Edgeland Residence by Bercy Chen Studio is an interesting approach to modern house design in that it utilizes the Native American Pit House concept.
A Pit House is typically sunken in the ground taking advantage of the earth’s thermal changes and shelter to offer regulated temperatures. We featured the Wells Underground House a while back that also incorporated this concept.
The Edgeland Residence modernizes the Pit House in that it uses the earth’s shelter in conjunction with high performance systems such as the integrated hydronic HVAC system. The architects explain that the mechanical system “combines hydronic heating & cooling, geothermal heat exchange, phase-change thermal heat storage and a green roof for maximum energy efficiency. The project also features a smart pool that provides an additional thermal mass that ties into the geothermal system.”
I like the division of space – it feels like a grand entrance when you arrive at the home, and separate houses while living there. The central opening allows for cross breezes and circulation as well as sunlight.
[via Contemporist]
roland on 02.13.2013 at 05:48 AM
wow, impressive!
peter on 02.17.2013 at 23:17 PM
the photos are interesting but it’s hard to tell if it actually works as a house. where it is located? how does the user move between the two volumes? why is the house divided?
oliver on 02.27.2013 at 15:34 PM
hoho, thats what i call a house :)