Poche House Research

Archeology Lab/ Meeting Room

  • Client wants a “carved” space
  • Needs room for displays/small tools
  • Needs space for collaborating/conversating
  • Should have plenty of storage for said tools
  • Needs total control of the light, be it through dimming switches or other means

Guest Accomodations


  • Have convenient storage
  • Enough space to be comfortable.
  • Have low lights, such as lamps, as well as overhead lights
  • Large bed
  • Close access to a bathroom

Advantages and Disadvantages 

Pros    
  • Soil is a natural insulator, so building stays cool/warm when needed
  • Constant temp means less energy needed
  • Offers more protection against extreme weather and earthquakes.
Cons
  • Constant need to keep out moisture
  • Need for ventilation
  • Less natural light
  • All bedrooms require a way to escape fire

Native Vegetation and Wildlife

Flora: Throughout the canyon, Rocky Mountain Juniper trees can be found growing alongside mesquite, cottonwood, salt cedar, willow, soapberry and hackberry trees. On the canyon walls and floor, you can also find a variety of wildflowers and grasses such as Indian blanket, star thistle, sage.
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Fauna: Palo Duro Canyon is home to a variety of desert dwelling wildlife.  The canyon is home to wild turkeys, white-tailed and mule deer, coyotes, bobcats, roadrunners and many species of snakes and lizards all year round. In the summer, Mississippi kites, Bullock’s orioles and painted buntings visit the park.

​Richard Serra

​Richard Serra is a minimalist sculptor known for working with large-scale assemblies of sheet metal.  A prominent sculptor of the 20th century, his work alters viewers' perceptions of space and proportion. He is all about centralizing space in different ways and how people move in relation to space . He was inspired early in his career by modern dance and and Japanese Zen gardens.

Light and Window Solutions

  • Anti-glare/reflective windows or museum glass​
  • Frosted windows
    • Would keep down the glare and would keep park visitors from peering in
  • Nanotech skylights
    • Mimic natural light
    • Could be used in the fully excavated rooms as a substitution or addition to traditional home lighting methods
  • Fake windows​
    • Mimics natural light
  • Halogen bulbs
    • Similar natural white light effect
    • Colors appear sharper, bulbs can be dimmed
  • Natural light via skylights
  • Solar tubes are similar to skylights, but cost less

Greenhouse Needs

  • Grow light​
    • Can be used to grow plants indoors
  • Natural light
    • On surface level or on the side of the cliff
    • Needs automatic vent openers to prevent greenhouse from overheating
    • Constant temperature
    • Shade if full sun
    • Water source for gardener

Vernacular Materials

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  • Cacti
  • Wood (Cedar)
  • Yellow Grasses
  • Mud/Dirt
  • Various Rocks
  • Clay
  • Animals > Skin

Sustainable Energy Sources

  • Wind Power has potential
  • Solar Power is ideal
    • Sunny most days of the year

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Concept Sketches