The Tectonic Shade Project, completed in 2013, was designed and built by R.G. Cowan Design|Build. Inspired by the Colorado National Monument's rugged geologic features, this project was a response to the poor solar orientation of the existing home. The entire length of the south west side of the home was flanked by a large concrete patio and a wall of windows that soaked up the desert sun, radiating heat to an unbearable degree. The goal was to create a beautiful outdoor space while solving the problem of solar heat gain onto the patio and interior living areas. The solution was Tectonic Shade.