ARK

University of Applied Sciences Darmstadt (h_da), Faculty of Architecture, Darmstadt, Germany

Project idea

In the Everest region, the triangle of environment, people and architecture is both contradictory and symbiotic. Any way of upsetting the balance will make the project of Everest climbing lose its original glory. Humble Architecture explores how to create a harmonious platform to maintain this balance: preserving both the dignity of the pilgrims and the environment of Everest. The design attempts to use interdisciplinary techniques, such as analytical geometry, materiology, and aerodynamics, to blend "high-tech principle" with "humble architecture". These concise elements are blended into a fascinating conformation, like a futuristic lander, and are named Ark. It could be an efficient solution to the local infrastructure shortage problem.

Project description

The inner space can be constituted three levels: upper, middle and bottom. The upper floor plan is homogeneously divided into three modular cabins. These are assigned to specific proportions of toilets, showers, laundry rooms, or emergency points, depending on the needs. The entrances to each module are hidden in the flank: as they inflate, they unfold like breathing gills and form an entrance buffer zone. The bottom space will be free-standing according to the feature of geomorphology in case of an unexpected avalanche. This will also facilitate the generation of airflow and wind harvesting at the bottom. Finally, the equipment floor is placed in the middle layer, under the slab, so that the staff can intervene directly from the bottom for daily maintenance.

Technical information

Structure
The building has central leaning column as the main support bar, the bottom of which is hinged to the foundation, and the upper part of which is connected to the carbon fiber ring by cables to form the primary skeleton. The indirect cable chains also form the restraining framework of the ETFE facade. The membrane structure is inflated to form a cavity, and its shape is prefabricated in the form of a twisted teardrop, which can effectively cope with variable air compression/absorption and release moment of torsion. Obviously, it also allows the surface area to be reduced, avoiding the cold bridge.

Energy
The vortex tube is an extremely eco-friendly and efficient cooling/heating device that requires only a small air compressor to accomplish the energy-splitting-effect. Therefore, after the membrane structure has been inflated, the air compressor is placed in the intermediate equipment floor, where it can be used to quickly warm up the cavity through the vortex tube. The energy comes mainly from the elegant turbine generator on the bottom, which continuously supplies electric power, regardless of the wind direction.

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