As I start designing a contemporary 3 story residence tucked into a hillside in Studio City (Los Angeles) CA. It reminded me of the energy saving Earth-born homes built in the 80's using the natural Earth as an insulator for comfort and conservation. Concrete retaining walls serving as interior finished surfaces in contrast with sleek insulated sheets of glass and fine lines of horizontal strips of Brazilian wood ties it all together. A big departure from the traditional architectural styles, but far more open feeling in this crowded city. Little wonder more and more people are choosing contemporary architecture today. It's cheaper to build (except for retaining walls) than the traditional homes cladded with details, trims and plant-ons.
I should note that by using rough construction as a finished surface does not allow for adjusting surfaces. No fir out or dry wall to cover any defects or misalignment. Architectural details should note awareness to concrete and framing sub-trades. The one-ten-one hundred rule will apply. Prevention, check and recheck, inspect and reinspect, measure and remeasure.
F.Y.I. You can input your proposed project on www.estimateconstructioncostfirst.com, then add retaining walls the second time with the same input you did the first time and see the difference in cost to construct.
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