Sunday 12 June 2011

BIOMIMICRY AND SUSTAINABILITY

Rather than slap on a conceptual biomimicry analogy I'm using sustainable systems that have been influenced strongly by biomimicry. These systems will be used to provide a space that uses sustainable energy,
maximises resources and minimised waste all in a cost effective manor which would allow the community to be as self sustaining as possible much like processes in nature.

The CH2 in Melbourne had some really excellent images to explain many of the processes to be used in Brisbane including, solar power, mining of sewage for cooling and much more. http://www.melbourne.vic.gov.au/Environment/CH2/Pages/CH2Ourgreenbuilding.aspx




BIOMIMICRY
The Biomimicry presidents behind my building had a hug influence over the tectonic requirements of my building. Initially I had focused on biological systems like caves and other sensitive ecosystem as they are incredibly sustainable which was something I believed vital to keep down costs in a community project which would most likely be funded by taxpayers. I developed this further, finding Biomimicry examples which could be used to reduce energy consumption and reduce wastes. The layers of skin (dermis and epidermis), leaf structure, osmosis, roots and bark all impacted the tectonic aspects of my design.

Epidermis & Leaf Structure: in nature the epidermis forms a protective outer layer while the structure of a leaf regulates the quality of air, dissipates heat and collects energy. The outer skin in this building is formed by the vertical green walls modelled of the CH2 Melbourne building. The thickness necessary to support the planter boxes shades the external corridor within the skin. While the plant increase the quality of the air as well as aesthetically integrating the structure with the Cliffside and parklands.


Dermis and Bark: the inner layers of skin or the space between layers of bark create a sub layer between the external skin and the structure which is inhabitable and passively allows regulation of the space. Demonstrated in the external corridors which create an intermediate zone between the inner glass rooms dominated by glass facades and the outer skin.


Termite mounds: Thermal mass created by Brick veneer walls with steel frames provide thermal mass, keeping the inside cool during the hottest hours of the day and warm at night.


Roots and Osmosis: Connection to the soil, water and the society at large. Osmosis is part of the process used to recycle liquid from the sewer mains into useable water for cooling a building using convection currents as apposed to energy intense radiation which in Brisbane translates to air conditioning units

No comments:

Post a Comment