The design of C-6433 represents a holistic methodology for a modern interpretation of traditional building typologies that is married with an ecological, sustainable approach to high-performance architecture. Formally, the design was driven by distinctiveness and reduction, with the architectural solution reflecting an archetypical, regional and formally honest shelter that derives its power from its integration into the specific Genius Loci. Topography, access, light conditions, passive solar heat gain and landscape views became the driving factors for this 4-person plus mother-in-law residence and retreat from busy everyday life for the client, who is a collector of larger-scale photographs. 

Located at 7,000’ (2.130 m) elevation in Pinebrook, Park City, C-6433 is carefully anchored into a south-facing slope on one of only few remaining lots of a 1960s subdivision. It opens up to views to the east and south. The overall building mass is divided into three elements that reflect the surrounding building scale and house distinct functions: the ‘West House‘ with the common space: kitchen, living and dining, and the private mother-in-law apartment for the client’s parents on the ground floor; the East House with the private bedrooms for the family, and the central Glass House, which houses the vertical circulation and acts as a spatial connector. 

With an optimized compact building mass, highly insulated walls and European high-performance, tilt-turn and fixed triple-pane windows, the building was designed to the Passive to Active House strategy, aiming at 80% efficiency over the build-to-code standard and incorporating all means of Passive House design. Up to 90% of the building’s electric energy consumption will be offset by a 6 kWh photovoltaic system. 

C-6433 was developed into construction document level, including all structural and engineering drawings and a building permit ready to be delivered to the local jurisdiction. The project adhered to all applicable zoning and code requirements and obeyed all CC&R requirements. However, the Pinebrook Home Owner Association stopped its further implementation, stating no specific reason for doing so. At this point the client decided not having an HOA dictating a building's design and performance and withdrew from the project.

Project Blackboard: 

Design: 2015-2016

Building size: 3,300 SF

Lot size: 1.6 acre

Anticipated direct construction cost at time of design: $850,000 / $265 per SF

Designed to Passive House to Active House Standard and Site Net Zero Energy Consumption with appropriate PC array

Architecture and Energy Performance Simulation: Atelier Jörg Rügemer

Client: J. Climaco, Park City

Structural Engineer: LR Nelson, Salt Lake City / Las Vegas

Contractor: Ivory Homes, Eric Yergensen, Salt Lake City

Photo credits: Atelier Jörg Rügemer