Pollack

The Pollack House is situated on the eastern slope of the Sandia Mountains, formed by a great geological rift, while to the north are the volcanic Sangre de Cristos. Long and narrow, the site slopes 20’ down to the north end. From this slope the view opens out toward the Santa Fe plateau cut through by the Rio Grande. Near 15th century Native American ruins, referred to as Paa-ko, the site reveals a mosaic of natural and cultural objects such as pottery shards and native vegetation.  Guided by the views, geology, topography and vegetation of the environment, spatial metaphors for living were developed.

At ground level disorientation is imminent, due to the pine canopy, oak underbrush, and changing paths of run-off water.  The landscape tells us that daily life happens here, while resting seeks safety in the nest, hanging, suspended, and oriented toward the daily cycle of weather, sun and stars. 

The design found its parti from fallen logs on the site.  The lower log represents the daily life.  Pavilions for the kitchen and office are suspended in one continuous open space, allowing free flow of sight, sound and smell.  This open space offers a diversity of paths into and through these objects as well as into the surrounding landscape. 

The log above houses the sleeping life, resting on the lower story like a nest in the canopy of a tree.  The resting finds safety in the height above ground.  The upper floor is oriented due east west, anchoring the house to the daily cycle of the sky, of the weather, the sun and the stars.