'cut back hills' by 24 degrees studio


new york firm 24 degrees studio developed 'cut back hills', a proposal for the safe
trestles competition in california. architects worldwide were asked to create a
pathway to serve surfers, the local coastal community and day visitors of san onofre
state beach.

the project was based around two sources.  first: the driftwood that follows along
the natural flow of the river paths and second: the maneuvering techniques that surfers
utilize when riding on the wave, including cutback, snap, and floaters.  recombining
and implementing these natural and dynamic movements to the proposal is believed
to enhance the experience for all visitors.

the primary function of the proposal is to provide a safe access from the special events
parking area at old pacific highway 101 to the trestles.  the proposed bridge is created out
of fsc certified hardwood and timbers for its supporting structures.  technically, to provide
a minimized impact to the wetland, the main circulation spine follows the existing hard
pack path, only elevated so its structures are all anchored to the hard path below. the new
circulation curls around the bluff anchoring its structure to its non-wetland surfaces. 
when gradually approaching over the active railroad track the circulation cuts back its
direction, turning from east to west.  the circulation eventually descends to the trestles
providing multiple accesses, either by accessing one of the two provided stairs or ending
its path down the circulation ramp.  





by providing longer traveling distance than the existing hard pack circulation, this
implementation allows for visitors to opportunistically engage and contemplate
the natural environment the trestles have to offer from multiple vantage points. 
longer distance also allows a comfortable slope percentage in compliance with
accessibility standards.

at the main entry of the new circulation deck, accessible parking spaces are provided.
 separate men’s and women’s bathrooms with drinking fountains at each entryway
are installed for convenient access to visitors.  adjacent to the bathroom facility is one
of the first observation decks that provide a view of the wetlands and beach facing
west direction. behind the observation deck, along the circulation deck, are bike racks
for visitors who wish to travel the circulation deck by foot.



walking down the path


as visitors continue to descend, the circulation curls around the bluff, opening up to
vast view of the entire trestles.  visitors can either continue their circulation down to
the beach or ascend up the bleachers hill, leading to the second observation deck at
the crest of the site nearby the lifeguard tower.  here, the visitors can experience
and contemplate the enhanced panoramic view of the overall trestles.

continuing its descendence, the open-air circulation deck transforms into a tunnel-like
form, acting as a sound barrier to the bypassing trains.  cut back tunnel is located right
above the train track.  along the final stretch, visitors are provided with two direct stairways
to beach and a third observation deck facing north, where they can have a closer contact
to the wetland ecosystem.  the fourth observation deck nearby the exit of the ramp
provides casual benches and bike racks for the convenience of visiting surfers.




section view



different sections of 'cutback hills'



site plan



sections of the site plan