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Collection by Arkin Tilt Architects

Eastern Sierra Residence

Situated on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains overlooking the Carson River valley, this home is carefully designed to take advantage of the rugged beauty of its site.

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Strwa bale walls with a earth finish (using soil from the site) are punctured with windows that frame the ridge across the valley.
Strwa bale walls with a earth finish (using soil from the site) are punctured with windows that frame the ridge across the valley.
Salvaged materials featured in this home include lumber from an airplane hanger, airplane wings, ore-cart tracks, and found glass.
Salvaged materials featured in this home include lumber from an airplane hanger, airplane wings, ore-cart tracks, and found glass.
Salvaged ore-cart wheels.
Salvaged ore-cart wheels.
Passive and active systems make the home virtually energy independent.
Passive and active systems make the home virtually energy independent.
Expressive use of alternative construction techniques, solar technologies, salvaged materials and daylight provide texture as well as function.
Expressive use of alternative construction techniques, solar technologies, salvaged materials and daylight provide texture as well as function.
Found glass was recycled into countertops for the kitchen.
Found glass was recycled into countertops for the kitchen.
The south-facing roof of the main living space peels up at the corner for passive solar gain and for dramatic view of snow-capped Job's Peak to the southwest.
The south-facing roof of the main living space peels up at the corner for passive solar gain and for dramatic view of snow-capped Job's Peak to the southwest.
The courtyard is sheltered from the frequent winds coming off the Sierras as well as the harsh summer sun.
The courtyard is sheltered from the frequent winds coming off the Sierras as well as the harsh summer sun.
Careful shading, high insulation values and thermal mass keep the structures from over-heating in the summer, aided by flushing of cool night air.
Careful shading, high insulation values and thermal mass keep the structures from over-heating in the summer, aided by flushing of cool night air.
The horizontal blue-stained siding wraps to the interior core at the entry - translucent glass floor panels bring daylight to the lower level.
The horizontal blue-stained siding wraps to the interior core at the entry - translucent glass floor panels bring daylight to the lower level.
The photovoltaic trellis is supported on salvaged ore-cart track - connections to supports feature ore cart wheels found at a local salvage yard.
The photovoltaic trellis is supported on salvaged ore-cart track - connections to supports feature ore cart wheels found at a local salvage yard.
The earth finish, slatted cement board siding, and metal roofing harmonizes with the landscape and take advantage of the changing desert light.
The earth finish, slatted cement board siding, and metal roofing harmonizes with the landscape and take advantage of the changing desert light.
Working with the slope and orientation, the home is sited to take advantage of the dramatic views.
Working with the slope and orientation, the home is sited to take advantage of the dramatic views.