CHRISTOPHER ANDREWS ARCHITECT & TOWN PLANNER

SITE ANALYSIS

Calistoga Residence Site Analysis

As we take in the client's vision, we continue to analyze the structure of the landscape of the site. We actually try to "read" the landscape, like an archival document. It is a resource to be learned from, honored and enhanced by design. We take a conservative and restorative approach to the landscape. The design of the location of buildings, gardens and outdoor spaces should respond to the opportunities and challenges of the site conditions. One of the initial tasks is to undertake a full scale site analysis that includes documentation and evaluation of topography, access, solar orientation, prevailing winds, significant views, neighboring uses, potential building sites, landscape areas to be preserved, the disposition of vegetation, and the flow of water.

This site analysis involves walking around the site in various seasons and at various times of day, also looking at maps, surveys, technical reposts and just talking to the clients and their neighbors. The product of this is a series of drawings that give the project team a common reference for subsequent design decisions. Sometimes the character of a site requires bringing in a landscape architect or permaculture designer from the beginning; to help further refine the landscape vision and fine-tune the technical aspects of its restoration and development. In this house in Calistoga, we consulted with Penny Livingston and Raison Cain, two landscape designers who have worked extensively in this area.

As ideas are developed, we set up stakes and strings to mock up the potential location of structures. At later stages in the design we might build full-scale rough mockups of construction details to test building materials and see how they feel on the site.

GO FORWARD TO PART V:  HOW THE SITE ANALYSIS & INITIAL VISION INFORM THE PROJECT SITING

GO BACK TO PART III: EVERY PROJECT IS DRIVEN BY THE CLIENTS VISION

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