Comments on: Guest House for an Anthropologist by Air Architecture

By: Richard

Richard — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 14:36:10 +0000

Ever hear of insulation in California? The sun is hot . This should be called Hot Box…..

By: anthropologist

anthropologist — Sat, 19 Jan 2008 10:15:43 +0000

I am the anthropologist referred to concerning the project. When my father passed away, my mother received some funds and decided to construct a work place for her son. Features of the space unfolded through discussion with Francois Perrin. The project is for 18 ft high color-coded shelves against a wall and wraps across to a loft. Materials from Taiwan, India, Sri Lanka, China, and the Pacific are arranged to catalog for studies related to the electronic cultural atlas initiative (ecai.org).

In terms of the interior - exterior situation, this research space from last summer to this winter remains very comfortable without heater or air conditioner. It uses a minimum of electricity powering a light bulb and Internet service. No mold, just dry. The exterior reflects UV light, and allows soft warmth in. In summer the two roof skylights open for circulating air. The structure is about two miles from the ocean providing a constant breeze.

It’s a good place to work.

By: revcrank

revcrank — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 23:49:22 +0000

I think they are pushing it with the “air” insulation. I’m not familiar with the climate there, but polycarbonate has a nasty habit of getting dirt, water, etc. into its cells. Depending on what they did at the joints, they may start to stain, as well as all the stuff mentioned before my post with condensation, etc. I understand the budget was tight, but I would think a better way to do it would be with a fastener-free standing seam polycaronate system and fill it with nanogel. It would probably make it translucent instead of transparant, but at least it would have a insulation instead of “air”

By: Urban

Urban — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 16:58:53 +0000

I like it because it reminds me of a fort or treehouse, and it’s a low budget project. Though I agree that I would add some more traditional comfy furniture to contrast the shed like finish and soften the lines (K. Rimane) Also, I believe that the wall system is vented, therefore acting like a trombe wall. So, in that case I wouldn’t be too worried about the condensation and mold issue. (floyd landis) but I agree that there would def be a code issue. My one main criticism is the brutal nature in which it connects to the adjacent structure…

By: Andrew

Andrew — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 14:51:18 +0000

California exactly… “air insulation”

Give me a break…and bare (porous) ply provided how much protection against moisture buildup in the walls? (as mentioned: floyd landis)

By: Gordon

Gordon — Mon, 14 Jan 2008 08:16:34 +0000

floyd,

it is in California dude,
likely in a part that does not require heating.
Sunshine will take care of any moisture . . .

By: r.n

r.n — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 23:12:47 +0000

This is only a curiosity…

By: Damfak

Damfak — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 22:39:16 +0000

Somehow the buiding feels like it´s not finished… there is not a visible conecction with what is inside… I´m not sure if I like it or not….

By: Alexandre

Alexandre — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 21:58:01 +0000

Très joli!

By: floyd landis

floyd landis — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 20:46:21 +0000

The only way this structure could get a permit is as an unheated pavillion due to energy code requirements. “Air” insulation does not meet the code for the simple reason that it doesn’t work. I would expect the wall cavities to fill with condensation and eventually mold. More crap from dezeen.