ARCH TOUR FEST: THE JUNGLE GYM HOUSE

Photo Credit: Ye Min Rok

Arch Tour Fest: The Jungle Gym House – 4:00pm

Additional information regarding the tour and check-in process will be emailed directly to registrants 24 hours before the event.

Tour Organizer: Melanie Ryan

The Jungle Gym House is a custom home of Architect, Todd Sussman and architectural BizDev Consultant, Melanie Ryan. A ground-up build on a small sized lot located in a community filled with other architects, landscape architects, artists and creatives. It’s no secret, architects love seeing other architect’s personal homes and sharing their insider tips for materials and overcoming challenges. This would be an informative tour, ending with a toast on the rooftop deck to enjoy the expansive views from East LA.

Building Credits:

OPEN for Humans / Todd Sussman and Melanie Ryan

General Contractor: Joe Sharaf, Giraffe

Landscape Architect: Todd Sussman

Interior Designer: Todd Sussman and Melanie Ryan

Tour Led by:

Melanie Ryan, Business Development Consultant

Bio:

Melanie Ryan is a BD consultant whos work bridges individuals and opportunities within the arts, architecture and urban life – holistically growing abstract ideas into tangible possibilities.  Clients include; ODAA (architecture), UAP (public art), Makers of Sustainable Spaces (interior landscape design) and consulting per- project with more.  Visit involvedwith.com to connect further.

Todd Sussman, VP of Design, Irvine Company

Bio:

Todd Sussman, A.AIA, LEED AP BD+C holds a Masters of Architecture and Graduate Minor in Urban & Regional Planning from University of Florida.  For over two decades, he has been designing world-renowned resorts, public installations, and major restaurant + retail locations, infusing brand’s spaces with a modern sensory experience.

Learning Units:

Daylighting:

By the end of the tour, participants will be able to apply principles of daylighting to residential projects in order to enhance occupants’ well-being and energy efficiency.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Define the concept of daylighting and its importance in residential design.
2. Identify the benefits of incorporating daylighting strategies in residential projects.
3. Understand the basic principles of daylighting, including orientation, fenestration design, and shading techniques.
4. Analyze the impact of daylighting on occupant comfort, health, and productivity.
5. Explore various daylighting techniques and technologies available for residential applications.
6. Apply daylighting strategies to maximize natural light penetration while minimizing glare and excessive heat gain.

Sustainable Materials:

By the end of the tour, participants will be able to integrate sustainable materials effectively into residential projects to promote environmental responsibility.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Define sustainable materials and their significance in residential design, considering factors such as resource conservation, and life cycle analysis.
2. Identify the benefits and advantages of incorporating sustainable materials in residential projects, including reduced environmental impact.
3. Understand the principles of material selection and specification for sustainable residential design, considering factors such as durability, renewable resources, and recycled content.
4. Understand the importance of waste reduction and recycling during the construction and demolition phases of residential projects.
5. Apply strategies for integrating sustainable materials into residential design, including material substitution, innovative product selection, and design for disassembly.
6. Consider the economic and financial aspects of sustainable material selection, including initial costs, long-term durability, and operational savings.

Energy efficiency:

By the end of the tour, participants will be able to effectively integrate energy-efficient materials into residential projects to optimize energy performance, reduce carbon footprint.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Define energy-efficient materials and their role in residential design, considering their impact on energy consumption, thermal performance, and overall building efficiency.
2. Identify the benefits and advantages of incorporating energy-efficient materials in residential projects, including reduced energy costs.
3. Understand the principles of energy-efficient material selection and specification, considering factors such as insulation, glazing systems, air sealing, and reflective surfaces.
4. Explore different categories of energy-efficient materials applicable to residential construction, such as high-performance insulation materials, low-e (low-emissivity) windows, cool roofs, advanced lighting technologies, and energy-efficient appliances.
5. Analyze the integration of passive design strategies and materials that leverage natural resources, such as daylighting, natural ventilation, to reduce the reliance on mechanical systems.
6. Understand the role of energy-efficient materials in reducing heat gain and heat loss, preventing thermal bridging, and improving overall building envelope performance.

Drought tolerant landscape:

By the end of this session, participants will be able to design and implement drought-tolerant landscapes for residential projects, incorporating sustainable practices that conserve water, promote biodiversity, and enhance outdoor spaces.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Define the concept of drought-tolerant landscaping and its importance in residential design, considering the need for water conservation, resilience to climate change, and reduced maintenance requirements.
2. Identify the benefits and advantages of incorporating drought-tolerant landscapes in residential projects, including reduced water usage, improved stormwater management, enhanced biodiversity, and increased aesthetic appeal.
3. Understand the principles of plant selection for drought-tolerant landscapes, considering factors such as native and adaptive species, water requirements, soil conditions, and microclimate considerations.
4. Explore different strategies for water-efficient landscape design, including the use of efficient irrigation systems, and rainwater harvesting.
5. Assess the site conditions and analyze the impact of topography, sun exposure, and soil composition on plant selection and water management in drought-tolerant landscapes.
6. Apply design principles for creating visually appealing and functional outdoor spaces in drought-tolerant landscapes, considering factors such as hardscape materials, seating areas, and shade structures.
7. Consider the integration of permeable surfaces to manage stormwater runoff and prevent erosion in drought-tolerant landscapes.

Parking Instructions:

Street parking available.