we are not from kalamazoo: proposal for la reunion artist residence, dallas

la reunion tx project - artist residency by we are not from kalamazoo
all images courtesy we are not from kalamazoo

french architectural couple delphine borg and billy guidoni are part
of the studio we are not from kalamazoo. they have sent us images
of their proposal for the la reunion tx project - an artist residency in dallas.

their facility had to be as low-impact and high performance as
possible, providing a model to the community for sustainable living.
the goal of the project was to propose four multi-media artists
residences and studios, as well as exhibition and education spaces.

the new la reunion tx site is truly nature’s domain. densely wooded
and quite uneven, it is also home to a pond and a stream within a
hundred year floodplain. the only traces of human occupancy are
two wooden buildings and an impressive concrete trestle - which nature
has started to bite into. to minimize foundation, find an even ground,
seek light throughnature and protect itself from a flood, the project uses
the existing trestle to rise appropriately. made out of white-painted wood
insimple structural assembly, consisting in terraces integrated in
between basic volumes, the building recalls the architectural spirit
of the colony houses that were used by the former la reunion
community.

from the parking spaces along jefferson blvd, a path leads through
the two existing buildings, which structures and roofs only are kept
to house temporary public exhibitions. the path then meanders through
the trestle, inspired by the trees’ gestures, offering a very
sensitive physical confrontation between an ever-powerfull natural
surrounding, a rough concrete structure, and a delicate architecture.
inspired by pioneer houses and modernity as an heritage of american
architecture, trestlehouse offers stimulating, peaceful and open
contemporary spaces for a conversation between new and traditional
media artists.


la reunion tx project - artist residency




la reunion tx project - artist residency interior


la reunion tx project - artist residency side elevation



la reunion tx project - artist residency project diagram

how studios are connected





trestle structure