Guinovart Florensa Residence / Cadaval & Sol-Morales

Architects: Cadaval & Sol-Morales Location: Canejan, Vall dAran, Spain Collaborators: Mariona Viladot, Alex Molla, Pernilla Johansson Proyect Year: 2004 2010 Proyect Area: 350 sqm Promotor: Biollar TGN, sl Constructor: Ballarn Gabs Guilln SL Structures: Carles Gelp Arquitecte Photos: Santiago Garcs The project seeks to recuperate the construction values of an old existing vernacular house which was made out of dry stone, a traditional technique of the area of great tectonic value. However the distinctive attributes inherent to this construction technique (compactness, massiveness, minimum openings, obscure interiors, weight) deny the extraordinary environment where it is located: on top of a mountain, with views to 2 different valleys that are faced by the two only faades of the house. The project elaborates on a series of interior horizontal partitions that are supported by two vertical containers that behave both as structural elements and as divisions of the continuous spaces. Those vertical elements generate vertical continuity within the overall house, and even allow to eventually transform it into two independent homes. But more than any other thing the project places on top of the last slab a vast continuous roof made out of two planes that in their intersection generate a long sore that enables the view of the summit of the mountain from the interior; the roof doesnt rest directly on top of the stone wall, so a second continuous longitudinal sore is created, permitting incredible views to the valley. The definition of the section of the roof is the definition of the character of the main space of the house.

Pine Forest Cabin / Balance Associates Architects

In order to meet the clients budget goals, an efficient plan and cost effective selection of building materials reduced construction costs and led to the simple box design. The use of sheet materials both inside and out maximized material efficiency while emphasizing the simplicity of the cabins form. Architect: Balance Associates Architects Location: Winthrop, Washington, USA Project Team: Tom Lenchek AIA, Principal; Lauren Tindall Crocco AIA, Project Architect

Structural Engineer: Harriott Smith Valentine Engineers General Contractor: The Patterson Company Project Year: 2007 Project Area: 850 sqf Photographs: Steve Keating Photography Two concrete walls cradle the box and allow it to cantilever over the hillside, reducing effective site disturbance. Elevating the cabin allowed for unobstructed views down slope and to the mountains beyond, transforming a modest living space from ordinary room to a viewing platform that extends from inside to out. This project demonstrates Balance Associates Architects belief that architecturally interesting solutions can be achieved for budgets of all sizes without sacrificing quality or aesthetics.

Wintergreen Cabin / Balance Associates Architects

Wintergreen Cabin is a 1,600 sqf cabin built into a steep hillside overlooking a stream with a view to the mountains in the distance. The cabin is anchored into the hill with a concrete base that contains the garage and other utility spaces. The upper floor houses all of the living areas. The south side of the cabin is a single space containing the living/dining/kitchen with large window walls on 3 sides. Decks cantilever off of the concrete base on three sides and allow views into the stream below. Facing east, the master suite opens out to the stream ravine with glass sliding pocket doors. Architects: Balance Associates Architects Location: Methow Valley, Washington, USA Project Team: Tom Lencheck AIA, Principal; Timothy Posey, Project Architect Project Area: 1,613 sqf Project Year: 2005 Structural Engineers: Fred Cooley, F L Cooley & Associates General Contractor: Bjornsen Construction Photographs: Steve Keating Photography The form of the cabin is divided into two primary shapes separating the public and private areas of the cabin. The public areas of the living, dining and kitchen take shape as a glass box opening out to the view and decks. To further accentuate the glass box, the structural frame is pulled to the exterior of the glass wall allowing the walls to be primarily glass. Large roof overhangs provide protection to the glass wall from both the elements and direct sunlight in the summer months. The private areas are recessed into to hillside and are more solid in massing. They also have smaller windows and lower ceiling heights. The interstitial space contains the entry, vertical circulation and a small office. A large continuous shed roof gathers the three spaces into one form.