Four Houses Four Stories - Flipbook - Page 79
F
FRONT ELEVATION
E
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
D
A
H
C
G
I
B
I
Curving front entry wall w/masonry
veneer & acrylic portholes
Sculptural Oak tree
Front doors
Metal shade fin
Bridge window
Fireplace chimney
Sculptural pruned trees
& courtyard garden
Stucco bench wall &
stepped water feature
Garage drivecourt gate
H
A kitchen of metal,
glass, stone and wood.
In California, utility
de-regulation has
caused electrical
rates to double and
they are still climbing.
Jet and automotive
fuel prices have risen
over 75 percent during
the last 24 months.
Sewer fees climb. Global
warming is causing more
skin cancer. Tropical hardwood patio furniture is aiding
the destruction of the rainforest. The most popular car in
America is the SUV (Sport Utility
Vehicle) that uses more roadway,
more fuel, more steel, bigger tires
and needs a bigger parking space.
The list goes on and on. We finally
found a client that values these issues
and really is going the extra mile. Its not
that difficult when the client has given the
designer veto power in the selection, assembly
and configuration of materials for their new home. This
simple act is key—it allows us to evaluate the entire
project and pre-select elements that are smart. The
material and system results are impressive: One of
the region’s first hydronic heating and cooling systems,
ground source thermal heat transfer system that
heats the swimming pool, solar and heat reflective
window glass, thermal-break foundation insulation system, radiant pool deck heating transfer system, optical
skylight system, low voltage lighting systems, recycled
wood sheathing, engineered structural wood products,
linoleum natural floor covering, recycled fiber carpet
and padding, bamboo hardwood paneling/cabinets/
floors and trims, low VOC paints, masonry unit veneer
(instead of imported stone), landscape shading and a
host of other elements. Materials and systems are
important but fundamental was the prime consideration of site, climate and an appropriate response to
each—this may seem so basic as to avoid mention
but consider that the designer is the final arbiter of a
design’s environmental impact. The materials and the
design were optimized for Olympic level performance.
If you don’t believe it—we will compete with any other
similar sized house on the track anytime!
DESIGN
SOLUTION
