Mangrove
Mangrove TermVillage is a project of IAAC, Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia developed in the Master in Advanced Architecture - 2022-2023 by the student(s) Ingrid Vaz, Gabriel Wosiack Teixeira and Natnaree Wichieansin during the course MAA01 22/23 Self Sufficient Buildings Studio with Edouard Cabay, Raimund Krenmueller and Daniel Ibañez.
Self-sufficient buildings embody innovations where structures harmonize with nature, harnessing renewable resources to sustain themselves and make LIFE in the future possible.
This project unfolded in three distinct phases: Device, Small Architecture, and the Self-sufficient Building. Our journey has involved in-depth analyses of natural phenomena, Arduino prototyping studies, digital fabrication, woodwork craftsmanship, Grasshopper analyses, Rhino modeling, and an extensive research expedition.
A dynamic model of hospitality in the coastal area of Colonia de St. Jordi in Mallorca, Punta del Tort, where temperatures ranging from -2 to 38.4 Degrees Celsius, strong winds, and intense sun, shape the environment.
Embracing the concept of thermal experiences, the Mangrove connects guests with the natural environment by removing walls from its structure. As the main characters of the building, a network of pipes circulates steam, hot water, and cold water, powered by Alambiques (our device of scientific study) that capture seawater and harness solar energy for desalination. This system grants guests the freedom to choose their desired temperature, as private areas prioritize hotter pipes for cozy nights, while shared areas enjoy cooling water during active daytime hours. Additionally, the system adapts seasonally, heating water exclusively at night during summer for comfortable sleeping, and providing continuous warmth throughout the day during winter.
Inspired by the captivating aesthetics and ecological significance of mangroves, the Mangrove employs a linear master plan that blends with the coastal surroundings. In this refuge ecosystem, pipe-like elements pay homage to the intricate beauty of mangrove root structures. By fostering thermal experiences, the Mangrove creates a coastal community with a self-sufficient water system.
Our prototype was developed using plywood and silicone tubes forming temperature curtains, transporting water through various stages within the pipes. It collected water in the form of vapor from the base, where our oven was located, then conveyed it to the top where the structure's water tank was situated. Finally, it circulated pure, desalinated water for use by the structure's inhabitants.
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