The Industrial Lifestyle
Most people would not envision an informal living space for an extended family when they look at an industrial shed. But the owner of the Lodi Bunkhouse in St. Helena saw a dream space. Situated on a two-acre vineyard in the flatlands of the Napa Valley, this 6,000-square-foot space is a cross between a barn and a greenhouse: it’s low tech, simple, and sophisticated. Owned by a private arts foundation that offers accommodations for guests and artists and space for the foundation’s meetings and events, the bunkhouse blurs the line between residential and institutional, offering four bedrooms, a studio, and a large gathering area.
The bunkhouse successfully marries a domestic residence and a community meeting space. While a utilitarian structure, the space exudes the underlying charisma and tradition of its barn roots. San Francisco–based Kuth/Ranieri Architects structured the building so it uses the challenging landscape to its favor. The property is long and narrow, set between an abandoned rail line and the Napa River and bordered by vineyards, rivers, rail easements, roadways, and mountain ranges. Placement of the bunkhouse’s windows, doors, and walls enhances its elongated body and help the building blend with its surroundings.
The bunkhouse incorporates sustainable design strategies, including skylights, low-toxic paint, and recycled cotton fabric insulation. Alternative paving material reduces storm-water runoff and channels it to existing vegetation; a storm-water retention pond collects water for irrigation. A pair of low-energy evaporative coolers mounted on the walls draw in and cool fresh air in warm weather, and integral solar hot water tubes and photovoltaic panels provide hot water.
Duration: 2 years. Distinctive characteristics: an industrial structure becomes a unique residential-commercial building.
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