DRAFT: This module has unpublished changes.

Sean Lorenz

 

Eames House – Site Analysis

 

 Understanding the surroundings and environment can create a foundation for design and concept that a building can encompass. Analyzing the site and its characteristics can do may things to a project, it can hide, emphasis, cultivate, change, uplift, improve, and even compliment things within the project. A major clue that can metastasize is that together one can determine what opportunities or challenges that may arise before construction even starts. A well throughout site analysis can give the potential building its personality and become a truly original innovation that could have been created from the understanding of this particular plot of land. I believe that the Eames House captured this aspect flawlessly, by not only incorporating materials that complete both the land and structural design of the building but it effortlessly compliments the surrounding nature of the land. Creating a unique relationship between interior and exterior.

The house was built on three-acres overlooking a 150-foot cliff over the Pacific Ocean. It is a secluded flat parcel contained by steep undulating hills that creates a natural retaining wall on the west. The solution to these conditions was to place two boxes unified by a courtyard garden generating the parti for the Eames House. The two cubes create different spaces for used for different functions. One volume is the residence and the partnering volumes is a functioning studio for arts. The structural components are composed of simple steel framing and K-Joists creating the integrity of the roof. Alternating panels of solid and transparent material was used to create lighting during the day and allow a shifting characteristic within the interior.

            The intention of my case study on site anaylsis and the influence it had on the aspects of the Eames House is understand how materiality, spaceal relationships and the surround environment can all be brought together to create something as unique as this project. What the thought process of Charles Eames was and how they came to the conclusion that would best justify the reasoning behind what soon became the Eames House.

DRAFT: This module has unpublished changes.