ArchEarth

Natural Building

Green Architecture

RAIN WOOD HOUSE This is the latest project from Archearth in 2007.This Home was designed for a tropical region. It is a 1200 square foot Post and Pier residential structure. The Site has about a 300 ft +/- drop over the 64 Acre property. There is a year round river at the bottom of the property, a year round creek along the side and one seasonal creek on the other. And a mountain on top.

1. Sustainable Design Features:

• • Rain Harvest Collection System.
  • Harris Hyroturbine for on site power production.
  • Organic Garden sustained by Grey Water System.
  • Passive Cooling System.
  • Lateral & Seismic Bracing and Holdown Anchor System.
  • Aero-dynamic shape for less wind resistance.
  • No off gassing Material and alternative material choices.
  • Minimal use of concrete
    • Concrete acts as a heat sinks in tropical environments, this increases in higher air conditioner use, resulting in higher energy consumption.
    • Concrete has a high embodied engery rating. (Concrete has embodied energy in it to first, mine it, transport it, process it, “burn the lime stone” , package it, store it, deliver it, and mix it at the site.)

1. Design and Flow

• • Building site location:
    • Sited on a cool air current, cascading down the valley of the year-round creek.
    • Placed in a flat pasture area for easy access for construction and livability.
    • Placed between flanking ridge and forest for wind protection and privacy.
  • Open Courtyard with central water feature:
    • Promotes natural light and air flow inside the interior space.
    • Provides a central gathering place and connection between all spaces within the house.
    • Provides a sitting area for personal reflection and meditation.
    • Provides a relaxing sound of cascading water and connection with the landscape and weather patterns.
  • Open floor plan layout of Kitchen and Hammock Area:
    • Promotes personal freedom to change the floor plan without compromising the structural integrity of the building.
  • Custom shower with Chinese pebble rock floor:
    • Promotes blood circulation and inner ear balance.
  • Built-in benches and book cases:
    • Provides personal storage, showcases, and niche intergrated into the space.
  • Open Deck
    • The running water feature under 1″ structural glass at the floor decking and cascade waterfall at the edge creates a unique atmosphere. It provides a further connection with the land and personal inner peace.
    • Provides sun bathing area and Buena vista.
    • Doubles as Main Entrance.

• SECTION & DETAILS

• FLOOR PLAN

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Published by Trevor on January 29th, 2008 Tagged Alternative Building

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