Project: Baja Residence
Location: Costa Cardonal eco-development near Mulege, Baja, Mexico
Region: Shoreline along the Sea of Cortez in Baja California

Climate:
Desert (3 to 4 inches of rain per year), hot, high sun angles, light cooling breezes off the Sea of Cortez and hot winds from the low mountains to the northwest.

Context:
A small ecology-sensitive beachfront community in Punto Chivato near Mulege, Baja California. The site has generous views to the east overlooking the Sea of Cortez.

Brief Description:
Single family home for two artists who seek a climate-responsive home. The home has been designed with an open plan for a casual lifestyle. The artist’s studios have a degree of separation from the main living area. The staggered roofs shade the interior of the home from the direct sun and facilitate natural lighting and cross-ventilation. Rooftop sleeping porches, a covered outdoor dining room, and extensive trellis along the south side of the home enable year around connectivity with the outdoors.

Guiding Metaphor:
A self-sufficient Land Boat.

Structural Systems:
Sand-based systems: concrete block walls, concrete and tile floors, and poured-in-place concrete roofs.

Green Features: 
100% on-site electrical generation and storage, septic system, rainwater harvesting, gray water re-use, local materials, natural ventilation, internal thermal mass, and natural daylighting.

Other Noteworthy Features:
A partially covered sunroof over the master bedroom for outstanding views of the Sea of Cortez, stargazing, and sleeping outdoors beneath the light of the moon. Scheduled for completion in summer 2006.