2008 Design Your Dwelling Competition

Last crawled date: 12 months ago

This modern home is conceived as a coastal, solar “battery” and sculptural container for living. Exterior walls, roof and floor slabs feature recycled aggregate concrete (RCA) made with locally reclaimed inorganic materials such as crushed concrete, masonry or brick. The exterior walls and roof are faced with photovoltaic panels fitted into geometric shapes repeating the patterns created across Crissy Field by the pedestrian paths. The solar membrane is interrupted only by low-e, glazed openings designed to maximize daylight and frame views of Golden Gate Bridge (Living Area), Alcatraz (Dining and Master), and the restored lagoon habitat (Kitchen and Guest). As a park landmark, the building visually terminates the crescent shape arrangement of existing buildings and simultaneously reads as a sculptural piece in the larger public context. Interior wall surfaces receive integrally colored plaster while the undersides of the concrete slabs are left exposed. Tiles and slabs containing recycled glass are used at all wet areas – kitchen counters, shower walls and bathroom floors. All other floors and built-ins are manufactured from reclaimed lumber from nearby sites. #Gil_Mendez_Design