This building is a study in blending passive solar design-through architectural systems for regulating sunlight-with stylistic contemporary architecture.
The freestanding sun canopy acts as a solar regulator while providing dramatic visual effects. In winter, the sun's lower, narrower arc fills the space with light and warmth. In summer, direct sunlight is almost entirely screened from the room: The horizontal canopy blocks the high midday sun; finlike concrete columns mask the sun's lower, more oblique rays during the hot afternoons.
The main room has a dramatic 500 square feet of south-facing glazing, yet thanks to the sun canopy and natural cross-ventilation the building remains comfortable even on this interior valley's hot summer days.
Click thumbnails to view project photos.
