Glenn KatzFor my design I hope to utilize site features as much as possible. While I have yet to decide exactly where I want to situate my building, I do plan on it being on the Big Island of Hawaii. With this in mind I can consider a couple of factors I would like to focus on to leverage the site location to benefit my buildings systems in the most sustainable way.
Some Inspirational Designs and Buildings:
Kvåsfossen / Rever & Drage Architects
I was immediately intrigued by Kvåsfossen due to its apparent nature to disappear. From the outside the building is tucked below a road and hidden among trees on a ridge overlooking a river. However, even more interesting is this effect from within the building. The wide spanning glazing produces a feeling of immersion with the outside. In both of these cases, the building leaves the focus of the occupant of the viewer, in an exhibition space. I believe this is a crucial element to follow.
Grand Palais Ephémère / Wilmotte & Associés Sa
While a little different, the Grand Palais Ephémère considers the built environment in its construction, utilizing its reflective glass, the Eiffel Tower and Ecole Militaire are perfectly mirrored. This effect imposes a larger than life feeling when looking at Ephémère. I am also a fan of the mass timber.
Bay Area Discovery Museum / Olson Kundig
The Bay Area Discovery Museum is a children's museum and will likely serve as a big inspiration for my interactive “kid zones” as the museum is full of interactive exhibitions.
Brazil Pavilion – Milan Expo 2015 / Atelier Marko Brajovic + Studio Arthur Casas
The Pavilion provides a playful setting for an exhibition. I believe there is value in this, as a playful spirit is an interactive one, and an interactive exhibition needs individuals willing to engage and have a little bit of fun with the material. An exhibition like the Pavilion encourages this, something I hope to emulate in my own designs.
Some Features I’d like to incorporate into my design:
Water Collection and Recycling
Highlight water recycling, include an impactful water feature to highlight water use and conservation. I plan on situating my site in an area of high rainfall, providing the opportunity to establish water collection methods which, in conjunction with recycling or conservation methods, will allow the site to sustain ample green space.
Sustainability,
In the form of Net Zero/Carbon Neutral Construction Methods and Building Operations.
While I plan to construct as much of my building as possible from Mass Timber, there will likely be parts that will require different construction methods or materials. In the event that carbon neutral materials are not available for use I hope that the implementation of Mass Timber, along with other sequestration methods will offset these effects and maintain a carbon neutral construction.
Through building operations I hope to ensure the building is net zero, producing its own power onsite through PV and utilizing energy efficient methods, perhaps passive house methods, to maintain that net zero goal.