Relic Rock

Relic Rock is the prototype for the DCHGlobal Building System, a flexible and sustainable building system that is adaptable to a broad range of different climates and terrains.

Located on a sloping ridge in the Sonoran Desert of Arizona, the site falls in three directions and is bordered by two deep arroyos that flood with water during monsoon season. The building sits lightly on the land, with cantilevered floors that minimize site disruption. A connection to nature is achieved by dissolving the division of interior and exterior space.

Relic Rock's modular prefabricated architectural system is based on a three dimensional structural grid consisting of a 7'x7' horizontal module, a 1'-3' vertical module, and a 21'x21' structural bay. All structural and building components are designed and standardized to this 3D grid. The exposed structure consists of a simple set of standardized components much like an "erector set" of beams, columns, connectors, and plates that are assembled into components in the shop and sequentially transported to the jobsite for erection. The floor and roof plates are constructed with nine individual 12 gauge press-formed panels bolted together to span the 7'x7' module. Glazing, fascia, vertical screens, case work, wall panels, plumbing, electrical wiring, ductwork, insulation, stairs, and handrail are all designed in accordance to the 3D grid and integrated into the structure, thereby allowing automated fabrication with precise and efficient construction.

The 1'-3' vertical module allows the building to step down the site in 2'-6' increments, creating 10 different "floating" floor planes that leave native boulder formations and natural topography untouched. Utilizing the maximum height allowed by code for adjacent floors to exist without a handrail provides clear definition between functional spaces without walls obstructing views. The 7' x 7' horizontal module shapes comfortable hallways, bedrooms, open spaces, and functional spatial transitions. The 2'-6' "step" allows interior spaces to have an open feel while providing spatial variation of ceiling heights. The use of space enhances the opportunities for furniture, art, and architecture to provide a rich interior experience.

The structural system allows a 7'-floor cantilever and a 14'-roof cantilever inherently providing functional flexibility and large roof overhangs for solar control. Nature is integrated into the building through the structure and the building envelope, comprised completely of Low-E UV protected laminated glass with a heat reflective coating. The glass acts as a canvas for nature's reflections of both color and texture. Adjustable vertical modular sunscreens create privacy and shading for the interior spaces while filtering light through 3/8" perforations on 10 gauge press-formed slats. Cantilevered from the perimeter of the roof structure, the Cor-Ten plate is perforated with 1-1/4" holes creating a moving pattern on the interior and exterior that follows the angle of the sun during the day and the moon light at night.

The entire exposed structure is comprised of Cor-Ten steel, which is a 99% recycled and maintenance-free material. Natural lighting is abundant in every room of Relic Rock; reducing the need for electricity, which is reinforced by a 25-kw photovoltaic system integrated into the roofing system. Through the use of extensive overhangs and modular adjustable vertical sunscreens, the glass is protected from the sun virtually throughout the summer season.

The building uses a water-sourced heat pump HVAC system. By using the large infinite edge of the pool and the courtyard fountain as a "cooling tower", cool water is sent through a heat exchanger endothermically absorbing the heat generated by the heat pump cooling system. In the winter months, this process is reversed. This design allows the ambient temperature of the pool to passively regulate indoor temperatures in both winter and summer months.

BIM-enabled Integrated Project Delivery through a collaborative developer-architect-contractor team complements the building system and results in efficiencies that are unable to be realized through traditional project delivery methods. Components modeled to exact dimensions by the architect and contractor within the model result in precise fabrication of structural components, glazing components, and architectural components that fit precisely together with zero on-site collisions or rejections. The software complements the simplicity of the building system by providing the integrated project team with precise construction coordination, accurate bidding, 4D scheduling, and construction management methodology.

Relic Rock has been granted the highest level of certification for green building by the nationally recognized City of Scottsdale Green Building Program and has received the Honor Award for AIA Chicago, the Honor award for AIA Arizona, The International Green Good Award, and the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) Innovative Design in Engineering and Architecture Award.