"The Egg House"
Cathy Julian Residence
Orick, California USA

 
This project is an example of an individual who had
a definite image in mind but did not know if it were possible to build
according to her mind's vision. The owner, a writer and reflective philosopher,
has for many years been enamored with the egg shape, which is one of
nature's most structurally efficient and energy conservative designs.
The shape is especially appropriate given the site's vulnerability to
winds and possible earthquake. The shape minimizes materials use while
maximizing structural strength. It is a very aerodynamic shape with
a high strength-to-weight ratio while affording 360 views over this
spectacular site which is located on a steep hillside overlooking a
fresh water lagoon and the Pacific ocean about 100 meters distance from
the house. The owner wished to have a meditative, cozy and exuberant
place to work and live--a place that is both cavernous and intimate
in feeling. A continuous helical ramp circulates throughout the interior
periphery of the house and is expressed outwardly as a helical rain
trough to direct rainwater into a catch basin. This helical ramp also
acts as a structural reinforcing brace to reinforce the thin walls of
the building. Rainwater is purified and used as drinking water inside
the house. The ground level entrances are the most public and open onto
outdoor terraces and walkways to the hillside below.
  
An outdoor bathing tub and fireplace are located at
the lower terrace level. Center swivel doors form colored glass mural
passageways. The lower terrace structure is supported by an asymmetrical
catenary arch, which spans two small hills of the site. A generous sized
guest area occupies most of the ground level. An elevator can also be
used to stop between floors. All spaces beneath the helical ramps are
used for storage. The two upper levels contain the private office and
bedroom spaces. A large rotunda dome bathes the interior with natural
light. All of the interior ramps railings are made of steel rebar left
bare and sculpturally bent into finely proportioned works of art. Natural
light travels through the upper levels to reach the floors below. All
in all the spatial feeling is light and airy. The helical ramps define
the space yet brings ones eye outside beyond them. The house is at once
a flexible universe within yet extends itself outwards--a mutual and
poetic collaboration with nature on a breathtaking site for an extraordinary
individual.
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