Ezine Special
By Savitha Hira
Photographs: Courtesy Olson Kundig Architects
Ar. Jim Olson’s residential dwelling in a Californian hillside exudes
his archetypal communiqué with site and surrounding, climate and culture…
“Peacefulness and harmony are radical in today’s world
because they have become so rare. I want to bring harmony and love of nature
back as an everyday experience.” says Ar. Jim Olson as he talks about the ongoing
design of a 4 acre site in a residential neighborhood on a Californian hillside
with spectacular water and city views.
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“The house is intended to alternately nestle into the
terrain and float over it, extending out over the landscape on the downhill
side,” he explains. And this is because the neighbourhood has strict requirements protecting the views from the
existing homes.
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Home to a young active family with growing children
and changing needs, and a growing art collection of paintings and sculptures
that command requisite display areas, the design emphasizes on physical and
spiritual wellness, creating indoor and outdoor spaces for gatherings,
recreation and art. Oriented to capture views, harvest breezes for natural
ventilation, and take full advantage of the sun for interior day lighting, most
roof surfaces will have either a green roof or solar PV panels, reducing the
buildings’ environmental impact.
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Weaving it all into a harmonious whole, large areas of
glazing will engage daylight and views, while generous
roof overhangs will mitigate the summer sun. In terms of materials, there is an
extensive use of two types of limestone for cladding and paving; while a
variety of wood species are used in the interior on floors, ceilings and casework
to provide warmth and variety in the palette.
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Once again, the veteran architect designs a timeless
structure that unifies landscape, architecture, furniture and art into one
integrated expression. It is grand and elegant, but it is also understated and
natural. “It takes a lifetime to learn how to do this successfully,” he
concludes.
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Garner
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