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Mu01 Casa Unifamiliar by Arshia Mahmoodi

Mu01 Casa Unifamiliar by Arshia Mahmoodi is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2024 A' Design Award de Ferro in Design de Arquitetura, Edifícios e Estruturas Competition Category.


FerroArquitetura· 2024

Mu01 Casa Unifamiliar

by Arshia Mahmoodi

Client: Arshia Architects

A' Design Award de Ferro Winner in Arquitetura Category

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Verified Award Winner

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The Design

About Mu01 Casa Unifamiliar

MU01 é uma casa unifamiliar projetada para um terreno em aclive próximo à Mulholland Drive, em Los Angeles. A residência ocupa 160 metros quadrados, com uma estrutura subterrânea de 158 metros quadrados, em um lote de 722 metros quadrados. Uma forma bipartida acompanha os contornos da crista e mantém o edifício com perfil baixo. O acesso se dá por um túnel, o que elimina a necessidade de uma via de acesso veicular invasiva e protege a topografia natural. A água da chuva é coletada para irrigar a vegetação nativa, enquanto sistemas geotérmicos e painéis fotovoltaicos fornecem energia.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award de Ferro

Mu01 Casa Unifamiliar conquistou o A' Design Award de Ferro, um reconhecimento prestigiado atribuído a bons designs que cumprem os requisitos profissionais e industriais esperados de criações bem concebidas. Os vencedores do Ferro demonstram grande habilidade, elevada especialização, compreensão especializada e capacidade criativa dos seus criadores. Espera-se que Mu01 Casa Unifamiliar seja uma criação muito considerada, admirada e estimada, prática e inovadora. Este design vencedor do A' Design Award de Ferro integra as melhores práticas do setor e tem características técnicas competentes associadas a conhecimento especializado e talento. Pela sua minúcia, Mu01 Casa Unifamiliar merece respeito e destina-se a proporcionar melhorias na qualidade de vida que ajudam a tornar o mundo num lugar 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;

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