The house of a science fiction writer in Texas, USA
Bercy Chen Studio :
"In an increasingly generic and de-natured world, we are interested in producing
architecture tuned to the specificity of a place. The Edgeland residence is commissioned
by a science fiction writer enthralled with 21st century human habitation in
the urban frontiers of abandoned industrial zones.
Not unlike Col Charles Goodnight's first dug out at the JA ranch in 19th century Texas,
the design is inspired by the vernacular of the “pit house”, one of the oldest housing
typology in North America used by Native Americans through the ages.
This brownfield reclaim project minimized disturbance to the site, as the previous
excavations to remove an old Chevron pipeline left a scar on the bluff, the two new
green roofed wings sheltering each other from the sun is an attempt to heal the
land by restoring the slope and bring wildlife back.
This approach addresses the climate of central Texas and utilize thermal capacity of
earth to regulate temperature, while the linear courtyard down the center allows fresh
air to flow between the bluff and the river below. The courtyard is a theater for
observing migrating humming birds, monarch butterflies, even ant
colonies...etc, heightening one's awareness of nature in
an urban setting.
We collaborated with the Lady Bird Wildflower Center to reintroduce over 40 native
species of wildflowers and grass to preserve the local ecosystem."
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