Designed from our temporary studio in Cordoba, Spain for the American high desert, Sonrisa is informed by dynamic modern Spanish architecture, Old-World courtyard living, and the sage-covered plateaus of Central Oregon. Both passive and active solar design elements capitalize on over 300 days of sunshine and the extremely dry desert air to soak up winter sun and keep cool all summer long. Broad, latitude-specific overhangs shelter Sonrisa from harsh summer rays yet allow the low angled winter light to flood the home with warmth. Sonrisa nestles into the gently sloped topography a good two feet to better insulate the home and to confidently connect dwelling to Earth. An extension of the site itself, Sonrisa rises skyward with natural stone and soil-colored stucco, culminating in jubilant arcing overhangs seemingly sculpted by the high desert winds. Captured between the two main volumes, a low, all-glass pavilion serves as both formal dining space and a light-filled breezeway connecting guest wing and primary living spaces. To the front and rear of the dining pavilion, outdoor space is embraced by the wings of the home to form wind-sheltered entry and entertainment courtyards. At the entry side a dynamic water feature and native plantings serve as wildlife habitat. While at the mountain view side a twelve foot wide, two-panel, full-light pocket door slides completely away from view opening inside space to the flagstone-paved social courtyard. Extensive glazing provides near continuous indoor-outdoor connectivity – a Tozer Design, llc signature. Predominantly operational windows, along with oversized sliding door systems, provide ample cross ventilation obviating the need for mechanized air conditioning. The home itself acts as an architectural shade tree during the hottest days of the year. Modern yet warm, a Central Oregon color palette captures the soft hues of high desert soil, stone and plants. This color scheme, along with natural finish materials such as Cedar, American Clay earth plaster and native stone, contribute to the home’s sense of calm and comfort. Built completely with locally-sourced, FSC-certified lumber and plywood, combining solar water heating with radiant heat floors, and driving down energy use with a four kilowatt photovoltaic array, Sonrisa exemplifies place-based, modern, sustainable design.

SONRISA

Modern Solar

Greg Vendrame

2010

Bend, Oregon