Altis IV by Eric T. Fishburn
Eric T. Fishburn has sent the Altis IV residences he designed on Mammoth Mountain in California.
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Project Description:
Located on Mammoth Mountain in the Sierra Mountain Range at 8500 ft, this destination is where people come to play and absorb the beauty of the extreme alpine landscape. Altis is designed to reflect that passion for this environment and enhance the outdoor lifestyles that are drawn to this place by striving for minimal environmental impact and achieving LEED Gold certification. Altis is rendered in natural materials carefully chosen for their warm beauty, ecological sensitivity and functionality. Although clearly modern in form and detail, care was given to compose a pallet which is classic in its warmth and comfort yet modern in its execution. Pacific Rim and regional modern references capture a contemporary California vernacular ranging from R. L. Schindler to Richard Meyer.
Generous delighting and vast views were guiding elements from the beginning of the design. Large Low-E glass assemblies are abundant on the south facade maximizing the view and sun. Opening the front door places you on the top floor, which includes kitchen, dining and living areas overlooking the Long Valley Caldera and White Mountains. Travertine and FSC certified Mahogany detail the interior to create warm durable spaces that combat the effects of harsh winters. Softly backlit mahogany paneling on the top floor enhances the view of the stars at night by reducing glare on the windows.
From commencement of the project sustainable techniques were also implemented to complement the design and construction. California clear heart cedar was chosen for the exterior siding for its rich color, local sourcing, and its natural ability to deter termites and retard fire. A modular frame was custom designed for the project allowing its construction phase to be completed within the short summers while also benefiting the environment by reducing waste and materials. Low VOC interior paints, sealers and finish reduced indoor toxins and provided the desired natural finishes and textures. Hydronic radiant floor heating is installed in every room with individual thermostats creating the most comfortable method of heating while also being one of the most efficient.
Overall Altis was conceived as a place where people who are passionate about the environment could live in a beautiful home that reflects their desire to lead an outdoor lifestyle.
Notable environmental measures achieved:
- Energy Star Building Envelope
- Energy Star Appliances
- Modular frame construction
- Low VOC compliant construction and interior
- High efficacy lighting
- Low flow plumbing fixtures
- FSC certified hardwood
- Locally sourced materials
- Heat recovery ventilation
- High performance insulated glass assemblies
- High performance radiant hydronic heating
Visit Eric T. Fishburn’s website – here.
Photography by Gaszton Gal
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shane on 14 Oct 2010 at 11:10 am #
why do designers try competing w/ the mountain by building up? I think blending into the terrain would be better. Looks like a typical resort cabin
marshen on 14 Oct 2010 at 10:07 pm #
These Northwestern woodsy houses are my favorite style for the warmth of materials and close to nature locations. The stepped eaves add a dramatic detail to the architecture but I could do with less of the block. The paneled ceilings in some of the rooms remind me more of an executive’s office or a bank branch somewhere in the city rather than a mountain retreat. These panels that make up the ceiling treatment just jump out as being out of place here. I would expect and feel more comfortable with a more restrained and less furnished interior.
Aga on 15 Oct 2010 at 4:50 am #
I completely love the windows, broad frames look brilliant. It’s pure, elegant and comfy in appropriate proportions.
DS on 17 Oct 2010 at 7:00 pm #
From a technical point of view there are many things to admire with the build and finishing….however for a long time I have believed that most contemporary domestic architecture in the States exhibits an odd, souless vernacular. Its as though there is no real sophistication…just a combination of disparate ‘modern’ elements without any distilled or elevated idea of what makes a great rather than good piece of design.
Though the home one might argue of moderist design, the US largely lags years behind what is happening elsewhere around the world. While I can look at this house and admire the craftsmanship there is really nothing at all interior or exterior wise that would stick in the memory…it is sadly just an expensive but forgetable exercise in American design.