Housing Concepts: Point Sur
Point Sur Cooperative Village
Our proposal for the re-use of an available land asset, the Point Sur Naval Facility, provides a new model for creating sustainable communities located in highly sensitive natural, historical and wilderness areas; sites which are so abundant in Monterey County. We propose a productive community by integrating solar energy production and tourist related service activities together with affordable modular building technologies to create low-cost and market housing. This proposal is not just a new housing or construction model, but a new idea for a sustainable community: a cooperative village which evolves over time. We endeavor to meet the objectives of functionally and visually enhancing the local scenery and uses in an area currently devoid of housing and services. Historical, scenic and ecological tourism is the economic back bone of this area, but also the source of its social capital. Visitors to Point Sur State Historic Park, Los Padres National Forest and the Big Sur constitute a dispersed economy which is in need of a center, orientation, service, comfort and resting areas.
The invention of new types of housing and communities are important to the continued economic and social vitality of the region. This project provides a new cooperative, non-autobmobile dependent village model, instead the already tested model of in-fill, old town revitalization. The modular housing construction provides a high density, mixed income new community with dwelling options for a range of uses, incomes, and family size with expansion flexibility. This new model is important for the future of Monterey County in order to help further integrate and diversify its social fabric, attract new businesses, diversify its economy and encourage entrepreneurship. This project addresses "...not only where people live but how they live, how they support themselves and what the whole community is like as a result."
Environmental Sustainability
A shared energy generating roof constructed of corrugated metal and supported by a wood beam and column structural diaphragm, serves as a platform for a system of photo voltaic solar collection energy. The system of solar panels is intended to produce the electrical, heating and hot water needs for the permanent residential occupants.
The houses are oriented to receive maximum sunlight in conjunction with providing ocean views from most units. Passive solar heating and retention is achieved through agriboard construction. Its very low permeability reduces infiltration, important in this high wind area. Heating would consist of a radiant floor system energized by the rooftop solar collectors.
The existing planted windbreak in the north west corner of the site is expanded. Seasonal rainwater collection fills tanks for fire safety and release during dry months. Gray water runoff from parking and plaza collects in ponds with filtering reedbeds. The car is secondary in this walkable / bikable village, reducing dependence on car for short trips, while a bus/van cooperative service is imagined for off-site job.
Economic Sustainability
The housing system consist of three major components:
A shared base:
At the base of each row of buildings, there is continuous concrete pad. The concrete pad relates to the landscaped terracing of the site and in addition to serves as the foundation for the construction of individual infill housing units and the communal roofing system. The pad morphs as a retaining wall at vertical level changes and serves as a roof for the sub-basements which are allotted to each individual housing unit.
A shared energy generating rooftop:
Construction of the photo voltaic solar collection roof structure. California State programs can be tapped, for instance: the Emerging Renewable and SELFGEN Programs, state property tax exemption, and net metering energy buyback (PURPA). The proposed built areas of the site are developed on a east/west modular of 11'. Responding to the slope of the land and terracing of the site combinations of nine (99'-0") to fifteen (165'-0") 11' modules produce parcel groupings which can sustain 2 to 5 infill housing units. Each parcel grouping can have a combination of individual housing lots which range in width from 33'-0 to 66'-0". All lot depths (north to south) are 77'-0".
Individual modular infill housing:
Between the shared concrete base and roofing systems are the individual modular housing units. The units can range in width (east/west) from 22' to 44' and are always 22' in depth (north/south). They are vertically expandable, starting from a one story base structure to that of a two story unit which can have a terrace or additional living/sleeping space(s), and/or a combination of both exterior and interior spaces. The exterior and interior walls, second floor and roof are comprised of "agriboard panels". The panels have infill components including window/door modules, stair units, closets and are sized to accommodate standard kitchen and bathroom modules. The four neighborhoods can be built and occupied incrementally under the solar roof structure.
The commercial center occupies refurbished historical naval buildings. Point Sur village would include an inn/ hostel, bed and breakfast facilities, and a training/ demonstration/ educational center. Landscaping, parks and public spaces are developed by community groups.
Social Sustainability
The plan encourages multiple interactions between visitors, residents and day-time population by concentrating public transit at the town square, limiting private cars to the periphery of the site, and encouraging pedestrian and bicycle movement through the village. This proposal does not just provide shelter and new businesses, but generates community. The collective roof is gathers both solar energy and social capital: it is income generating for the cooperative-operative system and is the iconic symbol of the village. The number of collectors per unit is related to the size of the unit but energy use, surplus and profits link residents.
The village has several interactive social nodes:
The town square is built around re-utilized existing buildings and includes a bus stop, travelers rest area bicycle repair, and comfort station. Community gardens, a playground, public fountains, and gray water run-off reed beds frame the public square.
A passive recreation forest and picnic grove which also acts as a wind break to the north west.
An open field provides a dramatic vista to light house and ocean beyond as well as space for active recreation and sports. Wild flowers, grasses and weeds further filter gray water over the towns septic area.
The community design operates at several scales:
The entire village is given identity by its dramatic location, its landscaping, and its unifying roof.
Each neighborhood is served by a common parking area and anchored by a rain water collection tower overseen by a volunteer fire marshall.
Dwelling units are personalized by stoops, pedestrian walkways, alleyway shortcuts. Houses near to the town square are zoned to allow for office or bed and breakfast use. Each house has a private south facing garden, expansion space for porch and deck additions between the house and collective roof structures. The modular layout encourages and eases live/work and flexible living scenarios.
Location:
Point Sur, California
Design Team:
Anthony Q. Crusor, Alessandro Cimini, Ignacio Lamar with Brian Mc.Grath
Consultants:
Anthony Guidice PE, Arup NY
