A mountain home proves that ecological design and good architecture are not mutually exclusive, nor necessarily mutually beneficial, but are in fact one and the same
Berkeley based Arkin Tilt Architects is an award-winning firm specializing in energy and resource efficient design. Their design for this mountain home on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada mountain range responds to the rugged sloped site and house is virtually energy independent. The design was given a Green Project Award in 2005 2005 by the AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE).
Built using alternative construction techniques, solar technologies and salvaged materials, the house is arranged around a shaded courtyard which serves as the point of entry and provides outdoor space protected from both the summer sun and the winter winds. The structure appears to grow organically out of the site with a planted roofs emerging from grade to cover the garage and guest wing. The main portion of the house rises up from the site with varied roof planes reminiscent of the mountains forms beyond. The house is oriented not only to frame dramatic views of the Carson Valley, but also take advantage of passive solar gain and natural ventilation.
Firm: Arkin Tilt Architects
Link: AIA/COTE - Eastern Sierra House
Construction is primarily of straw bale with an earthen finish which used soil from the site, metal roofing and slatted cement-board siding. Salvaged materials such as airplane flap sun-shades and a railroad track trellis supported by ore-cart wheels provide interesting details tied to the area’s history.
