Palo Alto Eichler

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Other Projects by Noel Cross Architects

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Los Gatos

Palo Alto Eichler

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Noel Cross Architects

Vitruvius’ timeless definition has purposely been reversed, in order to demonstrate how I believe the world truly perceives any work of architecture. The emotion of “Delight” is arguably the first of the three that we as humans experience, and quite involuntarily. The concepts of “Commodity” and “Firmness”, while critical, are only realized to their fullest extent by the clients’ long term habitation, to a much lesser extent by guests, and to the occasional passersby perhaps not at all.Delight . . .To embrace context and existing fabric in this South Palo Alto Eichler neighborhood is for most architects a given. Yet something about this uniform and tired looking pocket of the “Circles” district called for something more. A new spark - serving to elevate and inspire the next evolutionary step of this classic and economically built mid-century modern aesthetic. Liberal use of simple geometric forms, bold colors, and common materials crisply detailed honor these timeless traditions, yet also impart a lively, exciting and uplifting “new” sense of place. The use of strong horizontal roof forms and window fenestrations, and fine grained materials respect the context of the Eichler neighbors and thoughtfully acknowledges his simple architecture, but also re-invents a new direction for this transitional neighborhood on the cusp of it’s reincarnation. The low horizontal roof lines demonstrate sensitivity to those of the neighbors, yet build to a crescendo in the center of the composition, which makes possible the passive ventilation and day-lighting techniques central to the home’s (and our culture’s) newly evolved “sustainable personality”. Commodity . . . Originally conceived by the client as a two story home, the architect worked closely with the clients to reduce the program square footage by almost 20%, minimizing the environmental footprint from the outset. The original Eichler slab foundation was salvaged and the radiant slab heating system revived after many years of non-use. 4x12 roof beams and 2x6 roof decking salvaged from the original home were re-used in the new ceiling design. Aluminum grating was inventively (and economically) used as suspended brise soleil to protect west facing glazing and provide a rear yard patio cover. Simple, clean aluminum corner extrusions crisply connect and define the stucco, grooved plywood, and Hardi-Plank siding materials. Engineered bamboo flooring, mahogany plywood veneer interior wall panels, and maple cabinetry are all FSC Certified, and contribute both to the contemporary aesthetic and it’s sustainable mandate. Firmness . . . The design recognizes the clients’ firm desire for the project to be as energy efficient and as green as possible. Extensive day-lighting throughout the home is achieved with high East-facing clerestory windows placed in all major rooms, resulting in an abundance of natural light throughout. The clients report rarely having to turning on any lights during daylight hours. 2x6/R-21 exterior wall construction, cool roof/radiant barrier sheathing, recycled cotton (from blue jean waste) insulation, Tyvek house wrap, and low e windows are all expected components of an economical and energy efficient building envelope, but the real “Energy Stars” are the passive solar design elements. Extensive interior mass via the existing concrete slab foundation (with new slab edge insulation), careful attention to overhang lengths, brise soleil at West-facing glass to control heat gain, and natural/passive ventilation via high windows in the central tower element, all are significant contributors to the structure’s superior energy efficiency, resulting in the ability to omit the HVAC system that plague the roofs of so many of the neighbors. Required by Palo Alto, the project scored a 206 Green Point Rating, with more than half the points attributed to scoring 53% above Title 24 requirements.

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Palo Alto Eichler

Other Projects by Noel Cross Architects

Los Gatos

Palo Alto Eichler

Product Spec Sheet

Collaborating Firms

Team