La Espina | Max Vasher

La Espina rests along a southwest facing ridge with challenging but exciting geography, geology, and vistas. This project exemplifies how a challenging site can be advantageous to creative design. The processual changing of the sun throughout the seasons is calculated into the design of the south facing overhangs and associated windows to take advantage of the ppassive heating and cooling oportunities of the region. The building is characterized by a large central green space (green spine) that continues the natural climb of the grade of the hill and eventually provides a rooftop view of the surrounding high desert mountain region. The earth filled central spine of the house insulates the central interior walls naturally with no need for further insulation. The central green spine also divides the public and private areas of the house with a green space within as well as above the house.