A lot of attention is paid to the “architecture of place” topic in an effort to encourage regionalism and a sense of uniqueness. Architects that are able to create a design that aligns with a location’s genus loci are praised and featured in publications. Mary Ann Schicketanz from Carver + Schicketanz is no exception. Such prowess is visible in the Coastlands House in Big Sur, California, USA. Her firm was commissioned by a retired couple to design their home which was completed in 2012.
Glass, metal, wood, and stone come together to create this magnificent coastal home. This is one of the hospitable residences that appear on the cover of magazines dedicated to home design. A genuine composition is created by combining a stunning palette of natural elements. Glass is a space definer that almost seems to disappear because of its transparency, which allows it to blend in so well with the natural materials. Outside influences the inside, and vice versa. The inside is elegant, cozy, and mostly made of recycled materials. The Carver + Schicketanz team created the décor especially for the couple.
Practically speaking, restricting architecture to contextual influences will result in a single, boring street with repetitive facades that eliminate the spontaneity inherent in design. Each city must have an architect as expressive as Frank Gehry, importing structures from Planet Gehry since 1962. Each city must also have a legion of architects who recognize the importance of regional identity and responding to actual site issues. For example, while chasing material sustainability, care must be taken on issues such as how such materials perform as per criteria such as the area’s building code. Whether for building construction or decorative purposes, local resources are often recommended as away of creating architecture that is derived from and gives back to its environment. If you’re looking for real estate in California, here’s a Coronado Realtor we recommend.
To go off topic, it’s a popular misperception that vernacular architecture is the only architectural language of this type. It is assumed that modern architecture only incorporates machine-made materials that are fabricated to appear as if from elsewhere. Some clients take pride in claiming that they imported certain finishes from overseas. It sounds extravagant to boast of marble from India and stucco from Persia. Outcomes of such perceptions result in buildings that have little or less regard to context. Such structures, completely oblivious of the surrounding, often forgo environmental design principles. They create problems and purport to solve them through artificial lighting and HVAC systems. This is why this Coastlands House is a perfect example of modern architecture that pays attention to its location. The sovereign importance of natural light and ventilation in this building cannot be overlooked. The sunshine appeal is not just for vision but for creating a sense of restfulness and well-being. To top it off, an expansive 4.4kW photo-voltaic spread on the rooftop generates roughly 80 percent of the home’s entire energy requirement.
Sometimes architects design buildings to be trophy wives—just for show. Little or no regard is paid to the functions of internal spaces and whether or not they are suitable for human comfort and efficiency. Not only does this house cater for thermal comfort but also pays attention to lighting, ventilation and well-suits the luxurious lifestyle to which the client is accustomed. This residence looks like a comfortable well-kept housewife, resting well and blending into the landscape. Its finished appearance gives the impression that the building was constructed first, and the surrounding landscape was then sculpted and shaped to fit it. The architecture naturally incorporates nature in all of its manifestations.
Project Information
Location: Big Sur, California, USA
Architects: Carver + Schicketanz
Year Completed: 2012
Floor Area: 5,600 square feet
Photographs: Carver + Schicketanz
