This Urban Arts project challenged us to not only produce beautiful form but also to design sustainably in the desert. These images show the transition to design development from the schematic design stage. We used computer modelling to place roofs and design screens to maximize shading during hot periods, to in colder periods direct sunlight at areas of high thermal mass, and to maximize the output of solar panels. This house is carefully positioned to draw air over a small pool (which doubles as a back up reservoir) to cool itself, and plays with the inside outside relationship as it embraces its environment.
