Poly Canyon was established in 1963 by George Hasslein, the first dean of the College of Architecture and Environmental Design, to exhibit large-scale experimental structures built by students at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
The 10 acre collection is pretty amazing and for some reason I hadn't heard much about it. It's a little over a mile hike from the closest parking lot on campus (see map below).
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The Weekend House (AKA Bridge House) by Craig Ellwood
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This particular concept existed since 1964 and was obviously envisioned for a dramatic site. Ellwood associate Gerald Horn worked on the design and drawing above at Ellwood's request. It wasn't realized until Cal Poly students constructed it in 1967-68. Ellwood had a long relationship with the school, including lectures and teaching. Cal Poly also houses his archives.
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Source: The Modern Steel House, by Neil Jackson
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The design would eventually lead to the Art Center in Pasadena.
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A rattlesnake was on guard.
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As of 2011, when this photo was taken, there was still some glass on the building.
Source: Architecture Farm
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Railings were added after the glass was taken out.
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From the "Bridge House" to an actual bridge. Timber Truss Bridge, 1994
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Earth-Formed Restrooms, 1972
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The Underground House, 1982, was actually underground at some point.
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The holes on top were skylights. The structure had to be exhumed due to structural issues and leaking.
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Tackett fish dome painting. I didn't do it.
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Stick Structure, 1976, renovated in 2009
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Greenhouse, 1983-1989
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Geodesic Dome, 1957
After a speech by Buckminster Fuller at Cal Poly in 1956, a group of five architectural engineering students came together to build his patented “geodesic dome.” This was the first permanent dome of its kind in the western United States.
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Fratessa Tower, 2004 and Hay Bale Arch, 2004
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Click here for more background on all of the Poly Canyon structures.
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The Weekend House (AKA Bridge House) by Craig Ellwood
Source: The Modern Steel House, by Neil Jackson
Although Ellwood's office wasn't formally involved in the construction, Craig himself was there to take this photograph.
Source: Photo: Craig Ellwood, Via Craig Ellwood, In the Spirit of the Time, by Alfonso Perez-Mendez
The design would eventually lead to the Art Center in Pasadena.
A rattlesnake was on guard.
Source: Architecture Farm
Railings were added after the glass was taken out.
From the "Bridge House" to an actual bridge. Timber Truss Bridge, 1994
The Underground House, 1982, was actually underground at some point.
Shell House, 1963-1964, 1975
1980
Source: San Luis Obispo
The exterior is the oldest structure still in the canyon. The roof was created by putting a center pole with cables hanging down, then shotcrete was sprayed onto a wire mesh that was welded onto the cables. The pole was then removed.
Reminiscent of Félix Candela, although he used a more substantial frame than just mesh.
Geodesic Dome, 1957
After a speech by Buckminster Fuller at Cal Poly in 1956, a group of five architectural engineering students came together to build his patented “geodesic dome.” This was the first permanent dome of its kind in the western United States.
Fratessa Tower, 2004 and Hay Bale Arch, 2004
It's also referred to as the Design Village or Architecture Graveyard.
