Final+Project -+The+Moreava+Cabins

code Sustainable architecture is a term that describes environmentally conscious designing techniques in architecture. It seeks to minimize the negative environmental impact of buildings by enhancing efficiency and moderation in the use of materials, energy, and development space. The idea of sustainability, or ecological design, is to ensure that our actions and decisions today do not inhibit the opportunities of future generations.

code code The Moreava Cabins are a great example of sustainable architecture; they offer a low-impact yet comfortable retreat on a remote island. They were conceived by AATA Associate Architects to provide environmentally-sensitive accommodations that connect simple design strategies paired with low-tech resource-efficient building. Incorporating prefabricated building techniques with low water and energy needs, the cabins respect the island's cultural and environmental legacy.

code code They’re located on Chile, between Maunga Terevaka and Rano Kau volcanoes. Hanga Roa, which is the specific locations of this complex, is a really exotic touristic location in which AATA architects designed this project as a retreat for those eco-friendly visitors that wanted to be in contact with nature. The architects involved were Nicole Gardilcic and Sebastian Cerda. This group takes into consideration the climate conditions in which they’re going to construct, and the way they affect their design. Also, they try to design projects that are energy efficient and don’t have a negative impact in the environment where they’re going to be located.

code code They originally started with the idea of the Morerava Cabins when they saw an opportunity to create a tourist complex on Easter Island in 2009. Analyzing the tourist market on the Island the AATA architects group realized most sectors were well developed, spanning from luxury Hotels to private homes and camping, however one sector was not covered: family friendly cabins which meet certain quality standards. Then, when they started designing the cabins, they realized a very particular design would be required in order to correspond to the unique and delicate context of the island. The construction process, material resourcing and daily usage of the cabins had to have minimal impact on the very fragile environment of Easter Island. Taking everything into account the project was developed with the idea of a prefabricated design. The entire prefabrication was finally executed on the continent and then shipped by boat. This ensured minimal local impact and avoided the use of any material from the island. The design of the module emerges from the optimization of common materials available on the market. For example, modulation between pillars is 120cm is half the length of a plate, resulting in less waste of material.

code code In order to achieve minimal intervention with the natural terrain, all cabins hover over ground on single pillars. This preserves the natural water absorption of the earth and allows for natural air ventilation underneath the floor, eliminating any potential moisture problems. Additionally the designers managed to conserve local species of plants and shrubs making them an integral part of the overall design and ambiance. The project celebrates sustainable design in a challenging environment where its impact can be the most beneficial. The cabins were built in on the Chilean mainland and placed on piers to eliminate the need for local resources and to protect the native vegetation. The piers' placement was carefully planned to protect the floor system from moisture damage. Because of the moderate climate the cabins do not need insulation – this allows the lightweight, exposed scissor roof and walls to become the primary design element. Each of the nine cabins can accommodate up to six people; however they are cleverly designed to maintain privacy despite the close quarters. The secret is offset panels of glass that run high on one side and low on the other, eliminating direct lines of sight between the cabins while still allowing access to plenty of indirect light. Cross-ventilation through the windows maintains the interior climate. The steel roof is offset from the roof deck to allow hot air to escape.

code code Even though water taps are available, each of the cabins has a rain catchment and filter system to provide water for primary needs. Rainwater is located and stored for re-usage in the cabins and solar collectors provide the right temperature to use it in the kitchen and toilets. Water is heated by low-cost solar batch water heaters extended from the roof tops, which require no electricity — instead they use thermo siphoning, which eliminates the need for imported fuel. Electricity on the island is produced by a power plant burning diesel brought in by tanker ships; therefore the shelters get renewable energy through solar panels on the roofs. The Morerava Cabins blend low-tech off-grid systems with low-impact building to offer a comfortable retreat in a sensitive environmental area. In our opinion, this design isn't only attractive and interesting; it corresponds to the environment where it’s located and also manages to merge with it rather than imposing itself. Considering aspects like rainwater collection and energy efficiency make this complex not only a piece and a nice place to stay and get in contact with nature, but also a great example of sustainable design.

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