- Little Tokyo, Los Angeles
- A tequila distillery in Little Tokyo utilizes a passive cooling system, integrating various cone structures to enhance both functionality and aesthetics. Terracotta cones serve as passive cooling elements, while others function as wind towers, channeling airflow to regulate temperature. Some cones extend outward into eastman, cantilevering which blurs and starts to change the site boundary as viewports, offering expansive views of the surrounding site.
The on-site vegetation plays a dual role, naturally controlling temperature while also infusing the tequila with distinct seasonal flavors, resulting in a unique taste that evolves throughout the year. The wind towers, constructed from heavy concrete with a turquoise tint, complement the warm hues of the terracotta. Together, these elements echo the appearance of traditional copper distillation equipment and its aged patina, seamlessly blending the architecture with the tequila-making process.
- The cooling properties of terracotta have been widely utilized across different cultures for various purposes, including keeping water cool in certain regions. This same principle is applied here, where water flows through terracotta cone screens, enhancing the cooling process. As air passes through the terracotta cones, it is cooled by the water using evaporative cooling, effectively lowering the temperature. This traditional method creates a significant temperature difference between the interior and exterior spaces, providing a natural and sustainable cooling solution.
The viewports and circular spaces are strategically stacked to create double-height spaces, enhancing spatial openness. The viewports extend outward, blurring the site boundary and offering dynamic sightlines into different areas. The terracotta cones, along with terracotta slabs, contribute to cooling, natural lighting, porosity, and privacy, enriching the sensory experience of the space. Red lines on the floor plans indicate the various sight-lines formed by the viewport cones, guiding visual connections throughout the distillery. Additionally, the terracotta slabs within the circular spaces create moments that offer glimpses into the distillation process without requiring direct entry. This design element deepens the visitor’s engagement with the craft of tequila-making, merging functionality with immersive storytelling.
The heavy concrete wind towers serve a dual purpose, facilitating circulation through the space while regulating temperature through controlled airflow. These robust structures support the cantilevering light structures. The site's vegetation enhances this interplay by fostering a light, natural environment that provides shading while also contributing to the evolving flavors of the tequila. The undulating and organic conditions of the site creates varying sight-lines, offering dynamic perspectives into the space and enriching the overall sensory experience.
