Residence
Carmel, California
This recent project was basically an “audition” for a prospective client. The owner desired to build a 3,500 to 4,500 sqft. residence on a separate lot adjacent to their present house in the hills above and to the east of Carmel. The project site had a fairly uniform down-sloping character with broad views of the Monterey Bay beyond to the north and west.
The owner clearly articulated requirements for maximum seismic strength, lateral (wind) strength, and fire resistance and has indicated an interest in materials that best achieve such results—cast-in-place concrete, masonry, steel, etc.
The owner also outlined a program to pursue integration of alternative strategies (systems and materials) that can generate and/or conserve energy, as well as those chosen via criteria relevant to minimizing impacts upon health and environment. There will be opportunities to incorporate water conservation strategies as well.
Three alternative designs were prepared and presented to the owner. All were intended to constructed of concrete that would be integrally colored a natural earthtone and sandblasted to expose the color aggregate, have “living roofs” planted with compact clumping grasses and sedums, as well as a hydronic system of radiant floor heat embedded within integrally colored concrete slab floors.
