A complete renovation and major addition to an existing Conventual Franciscan Rectory that serves Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. A 1,600 square feet addition includes a Recreation Room, Chapel and living quarters for 6 friars.

Conceived as an extension of St. Francis of Assissi's teachings, minimalist and sustainable design techniques are used to create an environment which amplifies the natural and architectural features of Hermosa Beach. We used these ideas to create an emotional connection with the environment while also offering areas of simple solitude.

The building ties competing ideas of sustainable orientation (for ventilation, natural lighting and solar panel placement) and the formal manipulation of the traditional Ranch style.

In addition to a solar panel array, passive cooling and captured natural lighting are employed to minimize the total operational energy required. The orientation and placement of operable windows captures ocean breezes to eliminate the need for air conditioning. Skylights, Solatubes, window orientation and overhangs are all designed to maximize this building's specific relationship with natural light. In addition to recycling all salvaged building components during demolition, sustainable features include tankless water heaters and low VOC paints.

Photos by: Sorin Constantin

THE FIRST LOS ANGELES ARCHDIOCESE PARISH TO GO SOLAR