Sanjay Gangal Sanjay Gangal is the President of IBSystems, the parent company of AECCafe.com, MCADCafe, EDACafe.Com, GISCafe.Com, and ShareCG.Com.
Tresarca in Las Vegas, Nevada by assemblageSTUDIO
September 2nd, 2016 by Sanjay Gangal
Article source: assemblageSTUDIO
Nevada is a state of two worlds, one of glitz and glamour on the Las Vegas Strip which seeks to transplant imagery from around the globe to mesmerize the minds of 40 million tourists. While the latter develops its architecture from local materials, whose vernacular represents function over form.
At Tresarca, the materials develop a layering of mass as you move from the basement to the private realm. Each layer is representational of the stratification of the nearby Red Rock Mountains. Change of materials provides the variety of textures associated with the rock formations. Crevices between the masses form an oasis where landscape and water cool the space. The mesh screen provides both a protection from the harsh sun on the interior spaces and a play of shadows among the forms.
Blurring of the line between inside and out has been established throughout this home. Space is not determined by the enclosure but through the idea of space extending past perceived barriers into an expanded form of living indoors and out. Even in this harsh environment, one is able to enjoy this concept through the development of exterior courts which are designed to shade and protect. Reminiscent of the crevices found in our rock formations where one often finds an oasis of life in this environment.
If we are to develop an architectural form which respects our specific environment, we must understand how the early occupants of this place connected to the land. We need to acknowledge their handing of materials and form. This understanding provides a basis for an architecture that is not solely based on advanced technologies but on a passive approach that respects this place. Tresarca was developed around a simple expression of forms and materials, influenced by the textures and shadowing of our environment. Through a separation of forms there are opportunities for protected courtyards, cross circulation and indirect daylighting. The glamour and glitz of the Las Vegas skyline has been substituted with purpose.
The design principle was simple…how do you design an environment which encourages the family to live outside when it is 110 degrees? The project started with an analysis of the textures from our natural environment, geological formations and the resulting crevices created. These findings translate into a project separated into simple overlapping forms which create courtyards to inhabit. Spaces in between become the most important. Space becomes an extension of indoor and outdoor use blurring the line between. The courtyards become the oasis’ of family life in 110 degree weather. Cooled through the presence of water, natural convection and recession, family life is present year round. The upper volume is surrounded by an outer mesh screen which shades itself. The mesh is held away from the outer wall to enable the escape of heat. Filtered indirect light is allowed to penetrate the space while the gap between screen and wall act as a heat chimney.
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