How to Make a California Roll House: SIP House Design : 12 Steps

This project proposes a Structurally Insulated Panel design strategy. The house would be divided into 4 ft wide segments and assembled sequentially as the segments snap together. The exterior SIP envelope remains rectangular while the interior division is very faceted and gem-like.

Step 1: Site Plan

Step 2: Slices

Especially in abstract or conceptual designs, interior spaces properties can be unclear. In the California Roll House, a jagged interior form occupies the rectangular exterior envelope - a condition that needs some explaining. If we lay out all the 4ft SIP segments, the interior/exterior organizational differences are clarified. Public spaces are diagrammed as white, private spaces as black.

Step 3: Slices

Step 4: Exploded House View

This drawing gains more detail than the simple diagrammatic versions in the previous step. Here we can pull away entire assembled walls, glazing, and millwork to better explain the interior of the house. At this point, the house is no longer just an exercise in panel organization, but begins to explain the more realistic assemblies of finish and trim.

Step 5: Plans

Level one and level two plans show circulation and program organization. Unfolded elevations show panel layout, glazing, and roof garden.

Step 6: Elevations

Step 7: Sections

Sections continue to break down interior conditions of space and circulation.

Step 8: Sections

Step 9: Structural Axonometric and Interior Renderings

The exploded axonometric drawing illustrates some of the proposed energy efficiency technology. Green porous surface paving, water catchment, solar capture, and high-rated insulation are all included.