Local architects get limelight: Open Architecture Tour promotes the work of Santa Cruz County home designers

SANTA CRUZ -- While 45 Rocky Road's well-lit interior and high ceilings are striking, some may argue the split-level floor plan snaking through the yard steals the show.

"Santa Cruz has an incredibly benign environment that can promote beautiful architecture," said the home's lead architect, Bret Hancock. "There are a lot of buildings that are hugely transparent and undulate around courtyards, promoting a lot of interior and exterior usage."

According to Hancock, this design can lead to decreased energy usage, an important element he addressed when planning the home. Wanting to keep the property as environmentally friendly as possible, he also incorporated a solar-assisted water heater, a rainwater reclamation system and a sustainable metal roof.

"I think that good design and sustainability are completely compatible," said Hancock, who has been designing since the late 1970s. "I don't subscribe to the notion that to make something environmentally friendly, you have to sacrifice aesthetics."

One of the eight buildings on the 17th annual Open Architecture Tour, 45 Rocky Road isn't the only home to exemplify an architect's ability to cohesively integrate green architecture into design. Showcasing some of the top locally designed buildings in the county, the May 19 event is sponsored by the Architects Association of Santa Cruz County and benefits Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing homes to lower-income families.

"Every year the opportunity to visit these inspirational homes helps us reconnect with the power of architecture and of the continuing importance of the concept of home," said David Foster, executive director of Habitat for Humanity. "Habitat is grateful for the generosity of the Architects Association of Santa Cruz County for providing needed funds to support our mission to see the end of substandard housing."

The Architects Association of Santa Cruz County started the Open Architecture tour as a way to showcase the work of local architects, shedding light on Santa Cruz's diverse designs.

"Our association wants people to understand that architects bring value to the design and construction process," said the association's vice president, Hugh Carter. "We think that people very deeply understand the difference between a place that's not comfortable to be in and a true space, one that is enjoyable and one that properly functions with some elements of grace."

While the tour doesn't necessarily focus on eco-friendly structures, this year's selection features a variety of sustainable designs including a low-impact barn and a hilltop villa specifically positioned for optimal natural lighting.

Environmentally friendly design may seem like the now trend, but green architecture has long been at the forefront of functional design. Natural sunlight, proper insulation and high-quality windows can all contribute to more efficient housing, potentially leading to smaller energy bills and more comfortable accommodations.

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Local architects get limelight: Open Architecture Tour promotes the work of Santa Cruz County home designers