ArchShowcase Sumit Singhal
Sumit Singhal loves modern architecture. He comes from a family of builders who have built more than 20 projects in the last ten years near Delhi in India. He has recently started writing about the architectural projects that catch his imagination. Residence-Atelier-Foundation in Marrakesh, Morocco by Philippe Barriere Collective (PB+Co)June 1st, 2016 by Sumit Singhal
Article source: v2com Located in a rural landscape and sheltered by olive trees, the Residence-Atelier-Foundation is facing the majestic white outline of the Atlas Mountains. It comprises a private residence, a pavilion for her 3 children and guest artists, and her atelier to retreat and focus on her work. In addition the complex can also host an art gallery and a foundation dedicated to encourage Moroccan women artist vocation.
The eco-friendly design and its construction are based on Hybrid Architecture principles (high-tech/low-tech) developed and pioneered by Philippe Barrière Collective (PB+Co) in North Africa. It is built with low-tech adobe walls and with a high-tech lightweight cantilevered metallic frame canopy wrapped with PTFE membrane. This hybrid Architecture brings technical innovation while using traditional craftsmen skills. 1 – Bioclimatic principles have determined the design including a shaded veranda, cross ventilations, high ceilings, multiple sun protections systems (cantilevered canopy) and passive solar energy (adobe wall thermal mass). – The veranda is conceived as a double transition zone, protected by an outside curtain and by an intermediate layer of moucharabiah. An inner layer of accordion glass doors opens the house outwards according to the various needs. – Adobe walls serve as a significant heat reservoir due to their inherent thermal properties. By hot days and cool nights (in winter), the high thermal mass of adobe mediates the high and low temperatures of the day, moderating the inside temperature. – The roof is made of three separate layers of ETFE wrapped inside and outside the structure, the spaces in between allows a constant flow of air circulation. This air cushion provides both insulation and strength. ETFE is eco-friendly (100% recyclable) and requires minimal energy for transportation and installation. 2 – Low cost construction and materials. – The ecofriendly adobe wall can be built by local masons. In addition to being low cost construction and material, earth is available nearby, requires no transportation and can easily be recycled. Expertise is available in the region both for construction, durability and maintenance. – The light roof metal structure is economical and can be executed by wrought iron local craftsmen. ETFE foil membrane rolls are inexpensive, unaffected by UV light, atmospheric pollution and other environmental weathering. – An adjustable water repellent light linen curtain protects the adobe and the veranda. Inexpensive, light and beautiful, it let air breath trough and dries easily. It can be pulled or be fixed to the floor easily by a clasp, when and where needed. Produced locally it encourages linen craft and weaving mill. Bio Philippe Barrière Collective (PB+Co) Since 1986 In the face of environmental crisis and globalisation, architecture is becoming an instrument to reconcile man with his (cultural, social and environmental) milieu, by either re-investing in this milieu to mitigate the structural deficiencies and/or by fostering its recovery. Challenging both theory and practice, Philippe Barrière Collective (PB+Co) has developed for the last 30 years a forward-thinking expertise addressing suburbanization (i.e. ParkUrbia), the Interstate Highway System (i.e. Infrastructure Architecture) and to social and humanitarian issues such as homelessness, refugee camps and health crises. More recently it has developed the concept of Hybrid Architecture (i.e High-Low Tech) in the Maghreb region. This approach has been qualified by the critic Joan Ockman as critical realism (see the book Resolution, Repositioning the Relation between Man and Nature). By integrating highly competent specialists and manufacturers early in the design process, the Collective succeeds in developing simple, efficient, practical and highly sophisticated cutting edge solutions. For projects images and list see website philippebarrierecollective.com. Category: Residential |