Skip to content
Mu01 Ostal unifamilial by Arshia Mahmoodi

Mu01 Ostal unifamilial by Arshia Mahmoodi is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2024 A' Design Award de Fèrre in Arquitectura Competition Category.


FèrreArquitectura· 2024

Mu01 Ostal unifamilial

by Arshia Mahmoodi

Client: Arshia Architects

A' Design Award de Fèrre Winner in Arquitectura Category

Colors

Email this page

The Design

About Mu01 Ostal unifamilial

MU01 es un ostal unifamilial concebut per un site en pendís près de Mulholland Drive a Los Angeles. L'ostal cobrís 160 mètres carrats, amb una estructura sosterranha de 158 mètres carrats, sus una parcèla de 722 mètres carrats. Una forma bisectada seguís los contorns de la cresta e manten lo bastiment bas de perfil. L'accès es provesit per un tunèl, çò que suprimís la necessitat d'una entrada veïculara disruptiva e protegís la topografia naturala. L'aiga de pluèja es collectada per la plantacion nativa, mentre que sistèmas geotermics e panèls fotovoltaïcs provesisson l'energia.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award de Fèrre

Mu01 Ostal unifamilial a ganhat la distincion A' Design Award de Fèrre, una reconeissença prestigiosa acordada a de bons designs que respondon a las exigéncias professionalas e industrialas esperadas de creacions plan concebudas. Los ganhaires del Fèrre demòstran una granda abilitat, una nauta especializacion, una comprenedura d'expèrt e la capacitat creativa de lors creators. S'espèra que Mu01 Ostal unifamilial siá una creacion fòrça considerada, admirada e estimada, practica e innovanta. Aqueste design ganhaire de la distincion A' Design Award de Fèrre integra las melhoras practicas del sector e a de caracteristicas tecnicas competentas ligadas a un saber-far e a un talent. Per son rigor, Mu01 Ostal unifamilial merita lo respècte e es destinat a aportar de melhoraments a la qualitat de la vida que ajudan a far del mond un luòc melhor.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties
Proposed is a 160 m² single-family home with 158 m² subterranean structure on a 722 m² upslope near Mulholland Drive, LA. Emphasizing preserving natural topography, the design integrates a bisected form and tunnel access, blending with the ridge's landscape. This approach maintains aesthetics, eliminating a disruptive driveway, safeguarding the land's beauty.
Dimensions & Packaging
Building size is approximately 28.98M X 17.40M X 4.57M (15M including garage subterranean structure)
Tags
Sustainable dwelling, Natural integration, Ridge preservation, Tunnel access, Eco-friendly design, Geothermal heating, Rainwater harvesting, Native landscaping, Environmental standards
Production Technology
Incorporate advanced construction for the tunnel access and precise placement to protect the escarpment's topography. Use eco-friendly materials like local wood and recycled steel. Integrate geothermal systems for energy efficiency, and promote natural airflow with narrow massing. Install photovoltaic panels for self-sustaining power and implement rainwater harvesting for native landscaping, supporting biodiversity.
Design Challenge
Integrating the dwelling with the ridge's topography while preserving its natural beauty posed challenges. Innovative solutions like a unique tunnel access met strict engineering codes for earthquake safety. Our construction methodology preserved the hillside, ensuring minimal intrusion. Despite hurdles, meticulous planning achieved a harmonious blend of architecture and nature, setting new standards for sustainable housing.
Research
Our focus is on environmentally sustainable housing design. Architects and engineers employ GIS, architectural green software, and other tools for site analysis, landscape integration, and sustainable practices. Through iterative modifications, the resulting design becomes a model for aesthetically pleasing, eco-friendly dwellings that seamlessly blend with the landscape in the modern world.
Inspiration
Natural Harmony: Picture the dwelling nestled into the upslope, its bisected form gently following the contours of the land. A tunnel, almost hidden, offers passage to the low-profile building atop the ridge. The design seamlessly merges with nature, preserving the land's beauty and serenity.
Sustainable Sanctuary: Imagine a home that not only harmonizes with nature but actively contributes to its preservation. Rainwater collected from the building nourishes native plants, creating a lush, biodiverse landscape. Geothermal heating and solar panels provide energy efficiency while minimizing environmental impact.
Ridge Retreat: Envision standing on the ridge, surrounded by panoramic views of the Mulholland Scenic Corridor. The compact, unobtrusive design ensures that the public can continue to enjoy this natural vista. Fauna roam freely, and native flora thrives, creating a sanctuary for both residents and wildlife.
Innovative Integration: Consider the ingenuity of the tunnel access, offering a unique entrance to the dwelling while preserving the ridge's integrity. The design exemplifies thoughtful, sustainable architecture, demonstrating how human habitation can coexist harmoniously with the natural landscape.
Environmental Excellence: Visualize the home as a beacon of environmental stewardship, setting high standards for sustainable living. With all-electric systems, cross-ventilated massing, and photovoltaic electricity, it serves as a model for eco-friendly living in the modern world.
Project Duration
The proposed project consists of a small single family dwelling, on an upslope escarpment protruding from Mulholland Drive towards the Los Angeles basin isolated by a power transmission corridor. The design process started in OCT, 2022 and is currently under review by the design review board and the estimated date of completion is 12/01/2024.
Operation Flow
The house is accessed through a unique tunnel, preserving the landscape. Its design fits naturally into the ridge, with a low-profile structure. This prioritizes public views and allows wildlife to move freely. Rainwater is collected for native plants, and eco-friendly systems like geothermal heating are used, ensuring sustainability.
Patents
Copyrights belong to Arshia Architects, 2023
Team Members
Design Principal: Arshia Mahmoodi
Image Credits
Image #1 : Rendering Arshia Architects, Exterior view, 2023;
Image #2 : Rendering Arshia Architects, Exterior view, 2023;
Image #3 : Rendering Arshia Architects, Living room, 2023;
Image #4 : Rendering Arshia Architects, Exterior view, 2023;

Sponsored

Explore Beyond Designers.org

Discover products, services and opportunities from our advertising partners.

Good Design Deserves Great Recognition

Nominate Your Work for the A' Design Award.

Nominate