SAILBOAT MODESTY
"RUDER SAYS CITING 2UDOLF 3CHINDLER´S OWN HOUSE OF MATERIALS INSPIRED "RUDER SAYS TO THEM ° EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE ° THAT BREEDS AN
IN (OLLYWOOD AS AN INSPIRATION 4HE ARCHITECT SAYS BY EVERYTHING FROM THE COLOR OF THE ATTITUDE OF EF½CIENCY²
THAT BOTH BALCONIES ARE DESIGNED TO PROVIDE ±OUTDOOR DESERT ¾OOR TO &RANK ,LOYD 7RIGHT´S
LIVING ENVIRONMENTS THAT ACCOMMODATE THE SUN´S NEARBY 4ALIESEN 7EST
PATH AND THIS CLIMATE WE´RE IN²
7EST %LEVATION %AST %LEVATION
.ORTH %LEVATION 3OUTH %LEVATION
LoLoma 5 Lofts
157
<9 4HE WINDOWS ON THE NORTHERN
SIDE OF THE BUILDING ARE PARTIALLY
ENCLOSED INSIDE PERFORATED METAL
SCREENS THAT HELP REDUCE GLARE
AND SOLAR GAIN 3EEN FROM INSIDE
THE SCREENS MAINTAIN A SURPRISING
DEGREE OF TRANSPARENCY
Desert
158
< \ < 7INDOWS DELIVER THIN
COLUMNS OF LIGHT INTO THE KITCHEN
AND OFFER EXPANSIVE VIEWS FROM
THE BEDROOM
: 2OOF BALCONIES ARE TUCKED
AWAY ON THE SOUTHERN SIDE OF
THE BUILDING AND CAN BE USED AS
SLEEPING PORCHES
LoLoma 5 Lofts
159
tropics
Between the Tropic of Cancer and the
Tropic of Capricorn lies a region where there are just two sea-
sons and temperatures are persistently high. The oppressive
heat and humidity give way to periods of epic rainfall and pun-
ishing storms—typhoons, cyclones, tornadoes—that can cause
indiscriminate damage whenever and wherever they strike.
!T OTHER TIMES THE TROPICS EXUDE A TRANQUILITY THAT HAS NO MATCH ELSEWHERE ON
THE PLANET OFFERING A SOFT SWEET AND LUSH REFUGE OF EMERALD FORESTS AND TURQUOISE
OCEANS THAT IS APTLY DESCRIBED AS PARADISE !LMOST PERCENT OF THE %ARTH´S LAND
SURFACE FALLS BETWEEN THESE TWO LATITUDES AND ABOUT A THIRD OF THE WORLD´S POPU
LATION LIVES THERE OFTEN UNDER CHRONIC ECONOMIC DEPRIVATION -ILLIONS MORE ARRIVE
ANNUALLY FOR SHORT VISITS SPURRED BY AN EVER MORE AMBITIOUS AND FAR ¾UNG TOURISM
INDUSTRY
±)F THERE IS ONE THING THAT CHARACTERIZES LIFE IN THE TROPICS IT IS THE ABILITY TO LIVE IN
CLOSE CONTACT WITH THE EXTERIOR ENVIRONMENT AND ENJOY THE SENSATION OF OPENNESS
AND CLOSENESS TO NATURE THIS BRINGS ² WRITES "RUNO 3TAGNO IN HIS BOOK !N !RCHITECT
IN THE 4ROPICS 4HE TROPICS DEMAND ADAPTABILITY FROM BOTH INHABITANTS AND THE
STRUCTURES IN WHICH THEY LIVE )NDIGENOUS POPULATIONS HAVE BEEN PRACTICING GREEN
ARCHITECTURE FOR COUNTLESS GENERATIONS HARNESSING TREES FOR THEIR COOL SHADE OR THE
SEA BREEZE FOR ITS FREE AND CONSISTANT VENTILATION ° THE CENTRAL NECESSITY OF TROPICAL
ARCHITECTURE 4HATCHING AND WOVEN LEAVES SERVE AS FANS AND AS PROTECTION AGAINST
RAIN (IGH PITCHED ROOFS DE¾ECT THE WIND JACK ROOFS ELEVATED CLERESTORY OPEN
INGS ENHANCE CROSS VENTILATION AND ALLOW HEAT TO ESCAPE QUICKLY (EAVY BUT ¾EX
IBLE BAMBOO FRAMES RESIST EARTHQUAKES AND HIGH WINDS 4ERRACES CANOPIES BLINDS
COVERED VERANDAS AND WIDE OVERHANGING EAVES BLOCK DIRECT SUNLIGHT 3TILTS AND
SLATTED ¾OORS PROTECT AGAINST WATER DAMAGE AND HEAT EXPOSURE !LL THESE VERNAC
ULAR SOLUTIONS REAPPEAR IN THE HIGH TECH DESIGNS OF CONTEMPORARY GREEN ARCHITECTS
WORKING IN THE TROPICS
%NVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS TROPICAL ARCHITECTURE MUST ALSO TACKLE LOGISTICAL AND
TECHNICAL PROBLEMS THAT DO NOT EXIST IN THE SAME COMBINATION ELSEWHERE FROM
160
BIO
DETERIORATION AND EXCESS RAINWATER TO PEST AND FUNGAL INFESTATION TO THE
LIMITED AVAILABILITY OF NATURAL BUILDING MATERIALS 0LANNING FOR A FULLY INTEGRATED
INDOOR
OUTDOOR LIFESTYLE IS ESSENTIAL 3PECIAL CONSIDERATION MUST BE GIVEN TO
REDUCING GLARE AND MAXIMIZING SHADE BUT ALSO TO PROTECTING AGAINST HURRICANE
WINDS ¾OODS LANDSLIDES EARTHQUAKES AND SEVERE LIGHTNING
-ETEOROLOGICALLY WHAT DISTINGUISHES THE TROPICS FROM OTHER REGIONS THE MOST
IS HUMIDITY !LTHOUGH IT CONTRIBUTES TO A VAST AND EASILY HARNESSED WATER SUPPLY
HUMIDITY GIVES RISE TO SPECI½C CONSTRUCTION PROBLEMS /F PARTICULAR CONCERN IS
THE ACCELERATED RATE AT WHICH ORGANIC MATERIALS DECOMPOSE 3OIL EROSION CREATES
SPECIAL ENGINEERING CHALLENGES WHEN IT COMES TO DESIGNING FOUNDATIONS THAT WILL
WITHSTAND SEVERE WEATHER (UMIDITY ALSO MAKES IT HARDER TO BALANCE STRUCTURAL
STABILITY WITH ENVIRONMENTAL SENSITIVITY 4O PROTECT AGAINST VIRULENT CORROSION FOR
EXAMPLE METAL SHOULD BE TREATED WITH RUST
RESISTANT AGENTS BUT SUCH TREATMENTS
ARE USUALLY TOXIC AND HIGH IN VOLATILE ORGANIC COMPOUNDS 4HE SAME IS TRUE FOR
TREATMENTS COMMONLY USED ON WOOD TO PROTECT AGAINST BOTH WEATHER AND INSECT
INFESTATION WHICH CAN POSE A SERIOUS THREAT TO ANY TROPICAL BUILDING
)N OUR ERA OF RAMPANT DEFORESTATION WHEN HUNDREDS OF ACRES OF TROPICAL RAIN
FORESTS ARE CLEAR
CUT EVERY DAY THE USE OF SUSTAINABLY HARVESTED OR FAST
GROWTH
TIMBER HAS NEVER BEEN MORE CRUCIAL 7HEN THE TROPICAL CANOPY IS DESTROYED ANIMAL
SPECIES THAT RELY ON TREES FOR FOOD AND HABITAT SUFFER ° AND HALF OF THE GLOBE´S
LIVING SPECIES ARE SAID TO BE FOUND ONLY IN TROPICAL ENVIRONMENTS "Y MINIMIZING
RELIANCE ON NON
SUSTAINABLE TIMBER ARCHITECTS CAN ACT RESPONSIBLY IN THE FACE
OF THESE THREATS 3IMILAR RESPONSES ARE REQUIRED TO COUNTERACT THE ALARMING DESTRUC
TION OF CORAL REEFS FROM THE &LORIDA +EYS TO !USTRALIA´S 'REAT "ARRIER 2EEF !RCHI
TECTS CAN HELP PREVENT FURTHER DETERIORATION OF REEFS ° WHICH LIKE UNDERWATER
RAINFORESTS HOST A RICH DIVERSITY OF AQUATIC SPECIES ° BY LIMITING THE USE OF TOXIC
BUILDING MATERIALS AND INCORPORATING ENVIRONMENTALLY SOUND WATER AND SEWAGE
TREATMENT SYSTEMS
4HOUGH THESE ARE SERIOUS CONCERNS FOR ARCHITECTURE IN TROPICAL REGIONS THE
BEAUTY AND SERENITY OF TROPICAL LIFE CAN BE PRESERVED WITH CAREFUL LONG
RANGE PLAN
NING AND CONSTRUCTION 4HE VERNACULAR ARCHITECTURE OF THE TROPICS HAS PROVIDED A
WELLSPRING OF INSPIRATION FOR CONTEMPORARY GREEN ARCHITECTS WHO ARE NOW IN THE
POSITION TO RETURN THE FAVOR
Tropics
161
Tropics
162
Casuarina Beach house
ARCHITECTURAL FIRM DESIGNERS
LOCATION
Kingscliff, New South Wales, Australia
YEAR
Lahz Nimmo Architects Annabel Lahz and Andrew Nimmo 2001
4HE ULTIMATE BEACH HOUSE FOR SOME IT´S A TINY THATCHED HUT FROM THE ELEMENTS BY A SERIES OF GLASS LOUVERS AND
WOOD BATTENS 4HE REASON FOR SEPARATING THE TWO
WITH A HAMMOCK AND A SURFBOARD FOR OTHERS IT´S A 'ATSBY
STRUCTURES HAS TO DO WITH ±ZONING ² SAYS .IMMO
ESQUE PILE &OR !NNABEL ,AHZ AND !NDREW .IMMO IT´S A CON
±7E WERE THINKING ABOUT HOW BEACH HOLIDAYS WORK
HOW THERE ARE ALWAYS EXTRA PEOPLE AROUND AND
TEMPORARY STUDY IN INDOOROUTDOOR LIVING THAT IS BUILT TO BE AS CAME UP WITH THIS TWO
PART STRUCTURE AS A WAY OF
ALLOWING DIFFERENT GROUPS AND DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES
COMFORTABLE FOR THE LOCAL ECOSYSTEM AS IT IS FOR ITS INHABITANTS TO COEXIST HAPPILY²
,AHZ .IMMO !RCHITECTS THE PARTNERS´ TEN
YEAR
)N THE SPACES BETWEEN AND AROUND THE TWO
OLD 3YDNEY
BASED PRACTICE WAS ONE OF FOURTEEN BUILDINGS THE ARCHITECTS FOUND ROOM FOR A PRIVATE
½RMS INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN A COMPETITION TO GARDEN COURTYARD AN EXTENSIVE LAWN A COVERED
COME UP WITH THE PERFECT SPEC HOME FOR A PIECE OF VERANDA A VAST OPEN
AIR DECK AND A COMPACT PLUNGE
OCEAN
FRONT PROPERTY ON THE 0ACI½C NEAR +INGSCLIFF POOL ±4HE WINDS CAN BE PRETTY FULL
ON SOMETIMES
IN THE BLUSTERY TROPICS OF NORTHERN .EW 3OUTH AND THEY TEND TO CHANGE DIRECTION DEPENDING ON
7ALES /RGANIZED BY !USTRALIAN DEVELOPER THE SEASON ² SAYS .IMMO SO THE DIFFERENT TYPES
#ONSOLIDATED 0ROPERTIES THE ±5LTIMATE "EACH AND LOCATIONS OF OUTDOOR SPACES WERE DESIGNED TO
(OUSE² CONTEST PROVED TO BE AN EF½CIENT WAY FOR ±ENSURE THAT AT ANY TIME OF THE YEAR OR DAY THERE
THE COMPANY TO BOTH DEVELOP AND PROMOTE ITS WILL ALWAYS BE ONE PERFECT PLACE TO BE COMFORTABLE
NEW PROJECT AT #ASAURINA "EACH ,AHZ .IMMO´S OUTSIDE THE HOUSE²
HANDSOME HORIZONTALLY CLAD HOUSE WAS ONE OF THREE 4HROUGHOUT THE PROPERTY ,AHZ AND .IMMO USED
WINNING DESIGNS AND THE ½RST TO BE BUILT ON THE SITE MATERIALS THAT WOULD STAND UP TO THE WIND AND
A REJUVENATED FORMER SAND MINE 3ELF
SUF½CIENT AND SALT WITHOUT IMPINGING ON THE ENVIRONMENT 4HEY
SMARTLY STYLISH IT SET THE STANDARD FOR QUALITY DESIGN CHOSE BLUE GUM A NATIVE HARDWOOD SALVAGED FROM
< 4HE COMPACT BATTENED
IN THE NEW DEVELOPMENT AND SERVED AS A PROTOTYPE AN OLD RAILWAY BRIDGE FOR THE BATTENS AND CLADDING
DOWN FACADE OF ,AHZ .IMMO´S FOR TESTING THE MARKETABILITY OF ±3USTAINABLE (OUSE )T WAS MORE EXPENSIVE THAN NEW TIMBER BUT
#ASUARINA "EACH (OUSE FORMS A 0ACKAGES² THERE #ONSOLIDATED´S PRESIDENT $ONALD ±BECAUSE BUILDERS TENDED TO USE MATURE TREES BACK
STRIKING CONTRAST TO ITS EXPANSIVE /´2OARK A ±MAD KEEN SURFER ² AS .IMMO DESCRIBES THEN THE COLOR AND GRAIN ARE MUCH MORE STABLE THAN
LOFTY INTERIOR SPACES WHICH OPEN HIM THOUGHT THE PROJECT SO SUCCESSFUL HE BOUGHT WHAT YOU CAN ½ND NOW ² .IMMO EXPLAINS 4HE
WIDE TO THE SURROUNDING DUNES
THE HOUSE HIMSELF WOOD IS TREATED ONLY WITH OIL WHICH PRESERVES ITS
3ET BACK ABOUT FEET BEHIND THE DUNES AMID RICH COLOR AND PROTECTS AGAINST 56 RAYS
THE UBIQUITOUS CASUARINA TREES AFTER WHICH THE 7HILE THEY WERE CONSCIOUS OF MINIMIZING THE
BEACH WAS NAMED THE HOUSE CUTS A LONG LINEAR AMOUNT OF METAL IN THE HOUSE SINCE IT HAS TO BE SO
PRO½LE 4WO RECTANGULAR VOLUMES CONNECTED BY HEAVILY TREATED TO AVOID CORROSION IN THE SALTY AIR
A DOUBLE
HEIGHT BREEZEWAY COMPRISE THE INTERIOR THE ARCHITECTS DID INCORPORATE HOT
DIPPED GALVANIZED
SPACE 4HE OPEN
PLAN LIVING PAVILION ON THE EAST STEEL FOR THE SUPPORT TRUSSES AND ALUMINUM FOR THE
SIDE OF THE SITE EXTENDS OUT TOWARD THE SAND AND WINDOW FRAMES "ECAUSE HEAT LOSS IS NOT A PROBLEM
SEA WITH A RETRACTABLE GLASS WALL ON ONE SIDE AND THANKS TO THE REGION´S MILD TROPICAL WEATHER THEY
¾OOR
TO
CEILING WINDOWS ON THE OTHER &LOATING OVER SELECTED STANDARD GLASS BUT PROTECTED ALL EXPOSURES
: 3LATTED TIMBER CLADDING AND
THE LANDSCAPE ON STEEL STRUTS IT CONTAINS KITCHEN WITH SHADY OVERHANGS OR TIMBER BATTENS TO REDUCE
LOUVERED WINDOWS HELP KEEP
DINING AND LOUNGE AREAS UNDER A SOARING SINGLE
SOLAR GAIN
BREEZES ¾OWING THROUGHOUT
PITCH ROOF 4HE TWO
STORY TIMBER ±SLEEPING BOX ² !S A RESULT OF THE WIDE ARRAY OF ECOLOGICALLY
THE ±SLEEPING BOX ² ONE OF TWO
WHICH CONTAINS THREE BEDROOMS THREE BATHROOMS SUSTAINABLE DESIGN SOLUTIONS INCORPORATED INTO THE
DISCRETE STRUCTURES THAT COMPRISE
THE HOUSE A GARAGE AND A ±RUMPUS ROOM ² IS BY CONTRAST PLAN THE HOUSE REQUIRES VIRTUALLY NO RESOURCES IT
½RMLY ANCHORED TO THE GROUND AND MORE SHIELDED CANNOT GENERATE ON ITS OWN 0HOTOVOLTAIC PANELS
Casuarina Beach House
163
<< 7HEN THE LIVING ROOM´S WALL < 4HE HOUSE´S TWO DISCRETE
SIZE DOOR IS RETRACTED THE WHOLE SECTIONS ° LIVING PAVILION TO
PAVILION TAKES ON THE FEEL OF ONE THE LEFT SLEEPING BOX TO THE
BIG VERANDA RIGHT ° ARE LINKED BY A LOW
SLUNG BREEZEWAY
Tropics
164
<< 4HE COVERED BREEZEWAY < /PEN AND COVERED DECKS PATIOS
JOINING THE TWO PAVILIONS AND VERANDAS FAN OUT IN EVERY
FUNCTIONS AS A THERMAL CHIMNEY DIRECTION ALLOWING FOR OUTDOOR
COAXING HOT AIR UP AND OUT WHILE ACTIVITIES REGARDLESS OF WIND
DRAWING IN COOL AIR FROM BELOW DIRECTION OR SEASON
Casuarina Beach House
165
ON THE ROOF PRODUCE ELECTRICITY FOR THE ENERGY 4HERE IS NO AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM EITHER 4HE
EF½CIENT APPLIANCES 7HEN THE HOUSE IS AT BREEZEWAY CONNECTING THE TWO PARTS OF THE HOUSE
MAXIMUM CAPACITY IT MAY DRAW POWER FROM THE FUNCTIONS AS A THERMAL CHIMNEY THAT DRAWS IN THE
ELECTRICAL GRID BUT AT OTHER TIMES THE CELLS GENERATE COOL OCEAN BREEZES AT THE BOTTOM AND EXPELS HOT
ENOUGH POWER TO EARN BACK CREDITS FROM THE LOCAL AIR OUT THE TOP 3HUTTERS AND LOUVERS REGULATE THE
UTILITY 4HE EXTENSIVE WATER RECYCLING PROGRAM AMOUNT OF LIGHT AND AIR ENTERING THE BUILDING
INCLUDES A PURIFYING SYSTEM THAT TRANSFORMS RAIN 7HEN THE SUN IS HIGH THE SHADES CAN BE POSITIONED
INTO DRINKING WATER AND WASTE WATER INTO IRRIGATION TO DE¾ECT THE HARSH RAYS WITHOUT BLOCKING ALL OF THE
AND ¾USHING WATER 3EWAGE AND STORM WATER NEVER LIGHT OR AIR ±4HE ½RST TIME ) WENT FOR A VISIT AFTER
LEAVE THE SITE ° THEY´RE TREATED IN A SERIES OF GRAVEL IT WAS BUILT IT WAS A STINKING HOT DAY ² .IMMO
LINED CISTERNS ° AND NO FRESH WATER IS IMPORTED REMEMBERS ±BUT WHEN ) WALKED INSIDE IT WAS
-UNICIPAL WATER IS AVAILABLE BUT ONLY AS A BACKUP BEAUTIFULLY COOL YET ¾OODED WITH LIGHT 4HAT´S THE
IN CASE OF A DROUGHT BEST THING ABOUT THIS HOUSE ° IT BREATHES²
BATH ENS
BED BED BED VOI D
HAL L
3ECOND &LOOR 0LAN
LAUNDRY PLUNGE POOL
COURTYARD DECK OUTDOOR AREA
KITCHEN
BATH
WC
GARAGE BED BREEZEWAY DINING LIVING DECK
ENTRY DECK ENTRY BAR
&IRST &LOOR 0LAN
3ECTION
Tropics
166
Green Features
R E C L A IM ED W OOD N O -T ECH VEN T IN G F O U NDAT I O N-L E SS O N- SI T E WAT E R
C L A D DING Despite the tropical ST R U C T U R E PU R I F I C AT I O N
All exterior timber cladding conditions, the house Elevated on treated steel A series of cisterns converts
and battens are of blue contains no mechanized struts (not shown), the rain into drinking water and
gum, a hardwood native to air-conditioning aside from house hovers over the treats waste water for use
the area that the architects ceiling fans. Slatted panels landscape instead of being in irrigation and flushing so
salvaged from an old railway above doorways allow for set into the earth. This that neither storm water nor
bridge. The hoop-pine cross ventilation at night. arrangement not only sewage ever leaves the site.
plywood ceiling panels were minimizes the environmental
sourced from plantation impact, it also allows cool
timbers. air to circulate up from
underneath.
Casuarina Beach House
167
taylor house
ARCHITECTURAL FIRM DESIGNER
LOCATION
Scotland Cay, Bahamas
YEAR
Frank Harmon and Associates Frank Harmon 2001
&ROM A DISTANCE IT LOOKS LIKE A CARTOON A CRISP BOXY BEACH ON ITS UNDERSIDE°SOLVED SEVERAL DESIGN PROBLEMS
AT ONCE WHILE ADDING A SIGNATURE ARCHITECTURAL
HOUSE WITH DISTINCT ECHOES OF "AUHAUS MODERNISM THAT´S ELEMENT TO THE HOUSE 4HE INCH STEEL PIPE IN THE
GONE ON A MADCAP SPREE°ITS WINDOWS ARE ¾APPING ITS BOTTOM OF THE FUNNEL LIKE ROOF DIRECTS HARVESTED
RAINWATER THROUGH THE HOUSE AND DOWN INTO AN
DOORS ARE ¾AILING ITS DECKS ARE SPREAD AKIMBO AND ITS GALLON CISTERN AT GROUND LEVEL )T PROVIDES
PLENTY OF WATER FOR ALL THE HOUSEHOLD NEEDS PLUS
PYRAMID SHAPED ROOF APPEARS TO HAVE POPPED UP INTO THE EXTRA STORES FOR EMERGENCIES -EANWHILE THE
AIR DONE A SOMERSAULT AND LANDED BACK ON THE HOUSE WITH SPRAWLING EAVES OFFER WELCOME SHADE AND CIRCULATE
COOL OCEAN BREEZES IN THE THIRD ¾OOR OPEN PLAN
ITS POINTY END FACING DOWN LIVING DINING ROOM AND KITCHEN WHICH OFFERS
7HEN THE LATE INDUSTRIAL DESIGNER *IM 4AYLOR MAJESTIC VIEWS OF THE TURQUOISE OCEAN AND A SENSE
BEGAN TO THINK ABOUT A VACATION HOUSE FOR HIMSELF OF LIVING DIRECTLY UNDER THE SKY ±4HE CONSTANT ¾OW
AND HIS WIFE *ANICE IN THE LUSH "AHAMAN HIDEAWAY OF FRESH AIR MAKES THIS A VERY HEALTHY HOME ² SAYS
OF 3COTLAND #AY HE KNEW IT WOULDN´T BE A TYPICAL (ARMON ±!ND TO ME THAT´S THE NUMBER ONE GOAL
HOME 4HE INVENTOR OF THE ½RST BAR CODE READING 7HY ELSE WOULD YOU MAKE A GREEN HOUSE ²
MACHINE 4AYLOR WAS AN INNOVATOR WHO ALWAYS 4HE UPSIDE DOWN ROOF IS BOTH VISUALLY STRIKING
SEARCHED FOR UNORTHODOX SOLUTIONS TO WHATEVER AND FUNCTIONALLY IMPORTANT "UT IT TOOK (ARMON
PUZZLE HE WAS WORKING ON AN EARLIER HOME OF HIS SOME TIME TO ½GURE OUT HOW TO KEEP IT FROM
IN 2ALEIGH .ORTH #AROLINA FEATURED ROOMS ON AIR ¾YING OFF IF HIT WITH ONE OF THE AREA´S FREQUENT
CUSHIONS THAT COULD BE MOVED AROUND FREELY 4HE TROPICAL STORMS WHICH OFTEN COME WITH WIND
REMOTE SPOT HE PICKED FOR THE COUPLE´S NEW SEASIDE SPEEDS OF UP TO MILES PER HOUR &OLLOWING
HOUSE CERTAINLY OFFERED CHALLENGES THAT WOULD HAVE THE LEAD OF STRUCTURAL ENGINEER 'REG 3ULLIVAN
BEEN A DETERRENT TO SOME HOMEBUILDERS THOUGH (ARMON TETHERED THE ROOF´S STEEL SKELETON TO FOUR
POSTCARD PERFECT FROM A PHOTOGRAPHER´S VANTAGE CONCRETE COLUMNS THAT ARE CONNECTED DIRECTLY
: 4O PROTECT AGAINST THE POINT THE !BACO )SLANDS ARE FULL OF TROPICAL DANGERS TO THE FOUNDATION
FEROCIOUS WINDS AND EPIC RAINS FROM BLISTERING SUN AND SWARMS OF SCORPIONS TO !DDITIONAL LOGISTICAL ISSUES HAD TO BE OVERCOME
THAT REGULARLY HIT THE "AHAMAS CATEGORY ½VE HURRICANES THAT EMERGE FROM OUT OF IN THE PROCESS OF CONSTRUCTION 4HE CREW WORKING
ARCHITECT &RANK (ARMON DESIGNED NOWHERE AND RIP OUT WHOLE CLUSTERS OF MAHOGANY WITHOUT A CRANE WOULD HAVE TO DO ALL THE HEAVY
A SERIES OF DOORS AND HATCHES
TREES LIFTING BY HAND .ON INDIGENOUS MATERIALS COULD
FOR THE 4AYLOR HOUSE THAT CAN BE
4O COPE WITH THESE AND OTHER LOCAL PROBLEMS PLAY ONLY A MINIMAL ROLE SINCE EVERYTHING HAD
BATTENED DOWN AS SOON AS THE
INCLUDING THE ABSENCE OF FRESH WATER THE 4AYLORS TO BE SHIPPED IN ON BOATS )N FACT THE STEEL BEAMS
CLOUDS ROLL IN 7HEN THE SKIES ARE
CLEAR THE OPEN ¾APS FUNCTION AS A TURNED TO &RANK (ARMON A 2ALEIGH BASED ARCHITECT ACCOUNTED FOR THE ONLY BUILDING MATERIAL THAT
LOW TECH VENTILATION SYSTEM THAT 3OME OF THE DESIGN DECISIONS SEEMED OBVIOUS DID NOT COME FROM WITHIN A MILE RADIUS 4HE
KEEPS THE WHOLE HOUSE FULL OF COOL 4HE HOUSE WOULD HAVE TO BE RELATIVELY TALL FOR EXTERIOR IS COMPOSED OF READILY AVAILABLE REINFORCED
OFF SHORE BREEZES EXAMPLE NOT ONLY FOR THE VIEWS BUT SO THAT THE CONCRETE BLOCKS WOOD AND STUCCO /N THE INTERIOR
LIVING QUARTERS COULD RISE ABOVE THE MOSQUITO (ARMON UTILIZED ONE OF THE ISLAND´S MOST ABUNDANT
LINE .ATURAL VENTILATION WOULD HAVE TO SUF½CE FOR RESOURCES CORAL "OTH THE INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR
AIR CONDITIONING /THER COMPLEXITIES CALLED FOR ¾OORS AS WELL AS THE KITCHEN COUNTERS ARE MADE
MORE INGENUITY 4HE BIGGEST PROBLEM WAS THE LACK FROM SLABS OF A SOFT PINK LIMESTONE LIKE CORAL THAT
OF FRESH WATER ON THE ISLAND WHICH MEANT THAT WAS EXCAVATED FROM THE FOUNDATION HOLE AND IS
RAINWATER WOULD HAVE TO BE COLLECTED FOR DRINKING NATURALLY EMBEDDED WITH TINY ANCIENT SEA SHELLS
COOKING WASHING AND BATHING -UCH OF THE EFFORT DURING BOTH THE DESIGN AND
(ARMON´S MASTERSTROKE°AN INVERTED ±UMBRELLA² CONSTRUCTION PHASES WENT INTO CREATING A SYSTEM
ROOF CLAD WITH MARINE PLYWOOD AND NATIVE PINE OF SHUTTERS ¾APS AND ROLLING DOORS THAT CAN BE
Taylor House
169
: 4O REDUCE EXPOSURE TO INSECTS
ONE OF THE ISLAND´S MAIN HAZARDS
(ARMON ELEVATED THE MAIN LIVING
SPACE AND CLEARED THE BRUSH
AROUND THE BASE OF THE HOUSE
9 ,IKE NEARLY ALL THE MATERIALS
USED IN THE HOUSE THE WOOD
CLADDING ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE
ROOF´S WIDE EAVES WAS HARVESTED
LOCALLY
< 0ITCHED DOWNWARD BENEATH
A ¾AT TOPLINE THE ANGLED ROOF IS
DESIGNED TO COLLECT RAINWATER AND
THEN FUNNEL IT DOWN TO AN
GALLON CISTERN
BATTENED DOWN TO BRACE THE HOUSE AGAINST GALE FORCE OF NATURALLY AVAILABLE RESOURCES DEPLOYING &ROM THE CANTILEVERED BALCONY OUTSIDE THE MASTER
WINDS )N GOOD WEATHER THE SLIDING PANELS AND ¾IP LOW IMPACT AIR CONDITIONING TECHNOLOGIES BEDROOM *ANICE 4AYLOR CAN REACH OUT AND PICK A
UP SHUTTERS WHICH ARE REINFORCED WITH STAINLESS AND MINIMIZING LONG HAUL TRANSPORTATION AND PAPAYA RIGHT OFF THE TREE /THER TROPICAL EDIBLES
STEEL AND 0LEXIGLAS AND PAINTED IN #ARIBBEAN SHADES DISRUPTION TO THE NATIVE LANDSCAPE ±7E WERE GROWN ON THE HALF ACRE PROPERTY INCLUDE COCONUTS
OF LIGHT BLUE AND PASTEL YELLOW OPEN OUT IN EVERY VERY CAREFUL NOT TO DISTURB ANYTHING DURING KEY LIMES GRAPEFRUITS AND ORANGES /N THE GROUND
DIRECTION LENDING THE HOUSE AN AIR OF WHIMSY CONSTRUCTION ² SAYS (ARMON "UT HE DOES ADMIT LEVEL WHICH IS ACCESSED VIA A WINDING ORCHID LINED
"UT WHEN STORMS APPROACH THE HOUSE GOES INTO TO CUTTING DOWN POISONWOOD TREES BECAUSE FOOTPATH A LARGE BUNKER LIKE WORKSHOP ACCOUNTS
LOCKDOWN MODE 4HANKS TO THIS STURDY SYSTEM OF THEY ARE TOXIC AND TO REPLACING THE BRUSH RIGHT FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE HOUSE´S SQUARE FOOT
PANELS THE 4AYLOR HOUSE SURVIVED (URRICANE &LOYD AROUND THE HOUSE WITH A SORT OF WHITE SAND MOAT LIVING QUARTERS ONLY OF WHICH ARE INDOORS
WHICH DEVASTATED MANY NEARBY HOMES AND LEFT BECAUSE IT´S A GOOD METHOD OF DETERRING BUGS AND ±4HE ½RST RULE OF THE "AHAMAS IS THAT EVERYTHING
THE NORMALLY EMERALD GREEN ISLAND A PALE SHADE OF SCORPIONS ° TWO HARMLESS WAYS OF ENSURING A BREAKS SO EACH HOUSE HAS TO HAVE A WORKSHOP ² SAYS
BROWN ° EVEN THE GRASS HAD BEEN RIPPED OUT OF THE FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT FOR THE HOUSE´S INHABITANTS (ARMON ±)T´S A PLACE WHERE PEOPLE BECOME REALLY
EARTH (ARMON TRIED TO MAKE THE HOUSE AS SELF RESOURCEFUL 4HERE ARE NO SHOPS NO DOCTORS NO
0ERCHED ON A CORAL RIDGE FEET HIGH AND ABOUT SUF½CIENT AS POSSIBLE )TS TWO BEDROOMS ARE ON ORGANIZED ENTERTAINMENTS WHATSOEVER )T MAY LOOK
FEET FROM THE SHORE BREAK THE BEACH HOUSE THE MIDDLE OR ±TREE TOP ² LEVEL AS (ARMON CALLS IT LIKE PARADISE BUT IT´S REAL 4HAT´S WHY THE 4AYLORS
FOLLOWS MANY OF THE KEY PRINCIPLES OF SUSTAINABLE WHERE THE STAIR LANDING LEADS ONTO A FOOT LONG CHOSE IT 4HEY WANTED TO LIVE IN THE ENVIRONMENT
DESIGN ° ADAPTING TO THE LOCAL CLIMATE MAKING USE DECK FACING DUE WEST OUT OVER THE 3EA OF !BACO THEY WEREN´T LOOKING FOR $ISNEYLAND²
Tropics
170
Tropics
171
< 7ITH ONLY SQUARE FEET OF OF DECK SPACE INCLUDING THIS COVERED
INTERIOR SPACE MUCH OF THE LIVING AT TERRACE OFF THE KITCHEN PROVIDES ROOM
THE 4AYLOR HOUSE HAPPENS OUTDOORS FOR EATING LOUNGING AND ADMIRING
WHERE ANOTHER SQUARE FEET THE VIEW OF THE !BACO 3EA
Tropics
172
: 4HE RAIN COLLECTION SYSTEM
CHANNELS WATER FROM THE ROOF
THROUGH THE HOUSE AND INTO
CISTERNS BELOW
3ITE 0LAN
!XONOMETRIC $RAWING
Taylor House
173
Tropics
174
casa de carmen
ARCHITECTURAL FIRM DESIGNERS
LOCATION
Baja California Sur, Mexico
YEAR
Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects Marsha Maytum and Roberto Sheinberg 2001
4HOUGH GEOGRAPHICALLY TROPICAL "AJA #ALIFORNIA 3UR°THE AND EMPHASIS ON GARDENS AND OUTDOOR SPACES
CERTAINLY EVOKE THE WORK OF -EXICAN MODERNIST
SOUTHERN PORTION OF -EXICO´S THOUSAND MILE LONG PENINSULA ,UIS "ARRAGfN "UT ITS LARGE WINDOWS LOFT LIKE
STRETCHING BETWEEN THE 0ACI½C /CEAN AND THE 3EA OF #ORTEZ ° SPACES AND UNCONCEALED PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS ALSO
SUGGEST A MORE CONTEMPORARY APPROACH
IS TECHNICALLY PART OF THE 3ONORA $ESERT )TS ARID CLIMATE 4HE COUPLE´S REQUIREMENTS WERE RELATIVELY
SIMPLE THEY WANTED A SECOND ¾OOR MASTER
AND PARCHED TERRAIN APPEARED LIKE SOMETHING OF AN OASIS TO BEDROOM FACING THE OCEAN A CASUAL LIVING DINING
#ARMEN 'UTIERREZ AND 2ODNEY "RADLEY A RETIRED COUPLE AREA SOME SPACE FOR HOUSEGUESTS AND A GARDEN
±7E DECIDED TO MAKE ALL THE ROOMS OPEN TO THE
FROM !NCHORAGE !FTER YEARS OF FREEZING !LASKAN WINTERS OCEAN ² SAYS 3HEINBERG ±BUT ALSO TO KEEP THE WATER
VIEWS HIDDEN UNTIL YOU ENTER THE HOUSE°THAT WAY
"AJA´S WARM 0ACI½C WATERS AND GOLDEN SANDY BLUFFS WERE THERE IS AN ELEMENT OF SURPRISE A PAYOFF FOR THE
JUST WHAT THEY HAD BEEN LOOKING FOR 3O WHEN THEY SPOTTED LONG JOURNEY FROM !LASKA²
#OMPOSED OF TWO MAIN VOLUMES THAT BREAK
A ±,AND FOR 3ALE² SIGN WHILE CRUISING OFF THE REGION´S WEST UP THE ELONGATED SITE AND AFFORD AMPLE WIND
COAST THEY DIDN´T HESITATE TO COMMIT PROTECTED PATIO SPACE THE SQUARE FOOT HOUSE
INCLUDING PATIO AND GARAGE IS A REINTERPRETATION
0ART OF A NEW DEVELOPMENT IN AN UNPOPULATED OF THE TRADITIONAL -EXICAN COURTYARD ARRANGEMENT
AREA THEIR LOT°A BY FOOT LONG SWATH ! CEREMONIAL ENTRY SEQUENCE PROCEEDS FROM THE
ATOP A FOOT HIGH BLUFF FACING THE 0ACI½C°IS DESERT VIA A SLATTED WOOD GATE ALONG A SERIES OF
TWENTY MINUTES FROM THE NEAREST TOWN 7HILE PATHS THROUGH AN OPEN AIR TOWER PAST GARDENS AND
THE PROPERTY´S SPLENDID ISOLATION APPEALED TO THE PATIOS AND CULMINATING IN THE SHELTER OF THE HOUSE
COUPLE AS A PERFECT ANTIDOTE TO THEIR LIFE UP NORTH ITS AND ITS STUNNING OCEAN VISTAS WHICH FREQUENTLY
CONSEQUENT LACK OF UTILITIES°WATER IS AVAILABLE VIA INCLUDE A POD OF MAJESTIC #ALIFORNIA 'RAY WHALES
AN AQUIFER BUT THERE IS NO INFRASTRUCTURE FOR GAS OIL THAT MIGRATE TO "AJA´S WARM WATERS FOR MATING AND
OR ELECTRICITY°PRESENTED A HOST OF CHALLENGES WHEN BIRTHING 4O THE BASIC LIVING SPACES THE ARCHITECTS
IT CAME TIME TO BUILD A HOUSE ADDED A ROOFTOP DECK A TERRACE OFF THE GUEST ROOMS
'UTIERREZ AND "RADLEY KNEW -ARSHA -AYTUM A A COVERED OUTDOOR DINING AREA AND THE TOWER
PRINCIPAL OF ,EDDY -AYTUM 3TACY !RCHITECTS IN 3AN WITH ITS CUT OUT CORNER AS A QUIET READING SPACE
&RANCISCO FORMERLY 4ANNER ,EDDY -AYTUM 3TACY ±4HE TOWER WAS IMPORTANT COMPOSITIONALLY ² SAYS
WOULD BE UP FOR THE JOB -AYTUM WAS 'UTIERREZ´S 3HEINBERG ±BUT IT WAS ALSO ANOTHER WAY TO CREATE
COLLEGE ROOMMATE AND HAD BEEN A FRIEND EVER SINCE OUTDOOR SPACE 7E FELT THIS HOUSE SHOULD ENCOURAGE
! MEMBER OF THE 'REEN "UILDING #OUNCIL AND OF THE AS MUCH OUTDOOR LIVING AS POSSIBLE²
)NTERNATIONAL 'REEN "UILDING #HALLENGE´S 53 TEAM &ROM THE LARGEST FORMS TO THE SMALLEST DETAILS
-AYTUM BUILT A PRACTICE DESIGNING RESIDENTIAL AND THE DESIGN WAS BASED ON LOCALLY AVAILABLE
COMMERCIAL STRUCTURES°INCLUDING 3AN &RANCISCO´S MATERIALS AND TECHNIQUES THAT THE MEMBERS OF THE
4HOREAU #ENTER FOR 3USTAINABILITY°THAT COMBINE CONSTRUCTION CREW WHO CAME FROM A SMALL TOWN
: 3ET BETWEEN A VAST TRACK
±MODERN RATIONAL ECONOMIC AND SUSTAINABLE SOLU ON THE -EXICAN MAINLAND WOULD KNOW HOW TO
OF TROPICAL DESERT AND THE
TIONS ² AS SHE HAS DESCRIBED THEM HANDLE -EXICAN STUCCO°A NEARLY MAINTENANCE
SHIMMERING WATER OF THE 0ACI½C
7ORKING WITH PROJECT ARCHITECT 2OBERTO 3HEINBERG FREE CEMENT PLASTER RECIPE THAT IS HARDER AND MORE
/CEAN ,EDDY -AYTUM 3TACY´S
A NATIVE OF -EXICO #ITY -AYTUM RESPONDED TO CONCRETE LIKE THAN !MERICAN STUCCO°COVERS THE
#ASA DE #ARMEN IS DESIGNED FOR
BOTH SHADE AND SPECTACULAR VIEWS THE CLIENTS´ REQUEST FOR ±SOMETHING -EXICAN AND EXTERIOR 4HE THICK CONCRETE BLOCK WALLS A TYPICALLY
MODERN² 4HE DESIGN´S BOXY VOLUMES VIBRANT COLORS -EXICAN CONSTRUCT ARE IN ½LLED WITH CONCRETE FOR
Casa de Carmen
175
EXTRA PROTECTION AGAINST THE HEAT 4HE COUNTRY´S DESERT GARDEN ² SAYS 3HEINBERG ±)T WAS ALWAYS MEANT TO MINIMIZE THE NEED FOR ARTI½CIAL LIGHTING AND
UBIQUITOUS BLUE MOSAIC TILE AND BLUE
GRAY SLATE TO BE VERY DRY USING SAND FROM THE SITE !T SOME MECHANICAL AIR
CONDITIONING CROSS VENTILATION AND
PAVE THE GARDEN WALLS AND PATHS #ANTERA A PALE POINT WE ADDED A LINE OF CACTI BUT EVERYTHING ELSE CEILING FANS PROMOTE COOLING BREEZES SUN SHADING
-EXICAN STONE THAT LOOKS LIKE LIMESTONE BUT IS HARDER WAS FOUND ON SITE² AT ALL OPENINGS MINIMIZES HEAT GAIN SKYLIGHTS AND
AND LESS POROUS ADORNS THE INTERIOR ¾OORS !LL THE 7ITH NO ELECTRICAL GRID TO TAP INTO THE HOUSE CLERESTORY WINDOWS INCREASE NATURAL LIGHT PALE
WOODWORK ° INCLUDING NUMEROUS SHUTTERS GATES HAS TO GENERATE ITS OWN POWER FOR EVERYTHING FROM PAVERS ON THE ROOF DECK RE¾ECT THE SUNLIGHT AND
AND DOORS ° WAS DONE ON SITE WITH AVAILABLE ALDER HEATING WATER TO TURNING ON A LIGHT 4WO
BY
FOOT IMPROVE HEAT
GAIN AND THE OCEAN WALL SUPPORTS
WOOD BY LOCAL CARPENTERS ACCUSTOMED TO ITS TEXTURE PHOTOVOLTAIC PANELS SET IN THE MIDDLE OF THE GARDEN A TRELLIS WHICH PROVIDES SHADE AND PROTECTS THE
AND DENSITY ON A ROTATING BASE TRACK THE SUN FOR MAXIMUM SOLAR HOUSE DURING HURRICANES
)N EVERY CASE THE ARCHITECTS TRIED TO USE WHAT GAIN 3O FAR 'UTIERREZ AND "RADLEY HAVE NOT HAD TO ±7E STUDIED ALL OF THE WAYS ° BOTH ANCIENT AND
WAS THERE AND NOT IMPORT FROM THE MAINLAND OR THE RESORT TO THE BACKUP GENERATOR THEY KEEP ON HAND MODERN ° OF KEEPING THE HOUSE COMFORTABLE ² SAYS
3TATES 4HIS INCLUDES ALL THE FURNITURE WHICH WAS EVEN WHEN THE HOUSE IS FULL OF OVERNIGHT GUESTS 3HEINBERG ±)T REALLY HELPED US UNDERSTAND HOW TO
CUSTOM BUILT ON SITE AS WELL AS EVERYTHING IN THE (IGH
EF½CIENCY APPLIANCES AND LIGHTING ½XTURES HELP KEEP THE ENVIRONMENT COMFORTABLE TOO²
GARDENS ±&ROM THE BEGINNING WE PLANNED TO DO A CONSERVE ENERGY 4HE WHOLE HOUSE WAS DESIGNED
Tropics
176
9 4HE ENTRY PATH TO THE LOW
SLUNG CONCRETE AND STUCCO HOUSE
LEADS FROM THE SLATTED GATE IN
THE SAND
COLORED WALL PAST THE
COURTYARD GARDEN
: ! ±DRY² GARDEN COMPOSED ; 7OODEN SLATS MADE FROM LOCAL
OF CACTI AND OTHER DESERT ¾ORA ALDER WOOD FORM A SHADY TRELLIS
COLLECTED FROM AROUND THE OVER THE PATIO OFF THE GUEST ROOM
PROPERTY FORMS THE CENTERPIECE
OF THE COMPOUND
Casa de Carmen
177
< $EEP RED STUCCO MARINE BLUE
MOSAIC TILES AND A JAGGED
CANTILEVERED STAIRCASE PROVIDE A
VIBRANT BACKDROP TO THE OUTDOOR
DINING AREA
: 4HE INTERIOR PALETTE OF RED
TILES PALE YELLOW WALLS AND BLUE
ACCENTS MIMICS THE COLORS USED
OUTDOORS TO EXTEND THE SENSE OF
LIVING SPACE
3ITE AND &LOOR 0LAN
Casa de Carmen
179
anywhere
One of the most significant
developments in residential architecture over the last several
years, particularly in the United States and Europe, has been
the effort to rehabilitate the reputation of prefabricated, or
modular, housing. Using powerful design software that allows
them to combine the cost savings of factory-built homes with
the aesthetic benefits of customized design, a number of
young firms are creating modular houses that offer sophisti-
cated architecture at a remarkably low price.
)T IS NOW BECOMING POSSIBLE TO PICK A DESIGN FROM ONE OF THOSE ½RMS´ 7EB SITES
ORDER A HOUSE THAT CAN BE ALTERED SPECI½CALLY TO ½T YOUR FAMILY´S NEEDS AND THE CON
TOURS OF YOUR BUILDING SITE GET THE HOUSE DELIVERED ON THE BACK OF A TRUCK AND HAVE
IT BUILT ° ALL WITHIN IN A FEW SHORT MONTHS 0ERHAPS MOST IMPORTANT OF ALL THESE ARE
NOT THE BANAL TRACT HOMES ONE TENDS TO ASSOCIATE WITH THE TERM ±PREFAB² )NSTEAD
MANY ARE SLEEK AND ATTRACTIVE DRIVEN AS MUCH BY AESTHETICS AS BY ECONOMY !
SIGNI½CANT NUMBER ARE DESIGNED IN THE MODERNIST IDIOM WHICH MEANS YOU CAN
NOW BRING THE "AUHAUS TO YOUR HOUSE ON AN EVERYMAN´S BUDGET
/F COURSE USING MASS PRODUCED PARTS AND AUTOMATED DESIGN TECHNOLOGY TO BRING
WELL DESIGNED RESIDENCES TO THE MIDDLE CLASS HAS BEEN A DREAM OF ARCHITECTS SINCE
THE BEGINNING OF THE MODERN MOVEMENT )T EMERGED DURING THE EARLY YEARS OF THE
TWENTIETH CENTURY AS %UROPEAN ARCHITECTS PREDICTED THAT MODERN BUILDING TECH
NIQUES WOULD HELP LIBERATE FAMILIES FROM CRAMPED DECREPIT HOUSING AND AGAIN IN
THE POSTWAR PERIOD AS ARCHITECTS FROM *EAN 0ROUVm TO "UCKMINSTER &ULLER TO #HARLES
AND 2AY %AMES TRIED TO PERFECT MODULAR RESIDENTIAL DESIGNS THAT COULD BE ALL BUT
ERECTED ON AN ASSEMBLY LINE !LAS THOSE DREAMS HAVE BEEN REPEATEDLY DASHED
BY THE REALITIES OF THE BUILDING TRADE WHOSE LEADING COMPANIES HAVE PROVED
RELUCTANT TO CHANGE THEIR WAYS OR TO TEST THE MARKET FOR HOUSES WITH FORWARD
LOOKING ORNAMENT FREE DESIGN
180
4HIS NEW WAVE OF PREFAB
MODERN ARCHITECTS HOWEVER SHOWS SIGNI½CANTLY MORE
PROMISE THAN THE ONES THAT CAME BEFORE 4HERE ARE NOW MORE THAN A DOZEN ½RMS
SELLING ±MODERN MODULAR² DESIGNS MANY ARE RUN BY YOUNG AMBITIOUS ARCHITECTS
WHO IN THE PAST THREE TO FOUR YEARS HAVE DISPLAYED MORE SAVVY ABOUT HOW THE
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY WORKS THAN THEIR PREFAB PREDECESSORS EVER DID !ND AS THE
DESIGN FEATURED IN THE FOLLOWING PAGES BY THE #ALIFORNIA
BASED ARCHITECT -ICHELLE
+AUFMANN DEMONSTRATES PREFAB HOUSING AND SUSTAINABILITY ARE WELL MATCHED
%VERY PREFAB DESIGN IS FUNDAMENTALLY GREEN BY DE½NITION AT LEAST IN THE SENSE THAT
ITS CONSTRUCTION IS BOUND TO LEAVE FAR LESS DEBRIS AND DO LESS DAMAGE TO A BUILDING
SITE THAN A TYPICAL NEW HOUSE !ND INCORPORATING ADDITIONAL GREEN FEATURES FROM
SOLAR PANELS TO AMBITIOUS VENTILATION SYSTEMS IS LIKELY TO MAKE PREFAB HOUSING
ONLY THAT MUCH MORE ATTRACTIVE TO ENVIRONMENTALLY MINDED BUYERS
)N A PREFAB MARKETPLACE THAT IS INCREASINGLY CROWDED WITH ATTRACTIVE DESIGNS
AND FEATURED REGULARLY IN THE POPULAR AND DESIGN PRESS SUSTAINABILITY CAN BE A
SMART MARKETING TOOL TOO )F THIS NEW CROP OF MODULAR HOUSES ACHIEVES ITS GREAT
POTENTIAL AND ALLOWS MIDDLE
CLASS FAMILIES TO BUILD THEIR OWN STYLISH HOUSES
QUICKLY AND AFFORDABLY PREFABRICATION MIGHT JUST BECOME THE BEST DELIVERY SYSTEM
FOR SUSTAINABLE DESIGN YET
Anywhere
181
GLIDE HOUSE
ARCHITECTURAL FIRM DESIGNER
LOCATION
Anywhere
YEAR
Michelle Kaufmann Designs Michelle Kaufmann 2004
!MONG THE EMERGING BREED OF MODERNIST PREFAB HOMES THE 4HE HOUSE FEATURES A SIGNI½CANT NUMBER OF
GREEN ELEMENTS 4HE PREFABRICATED NATURE OF THE
½RST TO TAKE AN ACTIVE INTEREST IN SUSTAINABILITY IS THE 'LIDE DESIGN RESULTS IN COMPARATIVELY LITTLE CONSTRUCTION
(OUSE AN AIRY LIGHT ½LLED DESIGN BY -ICHELLE +AUFMANN WASTE PARTICULARLY ON SITE 0HOTOVOLTAIC PANELS
CAN BE ORDERED TO COVER A SIZABLE PERCENTAGE OF THE
A YOUNG ARCHITECT BASED IN .ORTHERN #ALIFORNIA +AUFMANN ROOF AREA -ORE AMBITIOUS HOMEOWNERS CAN ORDER
A VERSION OF THE HOUSE THAT USES THOSE PANELS OR
SPENT ½VE YEARS IN THE OF½CE OF &RANK / 'EHRY 0ARTNERS WIND POWER OR A COMBINATION OF THE TWO TO PRODUCE
BEFORE LEAVING TO START HER OWN ½RM 7ORKING WITH A MODULAR ENOUGH ELECTRICITY TO REMOVE THE HOUSE FROM THE
GRID 4HAT MEANS IT CAN BE BUILT EVEN ON REMOTE SITES
DESIGN COMPANY IN 7ASHINGTON 3TATE AND BUILDERS IN THAT LIE BEYOND THE REACH OF LOCAL UTILITIES
4ORONTO AND 6ANCOUVER +AUFMANN HAS BEGUN SELLING SEVERAL )N TERMS OF PASSIVE RATHER THAN ACTIVE SOLAR
POWER +AUFMANN WILL WORK WITH CLIENTS TO POSITION
VARIATIONS OF THE 'LIDE (OUSE RANGING FROM ONE TO FOUR THE HOUSE ON THEIR SITE TO MINIMIZE SOLAR LOSS IN
THE WINTER AND SOLAR GAIN IN THE SUMMER 3LIDING
BEDROOMS AND FROM TO SQUARE FEET ON ONE OR TWO PANELS OF LOUVERED WOOD COVER THE LONG GLASS
STORIES 4HE PRICE ° INCLUDING THE COST OF THE DESIGN TRUCKING FACADE THEY CAN BE ADJUSTED TO CONTROL THE LEVEL OF
SUNLIGHT ENTERING THE HOUSE WHILE MAINTAINING
MATERIALS TO THE SITE AND CONSTRUCTION BUT EXCLUDING THE AIR ¾OW 4HESE PANELS CAN BE MOVED TO FOLLOW THE
SUN OR LOCKED IN PLACE EVEN WHEN THE GLASS DOORS
SOLAR PANELS ON THE ROOF AND THE APPLIANCES IN THE KITCHEN ° BEHIND THEM ARE KEPT OPEN THAT ARRANGEMENT
BEGINS AT ABOUT PER SQUARE FOOT FOR A LEVEL LOT ALLOWS OWNERS TO COOL THEIR HOUSES ON A WARM
DAY BY CIRCULATING AIR RATHER THAN RUNNING AN AIR
4HAT TRANSLATES TO LESS THAN FOR MOST CONDITIONER EVEN WHEN THEY HAVE TO GO OUT
VARIATIONS A BARGAIN FOR A HOUSE OF THIS LEVEL OF 4HE MATERIALS AND ½NISHES FROM BAMBOO
ARCHITECTURAL QUALITY AND ATTENTION TO DETAIL ¾OORING TO COMPOSITE CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS THAT
+AUFMANN BUILT A VERSION OF THE HOUSE FOR HERSELF INCLUDE RECYCLED NEWSPAPER AND GRANITE ASH
AND HER HUSBAND IN .ORTHERN #ALIFORNIA IN EARLY WERE ALSO CHOSEN WITH SUSTAINABILITY IN MIND 4HE
! FEW MONTHS LATER THE ½RST 'LIDE (OUSE TO WALLS AND ROOF ARE MADE OF STRUCTURALLY INSULATED
BE SOLD WAS ERECTED IN 7ASHINGTON STATE PANELS OR 3)03 A SYSTEM THAT IS WELL REGARDED FOR ITS
! BASIC WOOD FRAME CONSTRUCTION MADE OF INSULATION AND ITS RESISTANCE TO MOLD 4HE EXTERIOR
PREFABRICATED PANELS THE HOUSE IS ±DESIGNED FOR PANELING A CHOICE OF #/2 4%. STEEL OR THE CORRUGATED
CLEAN SIMPLE LIVING IN COLLABORATION WITH NATURE ² METAL KNOWN AS 'ALVALUME IS DURABLE AND REQUIRES
9 4HE BASIC 'LIDE (OUSE MODULE
IN +AUFMANN´S WORDS )N THE SINGLE STORY BASE LITTLE MAINTENANCE
IS AN ATTRACTIVELY SPARE SINGLE
STORY RESIDENCE WITH SLIDING GLASS MODEL THE LIVING AREAS ARE CONTAINED IN ONE LONG 4HE SUSTAINABLE ETHIC IN THIS REMARKABLE DESIGN
DOORS ALONG THE LENGTH OF THE RECTANGULAR ROOM "ENEATH A RELATIVELY HIGH GENTLY EXTENDS EVEN TO THE SMALLEST DETAILS THE STORAGE
SOUTHERN FACADE 3OLAR PANELS PITCHED SHED ROOF THE PLAN INCLUDES A GLASS WALL ON CABINETS THAT RUN BENEATH THE CLERESTORY WINDOWS
AND WIND TURBINES CAN BE ADDED ONE SIDE AND A ROW OF CLERESTORY WINDOWS ON THE IN THE LIVING ROOM ARE TOPPED BY RE¾ECTIVE PANELS
TO THE ROOF FOR AN ADDITIONAL FEE OTHER ABOVE BUILT IN CABINETS WITH SLIDING BIRCH PLACED SPECI½CALLY TO BOUNCE LATE AFTERNOON
ALLOWING BUYERS OF THE HOUSE TO DOORS "EDROOMS AND BATHROOMS ARE TUCKED AWAY SUNLIGHT ONTO THE CEILING AND BACK DOWN INTO THE
LIVE WITHOUT CONNECTION TO THE IN AN ADJACENT SUITE OF ROOMS 4HE BASIC MODULES ARE HOUSE 4HIS SMALL STUDIED DETAIL WHICH HELPS
POWER GRID
OR FEET WIDE WHICH ALLOWS THEM TO ½T ON THE DELAY THE TIME OF DAY WHEN IT BECOMES NECESSARY
BACK OF A ¾ATBED TRUCK FOR DELIVERY AND ALSO MAKES TO TURN ON THE LIGHTS INSIDE RE¾ECTS THE ARCHITECT´S
FOR SHALLOW ROOMS THAT ARE EASILY VENTILATED BY SENSITIVITY TOWARD POTENTIAL RESIDENTS AS WELL AS
CROSS BREEZES THE PLANET
Anywhere
182
Project name
183
Anywhere
184
< /NE CON½GURATION OF THE
HOUSE INCLUDES A SMALL COURTYARD
WITH A FOUNTAIN OR POOL !BOVE
THE SIDING WHICH CAN BE MADE
OF EITHER GALVANIZED ALUMINUM
OR #/2
4%. STEEL ARE OPERABLE
CLERESTORY WINDOWS
: 4HE MASTER BEDROOM FEATURES
LOUVERED PANELS THAT CAN OFFER
SHADE OR AS SHOWN SLIDE OUT OF
SIGHT ON A FRAME WHEN MORE SUN
OR AIR IS DESIRED
Glide House
185
< 4HE INTERIOR FEATURES A LOFT
9 4HE KITCHEN FEATURES COMPOSITE
LIKE SPACE COMBINING LIVING CONCRETE COUNTERTOPS THAT INCLUDE
ROOM DINING ROOM AND KITCHEN A HIGH PERCENTAGE OF RECYCLED
4HE TALL NARROW ROOM IS EASILY MATERIAL 4HE STORAGE BAR IS
VENTILATED BY CROSS
BREEZES ½NISHED WITH BIRCH SIDING AND
¾OWING FROM SLIDING DOORS ON THE THE ¾OORING IS MADE OF BAMBOO
SOUTH SIDE TO CLERESTORY WINDOWS
ON THE NORTH
Anywhere
186
3OUTH %LEVATION
: 3ECTION SHOWS THE DOUBLE
PITCH OF THE MULTI
UNIT ROO¾INE
4HE ROOF IS ANGLED FOR OPTIMUM
PERFORMANCE OF OPTIONAL SOLAR
PANELS
3ECTION
Glide House
187
FEATURED ARCHITECTS
*OACHIM AND 'ABRIELE !CHENBACH 7ILL "RUDER #ATH (ALL -IKE 6ERDOUW &RED 7ARD
!CHENBACH !RCHITEKTEN $ESIGNER 7ILL "RUDER !RCHITECTS !RCHITECTURE
2EUTLINGER 3TRASSE 7EST -ONROE 3UITE -ELVILLE 3TREET
3TUTTGART $ 0HOENIX !RIZONA (OBART 4ASMANIA
'ERMANY 53! !USTRALIA
WWWACHENBACH ARCHITEKTENCOM WWWWILLBRUDERCOM WWWPLUSARCHITECTURECOM
$AVID !RKIN AND !NNI 4ILT 0ETER #ARMICHAEL &RANK (ARMON
!RKIN 4ILT !RCHITECTS #OCKS #ARMICHAEL &RANK (ARMON AND !SSOCIATES
TH 3TREET 'LADSTONE 3TREET -OUNTFORD 3TREET
"ERKELEY #ALIFORNIA 3OUTH -ELBOURNE 2ALEIGH .ORTH #AROLINA
53! .EW 3OUTH 7ALES 53!
WWWARKINTILTCOM !USTRALIA WWWFRANKHARMONCOM
3HIGERU "AN 'EORG $RIENDL $AVID (ERTZ
3HIGERU "AN !RCHITECTS $RIENDL !RCHITECTS $AVID (ERTZ !RCHITECTS3YNDESIS
-ATSUBARA 3ETAGAYA KU -ARIAHILFERSTRASSE #OLORADO !VENUE
4OKYO ! 6IENNA 3ANTA -ONICA #ALIFORNIA
*APAN !USTRIA 53!
WWWSHIGERUBANCOM WWWDRIENDLAT WWWSYNDESISINCCOM
-IKKO "ONSDORFF !LLISON %WING AND 7ILLIAM -C$ONOUGH 3TEVEN (OLL
!RKKITEHTITOIMISTO /KULUS /Y 7ILLIAM -C$ONOUGH 0ARTNERS 3TEVEN (OLL !RCHITECTS
+UORTANEENKATU %AST *EFFERSON 3TREET 7EST ST 3TREET TH ¾OOR
(ELSINKI #HARLOTTESVILLE 6IRGINIA .EW 9ORK .EW 9ORK
&INLAND 53! 53!
WWWMCDONOUGHPARTNERSCOM WWWSTEVENHOLLCOM
!NGELA "ROOKS
0UGH 3CARPA !RCHITECTURE 4ED &LATO "OB (ARRIS (EATHER $E'RELLA 2EIJO *ALLINOJA
-ICHIGAN !VENUE "UILDING & ,AKE&LATO !RCHITECTS !RKKITEHTI /Y 2EIJO *ALLINOJA
3ANTA -ONICA #ALIFORNIA 4HIRD 3TREET 3ILTATIE
53! 3AN !NTONIO 4EXAS (ELSINKI
WWWPUGH
SCARPACOM 53! &INLAND
WWWLAKE¾ATOCOM
Resources
188
2ICK *OY !NNABEL ,AHZ AND !NDREW .IMMO 2AFAEL 0ELLI
2ICK *OY !RCHITECTS ,AHZ .IMMO !RCHITECTS #ESAR 0ELLI !SSOCIATES !RCHITECTS
3OUTH 2UBIO !VENUE ,EVEL TH !VENUE TH ¾OOR
4UCSON !RIZONA
+IPPAX 3TREET .EW 9ORK .EW 9ORK
53! 3URRY (ILLS .EW 3OUTH 7ALES 53!
!USTRALIA WWWCESAR
PELLICOM
WWWLAHZNIMMOCOM
-ICHELLE +AUFMANN
-ICHELLE +AUFMANN $ESIGNS $IETRICH 3CHWARZ
.OVATO #! "RIAN -AC+AY
,YONS 3CHWARZ !RCHITEKTUR
53! "RIAN -AC+AY
,YONS !RCHITECTS 6IA #ALUNDIS
WWWMICHELLEKAUFMANNDESIGNSCOM 'OTTINGEN 3TREET #(
$OMAT%MS
WWWGLIDEHOUSECOM (ALIFAX .OVA 3COTIA "+ " 3WITZERLAND
#ANADA WWWSCHWARZ
ARCHITEKTURCH
WWWBMLAUDCA
(ANNU +IISKILi
!22!+ !RKKITEHDIT *ENNIFER 3IEGAL
5NIONINKATU " -ARSHA -AYTUM AND 2OBERTO 3HEINBERG /F½CE OF -OBILE $ESIGN
(ELSINKI ,EDDY -AYTUM 3TACY !RCHITECTS !BBOT +INNEY "OULEVARD
&INLAND (ARRISON 3TREET 6ENICE #ALIFORNIA
WWWARRAKCOM 3AN &RANCISCO #ALIFORNIA 53!
53! WWWDESIGNMOBILECOM
WWWLMSARCHCOM
2IEN +ORTEKNIE AND -ECHTHILD 3TUHLMACHER
+IRSTI 3IVEN
+ORTEKNIE 3TUHLMACHER !RCHITECTEN
$AVE -ILLER +IRSTI 3IVmN !SKO 4AKALA
³S 'RAVENDIJKWAL F
4HE -ILLER(ULL 0ARTNERSHIP +ORKEAVUORENKATU !
%% 2OTTERDAM
0OLSON "UILDING (ELSINKI
POSTBUS
#OLUMBIA TH ¾OOR &INLAND
(! 2OTTERDAM
4HE .ETHERLANDS 3EATTLE 7ASHINGTON
WWWKORTEKNIESTUHLMACHERNL 53!
WWWMILLERHULLCOM 7ERNER 3OBEK
7ERNER 3OBEK )NGENIEURE
+ENGO +UMA !LBSTRASSE
+ENGO +UMA !SSOCIATES 3TUTTGART
*IM /LSON
-INAMI !OYAMA 'ERMANY
/LSON 3UNDBERG +UNDIG !LLEN !RCHITECTS
-INATO
KU WWWWERNERSOBEKCOM
3OUTH *ACKSON 3TREET TH ¾OOR
4OKYO
3EATTLE 7ASHINTON
*APAN 53!
WWWSO
NETNEJP^KUMA WWWOLSONSUNDBERGCOM
Featured Architects
189
resources
!LLIANCE TO %NERGY AND %NVIRONMENTAL %NERGY 3TAR %NVIRONMENTAL
3AVE %NERGY "UILDING !SSOCIATION !PPLIANCES 0ROGRAM "UILDING .EWS
WWWASEORG WWWEEBAORG WWWENERGYSTARGOV WWWBUILDINGGREENCOM
'LOBAL %NVIRONMENTAL 'LOBAL 'REEN 'REEN "UILDING 2OCKY -OUNTAIN
/PTIONS 53! !LLIANCE )NSTITUTE
WWWGEONETWORKORG WWWGLOBALGREENORG WWWGBAPGHORG WWWRMIORG
3USTAINABLE 53 $EPARTMENT 53 'REEN 7ORLD 'REEN "UILDING
"UILDING )NDUSTRY #OUNCIL OF %NERGY "UILDING #OUNCIL #OUNCIL
WWWSBICOUNCILORG WWWENERGYGOV WWWUSGBCORG WWWWORLDGBCORG
Resources
190
Photography credits
P.A.R.A.S.I.T.E. !NNE "OUSEMA
156 Reade Street 0AUL 7ARCHOL
Colorado Court -ARVIN 2AND
Viikki *USSI 4IAINEN
130 East Union Street *AMES & (OUSEL"ENJAMIN "ENSCHNEIDER P BOTTOM LEFT
Sea Train House 5NDINE 0RyHL
The Solaire *EFF 'OLDBERG%STO
Solar Tube "RUNO +LOMFAR P BOTTOM *AMES -ORRIS
Charlotte Residence 0HILIP "EAURLINE
Villa Sari -ATTI +ARJANOJA
Little Tesseract "ILYANA $IMITROVA
Mill Valley Straw-Bale House %DWARD #ALDWELL P TOP AND MIDDLE *OHN $OLAN P BOTTOM
Naked House (IROOYUKI (IRAI
House with Shades (OLGER (ILL
SolarHaus III &REDERIC #OMTESSE
Great (Bamboo) Wall 3ATOSHI !SAKAWA
R128 2OLAND (ALBE
Howard House 5NDINE 0RyHL P P LEFT P TOP LEFT AND RIGHT
*AMES 3TEEVES P P RIGHT P BOTTOM LEFT AND RIGHT
Swart Residence $EREK 3WALWELL
Lake Washington House %DUARDO #ALDERvN
Walla Womba Guest House !RCHITECTURE0ETER (YATT P
McKinley House -ARK 3EELEN
Tucson Mountain House 5NDINE 0RyHL
Giles Loft/Studio 0AUL (ESTER
LoLoma 5 Lofts "ILL 4IMMERMAN
Casaurina Beach House "RETT "OARDMAN
Taylor House *AMES 7EST
Casa de Carmen ,UIS 'ORDOA
Photography Credits
191
This book is printed on Zander Mega,
which is made from 40 percent
reclaimed pulp.
The typefaces used in this book are
Thesis Serif, Clarendon, and
Rosewood.
Colophon
192
You might also like
- Appliance House NICOLSONDocument90 pagesAppliance House NICOLSONM Gaby Villacis100% (1)
- Jane Hutton Reciprocal Landscapes - Stories of Material Movements Routledge - 2019Document344 pagesJane Hutton Reciprocal Landscapes - Stories of Material Movements Routledge - 2019Guilherme Tedesco100% (1)
- Picturing Science, Producing ArtDocument529 pagesPicturing Science, Producing ArtAlejandro Cheirif100% (10)
- Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum: An Architectural AppreciationFrom EverandSolomon R. Guggenheim Museum: An Architectural AppreciationNo ratings yet
- Lars Lerup-After The City-The MIT Press (2001)Document154 pagesLars Lerup-After The City-The MIT Press (2001)Fay Michail100% (2)
- Flesh Mutant Body ArchitectureDocument15 pagesFlesh Mutant Body ArchitectureMarianna BougonNo ratings yet
- Architecture - March 2018Document18 pagesArchitecture - March 2018ArtdataNo ratings yet
- Creation's Tiny MysteryDocument382 pagesCreation's Tiny MysteryRudi YapNo ratings yet
- Upper & Lower Case: Volume 13-Issue 2Document88 pagesUpper & Lower Case: Volume 13-Issue 2aBlaqSerifNo ratings yet
- Interior Architecture Chapter 1-9Document493 pagesInterior Architecture Chapter 1-9Edward Que100% (4)
- 4ylej Santiago Calatrava Conversations With StudentsDocument112 pages4ylej Santiago Calatrava Conversations With StudentsMacrem Macrem100% (1)
- The Fun Palace As Virtual Architecture: Cedric Price and The Practice of Indeterminacy by Stanley MatthewsDocument10 pagesThe Fun Palace As Virtual Architecture: Cedric Price and The Practice of Indeterminacy by Stanley MatthewsJack Gillbanks100% (1)
- Machu PicchuDocument145 pagesMachu PicchuAnonymous M83P7Bc100% (4)
- EB0161 - Ken Smith Landscape Architect 2 Urban ProjectsDocument136 pagesEB0161 - Ken Smith Landscape Architect 2 Urban ProjectsDiệp KhánhNo ratings yet
- A.E.31, (Ken Smith Landscape Architects Urban Projects A Source Book in Landscape Architecture (1 PDFDocument136 pagesA.E.31, (Ken Smith Landscape Architects Urban Projects A Source Book in Landscape Architecture (1 PDFsan htet aungNo ratings yet
- More Than Hot Air: The Lasting Impact of Inflatable Architecture - in The AirDocument17 pagesMore Than Hot Air: The Lasting Impact of Inflatable Architecture - in The Airbarry4zimmerman3No ratings yet
- Anderson Trad DadDocument10 pagesAnderson Trad DadR.M Design StudioNo ratings yet
- Punk Cut Paste RockDocument15 pagesPunk Cut Paste RockJordan HamiltonNo ratings yet
- Working: Sketch Sketch Sketch SketchDocument9 pagesWorking: Sketch Sketch Sketch SketchArchit3ktNo ratings yet
- Avant Garde of TodayDocument6 pagesAvant Garde of Todayjohn fontillasNo ratings yet
- Laura McAtackney - Krysta Ryzewski - 2017Document299 pagesLaura McAtackney - Krysta Ryzewski - 2017Gabriela caro leonNo ratings yet
- Design Book List: September 2016: "Organic Design: Products Inspired by Nature"Document6 pagesDesign Book List: September 2016: "Organic Design: Products Inspired by Nature"Temitope SoneyeNo ratings yet
- Archigram and The Modern City - CityLabDocument15 pagesArchigram and The Modern City - CityLabPatricia TheronNo ratings yet
- Jose Maria Sanchez Garcia 1Document228 pagesJose Maria Sanchez Garcia 1angelmgpNo ratings yet
- 1970 Fitch, The Architecture of The Well Tempered Environment (Review)Document4 pages1970 Fitch, The Architecture of The Well Tempered Environment (Review)nachosollaNo ratings yet
- Shangai Natural MuseumDocument6 pagesShangai Natural MuseumLjubica TrkuljaNo ratings yet
- The Bathroom The Kitchen The Aesthetics of Waste Ellen LuptonDocument74 pagesThe Bathroom The Kitchen The Aesthetics of Waste Ellen LuptonVormtaal100% (2)
- Art Deco MovementDocument20 pagesArt Deco MovementShaira Micah ToribioNo ratings yet
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin - 1968 - The New Visionaries - Sobre Unbuilt - Impresso - Arthur RosenblattDocument12 pagesThe Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin - 1968 - The New Visionaries - Sobre Unbuilt - Impresso - Arthur RosenblattThais AnastacioNo ratings yet
- Dokumen - Pub - de Signing Design Cartographies of Theory and Practice 0739179128 9780739179123Document260 pagesDokumen - Pub - de Signing Design Cartographies of Theory and Practice 0739179128 9780739179123Armando Barrera SkinnerNo ratings yet
- The Englishman's House: A Practical Guide for Selecting and Building a HouseFrom EverandThe Englishman's House: A Practical Guide for Selecting and Building a HouseNo ratings yet
- The Pantheon in The Modern EraDocument48 pagesThe Pantheon in The Modern EraPostivemindset ارتقي بتفكيرك ترتقي اختياراتكNo ratings yet
- Architect Magazine Bubble AwardDocument8 pagesArchitect Magazine Bubble AwardGuillermo R MurilloNo ratings yet
- Cartographies of Time PDFDocument273 pagesCartographies of Time PDFrouzmouzNo ratings yet
- Urban Landscape AplanDocument15 pagesUrban Landscape AplanjamesbryanescanderNo ratings yet
- Charles Warren AffidavitDocument5 pagesCharles Warren AffidavitMichael D D WhiteNo ratings yet
- Ny Official GuideDocument254 pagesNy Official Guidetmt7796No ratings yet
- Innovation and DiscoveryDocument3 pagesInnovation and DiscoveryRaven Jay MagsinoNo ratings yet
- Earth ArchitectureDocument208 pagesEarth Architecturepeeobee1100% (4)
- Archin, Troarch, Scenco, HhsDocument3 pagesArchin, Troarch, Scenco, Hhsroberta oriolaNo ratings yet
- PDF Success Through Failure The Paradox of Design Princeton Science Library 59 Petroski Ebook Full ChapterDocument53 pagesPDF Success Through Failure The Paradox of Design Princeton Science Library 59 Petroski Ebook Full Chapterkennith.jackson843100% (1)
- Full Chapter Antarctica and The Humanities Palgrave Studies in The History of Science and Technology 1St Edition Roberts Peder PDFDocument39 pagesFull Chapter Antarctica and The Humanities Palgrave Studies in The History of Science and Technology 1St Edition Roberts Peder PDFjames.perry468100% (4)
- Architect Nationality:: Bernard Tshumi: French and SwissDocument24 pagesArchitect Nationality:: Bernard Tshumi: French and SwissRadhika Vijay100% (1)
- ZielinskiDocument13 pagesZielinskiMarcelo CabralNo ratings yet
- Machine-Age Exposition CatalogueDocument44 pagesMachine-Age Exposition CatalogueWilmer Rodriguez50% (2)
- Christopher Alexander, Architect and MathematicianDocument20 pagesChristopher Alexander, Architect and MathematicianGrahamCoxon22No ratings yet
- Santiago Calatrava, Cecilia Lewis Kausel-Santiago Calatrava - Conversations With Students - The MIT Lectures-Princeton Architectural Press (2002)Document112 pagesSantiago Calatrava, Cecilia Lewis Kausel-Santiago Calatrava - Conversations With Students - The MIT Lectures-Princeton Architectural Press (2002)Ulissipo1955No ratings yet
- Retrospective - The Incredible Inflatable Architecture of The 1960sDocument4 pagesRetrospective - The Incredible Inflatable Architecture of The 1960sadela bravoNo ratings yet
- Refresher Notes For AleDocument12 pagesRefresher Notes For AleShernel TimbancayaNo ratings yet
- EgiptoDocument232 pagesEgiptoFranciscoNo ratings yet
- James Stirling (Architect)Document10 pagesJames Stirling (Architect)Vishva ShahNo ratings yet
- Book Review 1Document11 pagesBook Review 1Vishva ShahNo ratings yet
- PDF Mapping Empires Colonial Cartographies of Land and Sea 7Th International Symposium of The Ica Commission On The History of Cartography 2018 Alexander James Kent Ebook Full ChapterDocument54 pagesPDF Mapping Empires Colonial Cartographies of Land and Sea 7Th International Symposium of The Ica Commission On The History of Cartography 2018 Alexander James Kent Ebook Full Chaptermichael.jones152100% (4)
- 13 ScarcityDocument7 pages13 ScarcityCristina DumitruNo ratings yet
- Made to Measure: New Materials for the 21st CenturyFrom EverandMade to Measure: New Materials for the 21st CenturyRating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5 (6)
- Mainframe Experimentalism: Early Computing and the Foundations of the Digital ArtsFrom EverandMainframe Experimentalism: Early Computing and the Foundations of the Digital ArtsRating: 3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5 (2)
