ORCHID FOR ARCHITECTURE

Jury Comments: Talk about a difficult site! Imagine the most unloved, inhumane, and harshest man-made environment: the edge of a freeway. Then top that off by being under the airport flight path. Even rats would move out at the first opportunity. But, according to architect/developer Lloyd Russell, it was the best place to call home. Mr. Russell’s home and office, called “R-3,” was hand-crafted with exposed, board-formed concrete and simple wood forms on a narrow triangular parcel. R-3 is an audacious and supremely successful antidote to its unforgiving surroundings.  More than anything else, the R-3 building proves that even the most limited and challenging site can be become host to a great and memorable building.

Located on a unique site, Lloyd Russell proved that something could be built there.  The awkward triangular lot now embodies a rich three-story building with beautiful random-patterned concrete walls and deep overhangs which shield the windows from deflecting sound waves.  Looking south towards downtown, the view of R3 becomes reminiscent of New York City's Flatiron Building.

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