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Wall House

The site is located on an active alluvial fan constrained both by debris flow and avalanche hazards. The design integrates a required fourteen-foot-high debris/avalanche wall and minimizes its height by working in conjunction with excavation; the negative space and wall act together.

Wall House Diagram2
Wall House Diagram3
Wall House Site Plan
Wall House Section

Embracing the constraint, the wall is interpreted as a ‘living wall’ with space inside and on top of the wall, which also holds sculptural living pavilions oriented to sun and views.

The wall, executed in poured-in-place concrete, hints at its geological origins as it emerges from the earth. The pavilions are simple forms, executed in zinc, that contrast with the inherent complexities of the site. A circulation gallery accommodates the steep topography, allowing the pavilions to step independently in response to the fifty feet of grade change.

Completed

Unbuilt

Location

Pitkin County, Colorado

Project Size

8,250 SF

35 Acres

Primary Scope

Architecture and Interior Architecture

Primary Materials

Cast in-place Concrete and Zinc

Awards

AIA Colorado | Citation Award

AIA Colorado West | Citation Award

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