Next Generation Sustainable House in Taiki-Cho: Comfort and Lightness

Design Team: Chulalongkorn University
Witthawat Prabhasawat, Supavit Junsompitsiri, Narumon Charoencharatkun, Panisa Jermhansa, Rachanon Kamoljitravee, Rachaya Wattanasirichaigoon

Advisor:
Rachaporn Choochuey

Jurors: Kengo Kuma, Romonari Yashiro, Masata Araya, Yoshiharu Tsukaoto, Dana Buntrock


Lightness in architecture always draws a discussion, since architecture aims for firmness, as Vitruvius suggests. The alluring aspect of lightness is that it allows mobility, reduces environmental load, and gives an impression of freedom.

To achieve the ultimate lightness in our project, air - weightless, is obtained as the main structure that raises the shelter, creating a sanctuary space inside. Such pneumatic structures answer the condition of fast assembly and dismantling precisely, as they are entirely transformable by simply inflating or deflating.

A small fabric tube which is easier to handle than a big sheet is our starting point. But a simple stand-alone air tube would be unstable, therefore, weaving is applied to strengthen the whole plane consisting of light-weighted small linear members. The trihexagonal pattern of the weaving creates a strong but flexible bond. The light carbon fiber sticks work as a form giver to the whippy weaving plane.

A challenging point of architecture’s mobility is that it contradicts the core idea of architecture, the stability of the foundation. Generally, a building would need a certain kind of structure that holds it onto the ground to attain stability, both in the literal and psychological sense. In our project, with a little help from nature, water is thought to become the shelter’s portable foundation by easily filling it in when assembling and pouring it out when dismantling. The idea therefore leads to the base design, composing a series of hexagonal-tank units that perceive the shelter’s load. The negative trigonal spacings formed between are where the structure above meets the base and is what holds the tanks together. The base’s organization likewise complements the weaving pattern of the pneumatic structure.

The usage of natural elements, in this case, does not only complete the architecture in the structural aspects but also promotes comfort and allows the residents to enjoy a primitive upon different seasons. Apart from being used as the main structure, the air is also filled into the weaving inflatable skin to act as heat insulation for the shelter during the harsh winter of Taiki-cho. The flexibility of the base structure makes planting possible during warmer seasons, creating greenery and lively atmospheres. Water-filled tanks can also be opened for foot bathing with the temperature responding to different seasons - cool water for summer then warm water for winter. In the center of the base, a large tank unit is placed to host a fireplace to be the central heat generator in winter - defining a cozy area where everyone gathers around altogether.
With our proposal, architecture and a given surrounding nature shall complement one another to best draw out the richness of the place.