borrego springs zero-energy demonstration homesBorrego Springs, California These experimental, energy-efficient and sustainable production homes are located in the hottest, driest desert in the United States. Surrounded by 600,000-acre Anza- Borrego Desert State Park, the hot and arid site enjoys expansive desert and mountain vistas. Utilizing a very tight budget, we developed a drainage strategy and hardscape in a sheet flood area. We created a design to capitalize on climate, augment the structures’ heating-and-cooling goals (including a 90 percent reduction in cooling costs) and integrate with Living Systems Architecture architect Michael Frerking’s pioneering designs. With an average rainfall of just six inches, the site had an extremely limited plant palette. We expanded this to accommodate plants requiring 10 inches of annual rainfall by concentrating run-off into planted bioswales, where absorbing tilled biomass makes rainwater available to a greater number and diversity of species. Attractive rain chains on the structures celebrate water, while salvaged rock and boulders blend the new landscapes with their desert environment. Native, drought resistant plants salvaged from construction were replanted on-site. |
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