| Photos & Links: | (Web Page 1) |
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| Purpose(s): | UnBuilt |
| Completed: | 2008-10 |
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| Contractors: | Structural Engineer: Mendenhall Smith |
| Architectural Elements: | - limited waste construction repetition (prefab) - raised floor to allow cooling breezes below - in-floor heating & cooling - cross ventilation - daylighting into each space - solor domestic & radiant water heating - solar power generation - minimal site impact - no additional landscape, site is kept native |
| Description: | "...Art in a place where it seemingly shouldn't be..." William Fox The site for the artist residences sits between Rhyolite, a vestige of what was once the largest town in Nevada, and the edge of Death Valley. This is where Belgian artist Albert Szukalski, inspired by the relative desolation of the area, took up residence and created his unique land-based artwork "The Last Supper". With Albert's death in 2000, the land was endowed to a non-profit organization to continue his interests. Phase 1 of this project provides working studios for artists seeking a unique creative experience. Construction of the studios (phase 1), as well as a common living area and shops (phase 2) minimizes site work and thus impact on the timeworn landscape by using insulated concrete panels cast off-site. A raised floor, suspended between the walls, allows cool night breezes to wick away heat gained during daylight hours. Structural elements and finished are left exposed to the dry Mojave air just as the relics of Rhyolite once were. This low-impact, low-tech approach, combined with technologies such as solar PV panels, solar heat collectors, shading devices, and radiant flooring provide a sustainable, off-grid workspace/dwelling relevant to this site. |
| Award(s) Won: | |
| Extra Note: | 2008 AIA Las Vegas “Unbuilt Las Vegas”. AIA Nevada Design Awards (2007) Entry No. UB07055, Submission. UNLV Architecture Studies Library holds: Form Core Boards, Project Identification Form, Photo Release Form, Intern Compensation Disclaimer Form, Project Entry Form, Exteriors Photos, Site Plan, Floor Plans, Interior Photos and CD |