Valles Caldera Research Outpost, Valles Caldera National Preserve, New Mexico

First Place - AIA Dallas Student Design Awards 2018
Finalist - Architizer OneRendering Challenge 2019



Caldera Research Outpost is a resolution between man-made structure and its pristine nature setting through the process of site planning, space planning and building tectonics. Along with traditional design methods and intuitions, scientific and computer-generated data were also used to guide decision-making and optimizations of building to fit with its environment.

Weather data was collected at a station 50 feet north of the chosen location. With data from multiple locations, and being physically at the site, the condition of the location is confirmed to be harsh most of the year with extreme cold and windy weather. This particular site is chosen because it is the calmest of the three, plus the wind is more directional throughout the year because of nearby terrain, making it easier to control and collect. Based on-site investigation, 3 different guiding principles are proposed, to Protect users from the Harsh weather, to Embrace the Beauty nature of the site, and to Resolve the physical Conflict of building construction in natural and protected areas.

Plan and Diagram showing the formation of the plan and building tectonics. The building roof was formed through many iterations, resulting in a wind-performance-driven shape that protects users by gradually directing wind up and over the building, preventing turbulences. Additionally, two enclosed wind turbines were integrated into the roof to collect the low speed-wind for electricity using the venturi effect.

Along with protection from wind, the roof also protects the interior spaces from glaring during sunny days. The horizontal extension of the roof over glazings are studied to produce the most amount of useful daylight throughout the day and year.

Projects