Poliquin points out some of the “green” aspects of
this project saying, “The mechanical system, a central plant, indirect pendant lighting with energy efficient lamps, predominantly north-facing glazing, and north-facing skylights utilizing daytime light in lieu of artificial lighting—all of these elements, though not recognized as “green” at the time, would be utilized today as part of a green building. The design was ahead of its time in that respect.” According to Poliquin, “The emphasis of the project
was to create a structure of precision and simple elegance, much like BEGA’s lighting products. This precision took the form of alignment. The BEGA facility embodies precision with exterior panel joints aligning to the center of window mullions, which also align with the ceiling tiles, which in turn align with the floor tiles. This sort of precision is difficult to accomplish in today’s construction environment.” The resulting structure is both breathtaking and
functional. The building itself stands as a testament to minimalist architecture which dictates sorting
out your highest architectural priorities to create a simple, clean design to accomplish these goals. Based upon a five-foot module, the white exterior
of the administrative office space is offset with large windows providing sweeping views of both the lush grounds and the Carpinteria coastline. During fall and winter months, it’s not unusual to find employees watching a particularly vibrant sunset from the building’s impressive 10-foot x 10-foot northwest- facing window. Eichelberger’s landscaping contribution further sets
BEGA apart. He recalls being given free reign on the exterior site design, but Larry Routh, former president of the firm, had strong ideas about what needed to be saved and incorporated into the plan. “I was told from the beginning to save the avocado
orchard (the abandoned orchard that fronted the property was not only spared, but rehabilitated to once again bear fruit that is harvested each year), the two fifty-foot Sycamores, and a cluster of palms, which ended up moving around the site for some time
they LoWereD the buiLDing’s originaL height PLans by Five Feet so nearby resiDents WouLD stiLL have unobstructeD ocean vieWs.
FALLWINTER2007 33
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80 |
Page 81 |
Page 82 |
Page 83 |
Page 84 |
Page 85 |
Page 86 |
Page 87 |
Page 88 |
Page 89 |
Page 90 |
Page 91 |
Page 92 |
Page 93 |
Page 94 |
Page 95 |
Page 96 |
Page 97 |
Page 98 |
Page 99 |
Page 100 |
Page 101 |
Page 102 |
Page 103 |
Page 104 |
Page 105 |
Page 106 |
Page 107 |
Page 108 |
Page 109 |
Page 110 |
Page 111 |
Page 112 |
Page 113 |
Page 114 |
Page 115 |
Page 116