Tag Archives: Sustainable Architecture

Spirituality and Sustainable Innovation Unite in Architectural Splendor at the MycoTemple

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In a world marked by rapid urbanization and the relentless march of concrete and steel, a unique sanctuary has emerged, standing as a testament to the power of spirituality and sustainable innovation. Côme Di Meglio’s MycoTemple is a transformative living structure that harnesses the astonishing capabilities of mycelium, creating a biodegradable domed space for physical and spiritual transformation.

Designer: Côme Di Meglio

At first glance, MycoTemple is a marvel of art and architecture, a five-meter-wide domed structure that seems to rise from the Earth itself. However, what truly sets it apart is its construction material: mycelium, the intricate underground network of fungi that has the remarkable ability to grow structures. Concealed within this mycelium marvel is a hand-carved wooden structure, hidden from view and only revealed as the mycelium gradually biodegrades over time, returning to the soil from where it came.

Stepping into MycoTemple is like stepping into another realm. Its thick, mycelium-based walls insulate visitors from the clamor of the outside world, creating a serene cocoon of tranquility. Within the semi-darkness, one becomes enveloped by an intriguing material, rich in textures and colors. Some areas feel rough, reminiscent of minerals, while others are soft and velvety, akin to the gentle touch of skin. Every square centimeter is a microscopic landscape meant to be explored, contemplated, and caressed. The immersive scent of the underwood establishes an intimate connection between visitors and the environment, enhancing the sensory experience.

The sensory immersion within this living organism, crafted into an architectural wonder, triggers a heightened state of awareness and a profound sense of presence. MycoTemple invites us to delve deep within ourselves, tapping into something primal and ancient that resides within each of us.

Beyond its artistic and architectural allure, MycoTemple serves a higher purpose as a space designed to foster a diverse range of collective experiences and communal events. It is a place for gatherings, concerts, and quiet moments of contemplation. Di Meglio envisions the dome as a vessel for emotions and dreams, and he notes, “All the emotions and dreams birthed in the dome will nurture this porous material.”

More than just a space for individual introspection, MycoTemple is designed to nurture our essential connection to the living world. It also serves as a place to strengthen our bonds with others. The shape of the dome itself harks back to ancestral dwellings, reminiscent of the caves where early humans sought shelter from external dangers. It’s a form that has been embraced by countless cultures around the world in sacred architecture—places where communities would gather in circles to share stories, ignite shared imaginations, and weave narratives that solidify their sense of belonging to a greater whole.

The gradual biodegradation of MycoTemple is an integral part of its aesthetic experience. It invites visitors to return throughout the seasons, providing an opportunity to witness the passage of time and the organic process of decay and renewal. It’s a reminder that all things are in a constant state of change, and it invites us to reflect on our transient existence.

The entire process of cultivating the mycelium, from its inception to the completion of MycoTemple, unfolded in Di Meglio’s artist studio in Marseille. Utilizing a low-tech approach and repurposed industrial waste, particularly sawdust, the design team grew the architectural-sized dome segments. This exploration of bio-material innovation showcases the potential of sustainable materials and practices in architecture.

MycoTemple is a testament to the power of innovation, sustainability, and spirituality coming together in harmony. It challenges our preconceptions about the permanence of structures and encourages us to reconnect with nature. As we stand in awe of this living sanctuary, we are reminded of the transformative potential that lies at the intersection of art, architecture, and the natural world. MycoTemple is not just a physical structure; it’s a journey of self-discovery and a celebration of the Earth’s remarkable regenerative capabilities.

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This dark green cabin floats above a sloping terrain in a forest in Connecticut

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Located in a vibrant green forest in Connecticut, is a beautiful wooden cabin that functions as a quaint home for a family of writers. Occupying 1200 square feet, the home has a minimal environmental footprint, and is a secluded retreat in the East Coast forest. The home is located in a rather remote location and can be reached either by foot or via light utility vehicles.

Designer: Scalar Architecture

Designed by Scalar Architecture, the dark-green cabin is built entirely from wood, except for the pier foundations, and a leaf-resilient siding. It seems as if the cabin is floating over the sloped terrain it is positioned on. The home is marked by large openings which enable the residents to connect with nature. It features a concave roof surface that collects water and light, and controls ventilation, creating a living environment that is warm and comfortable.

As you walk towards the cabin, you are welcomed by a tiny staircase that leads to a semi-protected porch. The porch provides access to the interiors of the home, which include a living and dining space, two bedrooms, and a loft. The multiple large openings in the home add to the impression that it is hovering above the ground and create a deeper connection between the indoors and the outdoors.

“Exposing a boulder on the ground, the courtyard or impluvium functions in a number of ways: It establishes a relationship between the indoors, the porch, and the forest; it produces a clearing for contemplation within the clearing of the forest for the house; and, it elevates the process of rain and snow nurturing the forest by framing it, augmenting it by the surface of the roof, and, articulating all spaces around it,” said the architecture firm.

Besides being built from wood, the home is heavily insulated with sustainable materials. The openings in the home address the southern solar exposure, the northern and northeastern winter winds, and a local summer southwestern wind.

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MVRDV designs a pair of L-shaped skyscrapers featuring cascading terraces and a green oasis

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Dutch architecture studio MVRDV unveils its winning Oasis Towers development in Nanjing, China which is – a residential and commercial complex consisting of two L-shaped skyscrapers with cascading terraces! The skyscrapers feature an intriguing cliff-like facade and also face each other from the northern and southern corners. The 150m tall towers will be located at the edge of Jiangbei New Area Financial District.

Designer: MVRDV

The most interesting highlight of the towers is the lush green ‘oasis’ situated at the center of the site. This green landscape slowly moves outwards, and harmoniously integrates with the cascading terraces. “The contemporary architecture of Nanjing takes its inspiration from nature in form and appearance. With Oasis Towers we wanted to push this trend to the max – not only emulating nature with curving, stratified ‘cliffs’ but also to literally incorporate nature into the design with the greenery and by tapping into natural processes” said MVRDV co-founder Winy Maas.

The exterior of the towers is basically a gridded facade, which is interestingly contrasted by the inner facade that comprises of cascading terraces that give the impression of a rippling waterfall. The terraces are clad with recycled bamboo, and will be covered in trees and other greenery, and will slowly go on to form a natural perimeter around the oasis, functioning as an elevated extension of it.

A 3-4 story podium creates a protective perimeter around the site, separating it from the surrounding area, and bringing MVRDV’s vision of  “a haven for residents in a dense and rapidly developing part of the city” to life.

The oasis has been filled to the brim with trees and other greenery, and one can gaze at it from the shopping and commercial areas which are located from the ground floor to the third floor. This green space ensures privacy for the residents staying on the upper floors, ensuring the hustle and bustle of the shopping floors does not reach them. This sunken plaza connects both plots across the central road. It provides easy access to the metro station which is located beneath the towers.

As green as Oasis Towers is, it’s also been jampacked with sustainability. The rooftops are non-accessible and have been planted with diverse species of plants to promote biodiversity. Rooftop reed beds have been installed as a greywater recycling system to filter and clean water. Also, a water-source heat pump is supported by an adjacent river to reduce energy consumption.

MVRDV’s sustainable and green vision for Oasis Towers is already giving us goosebumps, and we cannot wait to watch it come to life.

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Saudi Arabian city of the future to house nine million people

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A lot of sci-fi movies set in the future have all these amazing looking skyscrapers and modern cities that we think are still years into the future and may not even happen in our lifetime. But the future may not be as far off as we think, especially if these plans for a linear city in Saudi Arabia will push through, then we’re just a step away from cities like that we see in the movies. Well, we still won’t have flying cars probably, but that may also be just a few years away.

Designer: Morphosis

The Line is a megastructure that will be built as part of the Neom development in the Tabuk province in Saudi Arabia, near the Red Sea and across the Gulf of Aqaba. Neom will be a tourist destination and city with smart city technologies and sustainable structures and The Line will be part of this development. It is a 500-meter tall and 200-meter wide linear city that will occupy 170 kilometers across the planned city. When finished, it will be able to house nine million people and will be the 12th highest structure in the world and most likely the longest.

This will be a vertically layered community with mirrored facades, having two wall-like structures and an open space in between them. The aim of such a structure is to give city dwellers an alternative way to live than the usual urban structures that we currently see. There will be residential, retail, leisure, and educational sections in The Line, as well as parks and other green spaces in order to make it more connected to nature. They call this arrangement as Zero Gravity Urbanism.

The outer mirror facade will make it blend with nature while the interior facade will be created for “extraordinary experiences and magical moments”. They are still committed to creating a small carbon footprint for this development although how that will happen is still not clear. The Line will also have a transport system for the entire megastructure and can connect both ends within just 20 minutes. Again, how they will be able to create this sustainably will probably be tricky.

The Saudi Arabian government has said that the entire city will be powered by sustainable energy and will be designed to have a more sustainable lifestyle compared to most traditional cities. The entire Neom development is also part of the country’s drive to be less reliant on oil by diversifying its economy.

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Polestar’s “Spaceship hut” lets you have immersive experience in the forest

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Having a treehouse in the middle of a forest full of trees may be an ideal scenario for those who love peace and quiet and are semi-adventurous. I mean if you’re fully adventurous, then you’ll go camping or hiking around the forest. But if you’re like me who loves nature but doesn’t totally want to be in the middle of it, then having an enclosed space in the middle of it is the next best thing. Having a futuristic-looking but sustainable kind of structure there is also something that may appeal to that kind of nature lover.

Designer: Kristian Talvitie for Polestar

Polestar is known for its electric vehicles (EV) but they have now also created a “spaceship hut” in the middle of a Finnish forest. Koja is minimalist but futuristic looking and allows its occupants to immerse themselves in nature while still enjoying the safety and comfort of an enclosed space. Basically, it looks like a treehouse but with a more immersive design. It is described as a ‘spaceship in the forest” with only a miniature space to fit in two people.

The hut hangs 19 feet off the ground on a tree and is reinforced with an iron frame to make sure it won’t drop you to the ground. It has a small, u-shaped room that looks more like a viewing deck for the forest. There is an outdoor bathroom nearby where you can do your ablutions. The room has a continuous sofa that can also be a table and even a bed to lie on. Not only is the hut minimalist-looking but even what’s inside is stark and bare but the forest you’re viewing can serve as your “decoration” anyway.

The materials used to create Koja is environmentally-conscious wood and wool. The spruce used is locally sourced, adding to the structure’s “focus on sustainability”. They wanted this structure to be something that shows a “shift” in how we use materials and define spaces in the middle of nature. This is currently not available for booking but I wouldn’t be surprised if it will eventually show up in the Creative Spaces section of AirBnb or something similar.

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ArkHaus lets you spend luxurious days aboard a sustainable floating mansion

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One of my dreams is to be able to temporarily live somewhere near the ocean or any body of water. It would be ideal to actually be in the water but a yacht or cruise is not really that conducive to what I have in mind which is to have a place to lounge in with an amazing view but also be able to work when needed. So what if it was a house that could stand in the middle of water but still have all the conveniences I would need? Of course, that’s a dream for someone like me.

Designers: Sam Payrovi & Nathalie Paiva

But for those who could afford to be a member of exclusive social clubs, that will actually be a reality soon. ArkHaus is a livable, multi-story luxury yacht that will be floating in Miami’s Biscayne Bay. It is the first solar-powered floating mansion with solar awnings paired with an electric propulsion and also has a rainwater harvesting system to make it a sustainable, 4,350 square feet yacht. The materials used to build it are probably not that eco-friendly so we can’t really call it a green floating house.

The ArkHaus looks like it’s really floating on the water but it actually has four hydraulic spuds that raises it out of the water so it will still be stable and not be impacted so much by the waves. It also has smart monitoring and maneuvering controls for easier cruising through the waters and that cruising is pretty silent because of the electric propulsion. The architecture of the yacht itself speaks of comfort, luxury, and convenience.

These floating luxury villas have pretty spacious decks so if you feel like sunbathing while looking at the view of the city or the water, you can do so there. It also has a saltwater pool in case you prefer swimming there instead of in the bay. You can also spend some time in the rooftop lounge where you can work, have a drink with friends, or just stare at your majestic view. Inside you have bedrooms, a living room, and a kitchen, all with a view of your surroundings.

 

The ArkHaus will be finished sometime in the fourth quarter of this year and will be available for accredited and non-credited investors of the social club. There will be four luxury villas with a pool in the middle, so if you have other rich friends, you can spend a few days together there. Meanwhile, I’ll be here, just dreaming about it while watching the video.

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Self-sufficient cabin in the forest is a green retreat for only $165k

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One of my dreams (and a lot of people’s dreams probably) is to be able to work remotely in a small cabin somewhere in the middle of nature and then disconnect from the world after the work is done. That will most likely remain a dream in the near future but seeing other people’s dream come true is a hobby I’ve developed lately. I also take notes so that if ever I get to live out this plan someday, I know what I want and how to get it.

Designer: ZeroCabin

Two sisters in Chile got the ZeroCabin crew to help create their dream retreat in a forest in the Lake District. The cabin faces the sea on the east and then on the west, you can see a 70-meter tall hill so you get a perfect view either way. They designed the north facade to have open windows and expanded the east facade to allow more sun to illuminate the house obliquely. And since the area has extreme humidity during the winter, they elevated the cabin 1.5 meters above the ground. The 1,184-square-foot cabin has three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen and living area on the ground floor, and a loft on the third floor.

Following their previous designs, this ZeroCabin Krul uses timber as a frame for the entire structure but with structural insulated panels with pulverized cardboard. The cabin is built to be green and so it uses a two-kilowatt solar system for its electrical needs and a five-cycle system that collects rainwater for its water needs. Shower water is also collected and is used to flush the toilet. The bathroom waste is treated with the Toha System, a vermicomposting process that lets earthworms turn them into nutrient-rich humus.

The ZeroCabin way is to start out the house as a kit of parts and then bring it to the location where they assemble it. Since the location is a bit remote and had to pass along a steep road, they had to use a light pickup truck to transport everything including cement and rubble for its foundation. The best news for the sisters is that the cabin was completed for just $165,000 as they used natural materials as well as affordable but sustainable technologies.

The geometric-shaped cabin doesn’t look so out of place in the middle of the forest and in the inlet of the Pacific Ocean as it was specifically designed to be “in humble dialogue with the surrounding nature”. The sisters got a grand reveal as they wanted to be surprised and based on their reaction (“they cried with happiness), they indeed got the self-sufficient retreat of their dreams.

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This sustainable townhouse design in Melbourne is simultaneously energy and water efficient

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For people who can afford to buy their own houses, one consideration when choosing which one to purchase has been the carbon footprint in terms of building it as well as the sustainability in terms of energy and water consumption. There has been an uptick in condominiums, townhouses, and actual houses that use green design to attract these kinds of house buyers and of course, to help the industry become more conscious of its effects on global warming.

Designers: Green Sheep Collective Architects

A group of architects in Melbourne, Australia, heeded the call to create townhouses that use high-quality and sustainable construction while at the same time creating a piece of art for modern architecture. What they came up with are the Alphington Townhouses that bring its owners not just a beautiful space to live in but also allow them to save up on energy and water consumption through the materials used and the design structure itself.

The living spaces have a lot of open living areas as well as modern staircases, windows with unique angles, and modern finishes in both the kitchens and baths. The latter connects to the outdoors through the patio or the balcony. The idea is to let as much natural north light into the spaces, lessening the need to use electric lights during the daytime. The house is also enveloped in thermally efficient materials to minimize the use of both energy and water.

The materials used for construction were also specifically chosen to reduce carbon footprint. To help reduce energy, they used low-maintenance standing seam cladding as well as corrugated metal roofing. They used the “stack effect” on the roof in order to let in natural ventilation in the southern rooms and reduce overheating during daytime. The Vic Ash flooring inside the house helps reduce timber waste during the construction phase. They used recycled bricks for the first level of the houses and angled timber balcony screens to give privacy for the outdoor spaces.

The townhouses’ aesthetics are also visually pleasing, including the elevation of the houses down the slope of the street. They also retained the existing trees to give the development more of a modern-looking yet nature-filled setting. I for one wouldn’t mind living in such a house if I manage to visit Melbourne someday.

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The world’s first floating city located in South Korea is set to be the humanity’s next frontier

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The Koreans are slowly taking over the world in many ways. It’s not just in the entertainment business and tech industry but also in the area of sustainability. South Korea is about to get a new floating city situated in Busan as a project by Oceanix has just been unveiled.

Oceanix has showcased a prototype of a floating city. It’s a project of the developer firm together with the United Nations and the Busan city government. The floating city is a more resilient and sustainable version of the key shipping hub.

Designer: Oceanix

OCEANIX Busan Sustainable Flowting Cities

Officially called OCEANIX Busan, the floating city is an upcoming destination for visitors and travelers. It’s a unique tourist site that offers organic dining from local restaurants, harbor-view guestrooms, skylit greenhouse amenities, and communal terraces. There are eco-retail options on the elongated ground level, complete with waterfront views. All these can be found in the Lodging Platform which is just one of the many platforms available in the floating city.

The Research Platform is mainly the marine research and co-working hub. On its ground level, the entrance leads to a shared winter garden. It’s temperature-controlled since Busan has more cold winter days. Food is also grown in the garden right on the hydroponic towers available.

OCEANIX Busan Project

There is also the Living Platform that allows circular living. A community backyard complements several residential buildings. The latter encourages gathering among the residents since it’s just one community.

The idea of the Oceanix Busan is that it will be sustainable, adaptable, and scalable. The mission is to build a thriving community of people caring about every life form on the planet. The agreement was signed in November 2021 by the OCEANIX in partnership with UN-Habitat and the Busan Metropolitan City of the Republic of Korea. The project aims to develop solutions for threats of rising sea levels that may affect coastal cities, no thanks to climate change.

OCEANIX Busan Prototype

OCEANIX Busan Floating City

The sustainable floating city is imagined as a flood-proof infrastructure that offers several environment-friendly options and efforts like zero waste closed-loop systems and a system that produces its own food, freshwater, and energy. OCEANIX Co-Founders Itai Madamombe and Marc Collins Chen said, “Sea level rise is a formidable threat, but the sustainable floating infrastructure can help solve this looming catastrophe. We are excited to make history with Busan and UN-Habitat in ushering in humanity’s next frontier.”

OCEANIX Busan Design

The idea that people, nature, and technology can co-exist will be accurate someday. Right there in Busan, the world will see that sustainable human settlements and more are possible. The OCEANIX Busan is set in a six hectare land

OCEANIX Busan Sustainable Flowting Cities

OCEANIX Busan South Korea

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BEEAH Headquarters designed by Zaha Hadid Architects appear like interconnecting dunes

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Zaha Hadid Architects BEE'AH Headquarters

Zaha Hadid Architects remains a formidable force in the industry even with the demise of its founder a few years ago. The firm continues to work in all sectors at all scales in different countries, creating spaces that work with the surroundings.

ZHA has just introduced its latest project that will once again mesmerize the world. The newest headquarters for the BEEAH Group has just opened last March 30. Situated in the deserts of the UAE, the building’s opening was attended by His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi.

Designer: Zaha Hadid Architects

Zaha Hadid Architects BEEAH Headquarters Design

The BEEAH Headquarters (Bee’ah Headquarters) is one “green” structure with next-gen solar technologies. It follows LEED Platinum standards, so it is capable of delivering zero-emission. The building itself is the ultimate demonstration of what BEEAH is all about—sustainability and digitalization for the future. BEEAH concentrates on creating a sustainable future in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA region). The company is also setting a new benchmark for workplaces, hoping that other organizations will also follow.

The BEEAH Headquarters was designed to blend with the surrounding environment. It looks like a series of dunes, complementing the Al Sajaa desert. The idea is that these dunes have been shaped naturally by the winds, producing ridges and concaves. The building appears to be blending with the desert. There is ample daylight coming in and beautiful views are provided.

Zaha Hadid Architects BEEAH Headquarters Desert Dunes

BEE'AH Headquarters Zaha Hadid Architects

BEEAH Headquarters Zaha Hadid Architects

The dome measures 15-meters high which allows natural daylight and ventilation. Inside are smart meeting rooms, an auditorium, and a visitors center. Guests can enjoy the 9,000 square-meter establishment that is visually appealing inside and out. It features slab and glass cooling to maintain a comfortable temperature inside. In addition, there are glass-reinforced fiber panels that also help decrease solar gain. An on-site water treatment system also helps minimize consumption when it comes to wastewater management. Energy demand is met by Tesla battery packs that a solar farm charges.

Zaha Hadid Architects BEEAH Headquarters Desert Dunes

Zaha Hadid Architects BEEAH Headquarters Details

Zaha Hadid Architects BEEAH Headquarters Exterior

The “dunes” are where the administrative zone and the public and management departments are located. A central courtyard interconnects the two that also function as an oasis and ventilation. The ZHA-designed establishment is an example of what BEEAH wants to offer society as it focuses on education and green mobility, full-circle resource management, innovation, and smarter solutions. A sustainable future is what BEEAH is committed to working on– with the help of digital technologies, environmental consulting, and more. They can do more of that now at the new BEEAH Headquarters.

Zaha Hadid Architects BEEAH Headquarters Interiors Auditorium

Zaha Hadid Architects BEEAH Headquarters Interiors Auditorium

Zaha Hadid Architects BEEAH Headquarters Location

Zaha Hadid Architects BEEAH Headquarters Smart Meeting Room

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