We often make cardboard architectural models to study massing, site placement, natural lighting and spacial dimensions. We can take the model to the site, and study the play of sun and shade, views and scale of the building.

Models are fun to use and can provide are useful feedback about our designs. Often clients, who may not be used to reading two-dimensional plans, can understand and work with models very well.




To study light and shade, and how light will enter the building at different times of the year, we can put our model on the heliodon at the PG&E Energy Center, in San Francisco. The heliodon simulates sunlight penetration and shading for any time or latitude, and with a mini-cam, allows us to videotape, from inside the house, the sunlight entering through windows.

We also create computer models of the energy performance of our buildings. This allows us to focus on the most cost-effective design elements, refine our details, and to confidently reduce or eliminate heating and cooling machinery. Life-cycle costing provides useful feedback on the real value of energy-saving alternatives.