Floating Nest

Project idea

The idea for this project was inspired by one of the zone 5 requirements to elevate the villas. The concept was, why stay rooted to the ground when we have more than enough space in the air, if in the future with a high enough technology level, could we design a hovering/floating building? then how do we go about doing that through the lenses of current technology? Electromagnetic levitation was chosen to be the focus and thus the FLOATING NEST was conceptualized.

Project description

This project consists of THREE central parts,

1) is the landscape area in which the topography was regulated with terraced landscaping. At the same time, it is also open up to further proper different landscape choices on the multiple levels as the villas are elevated.

2) is the network of pathways connecting the villas together and to the landscape also. These paths also serve the dual functions of being hiking routes for the elderly with included rest areas and also as observation points to view the magnificent surroundings.

3) is the villas themselves. These are designed into two hovering parts that are on different vertical levels connected with a core containing stairs & an elevator. the hovering parts are achieved with the help of a series of permanent magnets placed in a curvilinear structure around them

Technical information

The construction materials are split into three for the villas.

STEEL is used for the both pillars and the connecting curvilinear form

POLYURETHANE BOARDS are used to build the form of the hovering parts as theyy are one of the most fundamentally distinct plywood replacements in terms of sheer comparison with plywood. It is not susceptible to water damage or fracturing due to moisture absorption, since it is made of plastic. It is also surprisingly lightweight and if reinforced with fiberglass, can have equal longevity. The reinforced polyurethane board is just as suitable as any piece of plywood for structural and semi-structural employment.

ACRRYLIC (plexiglass) is used as an alternative instead of glass for the windows. As it is CHEAPER: acrylic sheeting takes less energy and money to produce than its glass alternatives. Additionally, its lightweight properties allow transporters to ship the plastic at a lower cost. Cheaper production and transportation allow acrylic manufacturers to sell their product at a significantly lower price than glass. Ultimately, savings for the manufacturers add up to cost savings for business owners and consumers. STRONGER: Acrylic plastic sheets have 17 times the impact strength of traditional glass. It takes a lot more direct force to shatter plexiglass sheeting. If you live in a hurricane or tornado-prone region, plexiglass will perform far beyond any protection that traditional glass offers. Additionally, acrylic sheeting will significantly reduce the risk of a stranger breaking into your home. If a window does not break within a few seconds, most burglars will quit their forcible entry attempts.
SAFER: While clear plexiglass is strong, it can break with enough persistence or the right amount of force. However, unlike glass, acrylic plastic windows will not shatter into a thousand minuscule shards of sharp, dangerous glass. BETTER LIGHT TRANSMISSION: clear acrylic sheets are more transparent than glass as clear acrylic sheets allow for more than 90% of light to pass through them. Furthermore, acrylic windows do not show glare and reflections. Unlike glass, acrylic does not become discolored as the sheeting thickness increases, making it a perfect alternative to glass windows. And lastly EASIER TO WORK WITH: glass is too brittle, rigid, and heavy to use when creating unique, large-scale shapes and pieces. On the other hand, plexiglass is made up of flexible polymers that render it easier to move, cut and install. Acrylic windows are ideal glass alternatives when your project includes several large windows.

Zones

Documentation

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