2014 AIA Small Project Awards: Fall House, Big Sur, California. Fougeron Architecture

Small is beautiful has become an increasingly common trend. And for 11 years, the American Institute of Architecure (AIA) has been awarding small, top quality projects with the Small Project Awards in three categories. The Fall House in Big Sur, California, by Fougeron Architecture won the award for a small project construction less than 464 square metres (5000 square feet).



Not exactly a tiny house but a project for a holiday home that is respectful of the environment. The Fall House in Big Sur, California, by US firm, Fougeron Architecture won the 2014 AIA Small Project Awards for a small project construction less than category 464 square metres (5000 square feet).





A building that seems to spring from the dramatic landscape, the true central character of the design, which seeks to capture and take advantage of the views over the Pacific Ocean and its west-facing exposure. Still, it is not just a giant picture window because it has actually been designed to defend its natural context. Here, drought resistant, native vegetation reduces soil erosion and facilitates new habitats for local wildlife.





And the green roof reduces the visual footprint of the home, also adding thermal mass for insulation of the occupied space, to protect it from the hot Californian sun. 
An award for the perfect blend of landscape and architecture!

(Christiane Bürklein)

Project:  Fougeron Architecture
Location: Big Sur, California, USA
Year: 2013
Award:  2014 AIA Small Project Awards
Photography: © Joe Fletcher Photography – courtesy of AIA