Beautiful Sea Song home in California is completely self-sustaining

These net-zero energy pavilions designed for Big Sur, California are completely self-sustaining. San Francisco-based Form4 Architecture designed the structures to use several sustainable technologies, including photovoltaics, self-cleaning glass, rainwater retention and xeriscaping. The Sea Song residence, with its practically non-existent environmental footprint, is in the running for LEED Platinum certification.

The residence is located on a cantilevered podium in Big Sur on the coast of California. Flowing parallel to the existing topography, the pavilions are evocative of marine life, ranging from sea shells, crustaceans and Manta Rays. A full array of sustainable techniques was deployed in the design of the building which recently won first place at the International Design Awards.

Thanks to the presence of self-cleaning glass, rainwater retention cistern, and xeriscaping, the project ensures a sensible use of water. The xeriscaping reduces the need for supplemental water from irrigation and reinforces the idea that the project emerged from the site itself.

The organization of the spaces creates spatial flow free of corridors, with the three structures scaled differently to accommodate different functions. The enclosed concrete slits house bathrooms, walk-in closets and laundry, leaving the rest of the space as column-free areas offering beautiful vistas. The public quarters occupy the bigger volume, while the master bedroom and a studio are located in the middle volume.