Chun Shen Chiang Architect

This project was tasked by an environmentally conscious client to design a large architectural estate that achieves "Net-Zero" while minimizing its impact on the hillside location. Our vision involved creating a series of folded "skins" that protect the building from natural elements. These skins incorporate photovoltaic panels and shades of the building's vision glass, mirroring the natural topography of the Transverse Range Santa Ynez Range in the Santa Barbara foothills. The design prioritizes long-term resilience, anticipating the effects of global climate change, including droughts and resource scarcity. A robust structural skeleton supports the building, allowing it to cantilever over the untouched landscape, while the base is anchored into the site and features extensive stormwater and graywater collection systems.