sustainable floating home ... acting with not against the rise of the oceans

Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism University of Constantine 03

Project idea

Through time, the man-sea relationship has always been strong. The sea presents a natural source of food and energy; a link between countries and continents that allows a very relevant exchange on all levels (cultural, economic ...); a space of relaxation and wellbeing. The sea is the cradle of civilizations. This relationship is getting stronger every day, especially because of the phenomenon of rising sea levels caused by the global warming. Several geographical areas around the world have threatened to be flooded.

Project description

One way or another, very large numbers of people around the world find their shelters on the water (example: Cairo and the Nile flank ...). "Living in the sea" is becoming more and more a reality that we will have to admit by seeking the most adaptable solutions to act "with" this phenomenon, and by offering a replacement shelter.
To respond to such a problem, we have opted for a floating and intelligent house that takes into account the current needs of human life, and which is part of a high environmental quality HQE and especially of respect for the environment maritime. Our vision of this concept does not include the idea of ​​overlaying a terrestrial habitat on a boat hull, or living in a boat. On the other hand, the idea is inspired by a water bubble.
Thanks to its position on the water, the house has well-organized living spaces; "day" spaces at the first level that benefit from the maurelle light and a terrace garden through stairs, with a dynamic roof; and spaces at night lower level quieter. This house can accommodate up to 6 inhabitants in conditions of comfort and very pleasant living environment.
From a critical point of life, I think this idea does not represent "the global solution" unlike utopia, in addition it does not allow to develop sociability because of its isolated nature.

Technical information

Technically, the first concern was to find the solution that allows the house to float. To do so, and taking the same principle of a submarine, a platform is designed to carry the whole through air chambers of 60 m3 volume. It also contains:
• Micro wastewater treatment plant (purified water will be discharged into the sea)
• Mechanism of electric power generation by turbines (renewable marine energy currents)
• Central heating
• Desalination mechanism of sea water
The structure is made of durable, recyclable and especially light materials. It is in two parts
• An aluminum structure (which contains the habitable levels), with special slabs whose design is based on the golden ratio, to release the entire inner surface of the load-bearing elements.
• A lightweight reinforced concrete platform that represents the foundations of the first structure allowing the thermal insulation of the underwater level. It is also a suitable medium for the growth of seaweeds.
Another phenomenon involved in the design of the project structure is "the hydrodynamics of the sea" which destabilizes the whole and causes a change of project orientation. The vertical mobility was solved by superimposing the two structures through dampers that play the role of stabilizing the aluminum structure by absorbing movements (only the platform that moves).