Principles + Elements

Condominium 1 showcases many of the principle and elements of design, most apparently it uses form and line to create its unique structure. The harsh lines are emphasized by the form, with the several protruding walls on the structure. The building uses harmony by progressing in a natural order using the landscape as a tool for this progression upwards.

Connections

The condominium connects to its natural environment through the interiors and exteriors. Most notably through the natural dusty wood exterior with a form that is emphasized by its surroundings. Large, open windows are open on the floor level to enhance this connection of the building on the interiors as well.

Materials

With heavy timbers, the materials of the building are meant to withstand strong winds that comes from the ocean. The roof is ashy color compared to the main body of the building and is sloped upwards with wood shingles in order to let the material handle the winds better. The materials of the building allow it to blend in with the forest behind it and stand out against the deep blue waters ahead of it.

Light + Color

The colors used in the structure are a variety of brown shades, in order to mimic the environment around it and blend in, giving it a more natural look. The structure is built in such a way that light hits it differently and many angles, pictured above is an archway with strong shadows from natural lighting. Natural lighting during the daytime allows the building to create contrast from its surroundings with its harsh shadows that create interesting shapes.

Experience

The Condominium is constructed in an intentional form that allows for a courtyard in the middle of the house. This courtyard is meant for the human experience, allowing someone to enjoy being outside without being hit by the harsh winds or the salty water in the air. Intentionally thinking about how the area will affect our experiences throughout the design process was important into creating an impactful structure that can be easily moved through and utilized.

Theories

The Sea Ranch Ram’s Head logo is used to convey branding, allowing those who see the logo to recognize it as the Sea Ranch Condominium 1. This helps to establish the structure and set it apart from others that may have a similar structure. The design is also largely human-centered, using its natural environment combined with the actual form of the building to create a design that fits human needs while also protecting the wildlife around.

Technology

The structure was built with materials that would allow it to be fairly sustainable and be shaped by its natural landscape. Overhead skylights were placed to reduce the amount of electronical light sources were needed in the building, allowing more natural light to come through. It utilizes its simpler technology to allow the user to feel in tune with nature. Overall, sea ranch uses technology in a way that makes it feel like it doesn’t, since the goal of the building is to be in tune with nature.

Finishes

The room uses a lot of wood textures and finishes to create a cohesive design. The wooden pillars are stripped and glossed to allow for easier cleaning and a cleaner look. The walls use a similar stripped wood, using vertical planks to allow the room to feel taller compared to if they had used a horizontal plank. The chimney in this room is surrounded by tiles, since the room is made up of wood, they needed to use a stone finish around the fireplace to not cause any accidental fires.

Furnishings

The furniture in the building is aimed towards to windows, in order to emphasize the large windows facing the ocean. Using a more minimalistic style, with seek materials allows for the furniture to compliment the wood materials used in the building. Many of the furnishings use wood as their hard texture creating a uniform look as paired with the structure.

Telling Stories

Prior to construction, a landscape architect did a study of the area in order to develop a plan that would be sensitive to the local ecology, microclimates, wind, and other conditions. The architect used these plans along with a design similar to sheep ranch barns, which were formally in the area before construction. He used the idea about what was already there for construction, using the sheep barns which has adorned the site before as well as emphasizing the natural environment with the structure.

Sources & Additional Links

Modernist Architecture: The Sea Ranch Paradox, or How One of my Least Favorite Architects Designed One of my Most Favorite Places.

Journey to the Sea Ranch · Journey to The Sea Ranch · Sea Ranch (berkeley.edu).

The Architectural Legacy of Sea Ranch, a Utopian Community in Northern California – Dwell.

Sea Ranch, California’s Modernist Utopia, Gets an Update – The New York Times (nytimes.com).