Case Study Linda Taalman IT Bar Designs
Office : 2902 Rowena Ave., LA, CA 90039 Email : linda@taalmanarchitecture.com Tel. +1 213 380 1060
By Brian Cole
Arc 201 – Fall – ELAC
Professor Orhan Aayuce
One of the very first IT house installations. - IT Desert. Glass and aluminum as primary fabrication materials atop a cement slab. Fully off grid and solar powered. Built in 2009
Aluminum Extrusion Applications for IT House
The Yosemite IT house is the space I choose to feature. I feel a strong connection to the structure in the topography, the simplicity of the structure yet the off-grid sustainability. This project was nicknamed – The Tree View House Fabricated in 2016-2017
VIEWPOINT
OPEN RESTRICTED
IN ANALYZING THE VIEWS AND OPPOSITE VIEWS, I FIND THAT THE HOUSE IN FACT HAS LIMITED VIEWS THAT ARE SOUTH AND NORTH DOMINANT.
CLUSTERED AROUND AN ENTRY
AREAS OF ISOLATION AND PRIVACY SPACE FOR PEACEFUL PRIVATE MOMENTS OF REFLECTION AND VIEWS OF THE FOREST AROUND
EXIT EGRESS FOR EMERGENCY DEPARTURE Pg 222 3rd Edition Ching Architecture
PROCESS
Pros: -Rapid structural assembly – offsite prefabrication is huge. -Considerable adaptability to clients needs, ecology -Minimal install impact on site -Innovative floor heating systems -Channel and connect systems for wall panel and cementex exterior panels. -Experimentation with new photovoltaic glass panels and mini solar cell panels -All wood surfaces are reclaimed materials. -Each location is very precisely laid out for view and use of sun and light. Cons: -Almost all designs are rectilinear and orthogonal – Curves, peaks, and unusual shapes are not common if not avoided. -Infrastructure and utilities require a much more detailed assessment process during design. Installation is a bit more intricate and affects timelines. -The materials are extremely custom and process specific, and system assembly dedicated. -Not “off the shelf” in any way! -In models that are more of a minimal exterior and wall systems with primarily glass and metal structure, Heating and cooling is a top priority.
Personal Thoughts: - I particularly identify with the universal fabrication options that are presently being incorporated in the structures created. Seeing the structural capabilities and the ease of installation is very appealing. - The off-grid performance of the featured structure is extraordinary - using current and experimental technology. - Workforce can be decreased significantly as basic core construction processes are downplayed due to the technology. - Placement in the ecology was carefully orchestrated as to not disturb any trees or boulders. - Location on the topography in relation to the sun is key to the lighting and heating indexes. - The slope of roof line slightly mimics the downhill grade and water shed run off. - Certain models would/could be heat sensitive as well as privacy concerns. - The potential for reclamation and re-task of the structural materials is off the charts. - Custom constructs require custom maintenance. - Mass production is feasible if the costs can be significantly cheaper than a regular house construct.
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