studio 9

Since the 1960s, the notion of living ‘off the grid’ has been a regular point of reference for designers interested in reducing architectural dependence on non-renewable fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal. In 2020, this topic has seen renewed interest for a host of additional reasons- including the effects of the current global health crisis such as widespread loss of income, a desire to ‘distance’ from others, a distrust of existing power structures, and a broad dissatisfaction with the general direction of contemporary society. As architects, we tend to assume that we innately know what it means to live off the grid, but do we really? This studio will ask participants to explore these questions and to experiment with answers through the design of a fully self-sufficient residence for a rural site in Southern California. We will address issues of water, waste, food, energy and communications systems (among others) as well as aesthetics, materiality and constructability.

woodbury school of architecture

spring 2020

This off the grid house utilizes its design to work with the desert environment of Carrizo Plain. The house is near the center of the corner parcel to add a buffer from the street on the South-East and a wildlife corridor to the west. With the U-shaped layout of the project the center courtyard is protected from wind and directs all activity inwards. It features a double roof that provides protection from the sun, acts as the main structure for the house, and also holds up other energy systems. A trombe wall on the South-West corner of the home acts as additional structure and will collect heat during the day and release it later on. With the post and beam structure it allows for floor to ceiling glazing on the North and South faces of the main house, giving full views of Carrizo Plain.