Sun Studios, AKA SunSTU, is a co-op featuring affordable housing south of Downtown Los Angeles. Climate analyses on the sun path, shading, and heat gain reinforced the necessity of mitigating the heat island effect, accomplished through several strategies. SunSTU includes a green courtyard, climate responsive facade, and an elevated green terrace in order to reduce the heat island effect in the city.
A key sustainable feature includes the shading device, which enables protection from solar gain throughout the structure at various scales. A super sized unit is placed as an iconic feature in front, while medium sized devices wrap around the facades. The responsive design enables the device to expand and contract as necessary to allow light to pass through. Residents within the studio are able to adjust their individual shading devices, enabling them to have autonomy over their spaces.
