ARCHITECTS FOCUS
ANX PLACES ZINC AND WOOD VOLUME OVERLOOKING THE SIERRA PELONA MOUNTAINS
ANX / Aaron Neubert Architects
Weary from years of two-hour work commutes , the project owners engaged ANX to develop a new residence within a mile of their Southern California manufacturing company ’ s facility and offices . Interested in maintaining a similar connection to the land as their current residence , an undeveloped rugged sandstone terrain , bisected by a dry river and dotted with native yucca , oak , sagebrush , and beavertail cactus , was selected as the site for the new home .
In response to the challenge of creating spaces to view , measure , and engage with the diversity of the surrounding semi-arid landscape , the Arroyo Oak House is open and transparent , immersed in natural light , and visually integrated with the surrounding Sierra Pelona Mountains . Optimizing the connection to this unique topography , multiple interlocking program-specific pavilions are oriented across the site . The placement and overlap of these pavilions result in varying scales of gardens , terraces , and decks , encouraging landscape elements to literally and perceptually permeate the home ’ s interior .
Upon approach , an elevated , horizontally-clad zinc volume is presented , both transparent to focus attention on the distant ridgelines , and semi-reflective to capture the impression of the clouds . Entering below the elevated mass and into the living level , primary apertures located on the perimeter and secondary fissures between the pavilions collage distinct mountain and sky views . Split-level interior spaces expand into exterior terraces , collapsing the domestic environment upon the rural landscape .
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