The Southern California Institute of Architecture and California Institute of Technology
CHIP
CHIP is a real-life application of green design in the modern world that offers a solution to the challenges of home ownership and energy consumption. While appearing to be a house of the future, this "prototype to product" is ready to be injected into the Los Angeles landscape.
Design Philosophy
California's soaring land costs and urban sprawl are the motivating factors behind CHIP's design. CHIP is an affordable dwelling with a small footprint that can be used as infill or placed in zoning that accommodates shared lots.
Features
- The unique geometry results from lifting the north side to create a car park.
- The vinyl-coated fabric mesh that protects the house contains "outsulation" that envelops the structure.
- The interior is stepped in multiple levels to distinguish one space from another without compartmentalization.
Technologies
- The exterior skin is made of low-cost billboard material fastened with zip ties, dowel rods, and lag screws.
- The whole-house fan can perform a complete air change in less than 20 minutes.
- A custom iPad application displays real-time energy use, controls the shades, and provides instant feedback.
- 3-D cameras track movement in the house and adjust the lights accordingly.
Market Strategy
The active young professional is CHIP's target demographic. Although more than 50% of the residential market in California consists of single-family properties, the costs prohibit many young professionals from owning a home. CHIP boasts a footprint of less than 800 ft2 (74 m2) while fitting onto lots in accordance with Los Angeles' Small Lot Ordinance.
What's Next
Following the competition, CHIP is slated to be part of museum and public exhibits throughout California to educate and excite visitors. Ultimately, the house will be owned and lived in by a permanent resident.
