May 31, 2016

Citation Award

ARCHITECTURE

Trollhus is a single-family residence in Norden, California driven by the extreme environmental conditions found at a 6,800 foot elevation. Based on the alpine chalet, the house is lifted by concrete legs to protect it from snow in excess of 800 inches a year, while still embracing a California sensibility of indoor-outdoor living with extensive glazing, skylights, and south-facing balconies.

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The jury noted that while it is true that dark, wood clad buildings have been in vogue for a bit, there are no other nods to conventionally prettified shelter magazine tropes here. The hyper-rational base strategy along with its willfully challenging form give way to a truly beautiful, and beautifully detailed, interior. The jury really liked the straightforward volume, and the deeply rooted celebration of Scandinavian architecture with a modern sensibility. The lovely wood ceiling volume was a major selling point and perfect contrast to the exterior. The project celebrates the past without being historic.