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Article from issue 11/2004 »Approaches, Entrances, Foyers«

Holiday Home in California

Drafts
1:20 Horizontal and vertical section of lifting/folding shutters
1:250 Floor plan/Section

California is known for its hot, dry summers and forest fires. An orange farmer built this house for his two daughters and their families after the farm had been destroyed by such a fire. It has a mixed wood and steel structure to protect it from both fire and sun. Hence the largely glazed bungalow is surrounded by a second, aluminium skin, making it look closed from the outside, from which it is entered through a side entrance only. But the U-shaped building opens on to the inner courtyard along its whole length, with access to theprivate exterior space at every point. Much of the façade can be opened up; shutters are fitted where needed, projecting to screen the interiors even in hot sunshine.