Since
the core message of the project is one of sustainability it was
important to
develop a design that could, regardless of size, be considered as such.
The
studies of bubble and foam structures demonstrated the efficiency of
spherical
geometries and minimal surfaces and provided workable solutions to a
number of
critical economic and construction issues.
The
basic form of the Biomes ensures maximum southern exposure with minimal
northern orientation. By utilizing hemi-spherical structures maximum
heat and
light gain could be achieved with minimal incidental surface
reflection.
Due
to complex funding arrangements the site could not be purchased until a
substantial amount of design work had been undertaken. Until the point
of
transfer the site was effectively being mined resulting in a constant
alteration of ground profile. The basic concept of spherical forms
‘pushed’
into the ground plain and remaining in a fixed position allowed
detailed design
work to progress whilst ensuring that the final ground profile
interface could
be adjusted either way by the addition or subtraction of standard
hexagonal
panels.
The
biomes are an exercise in efficiency, both of space and of material.
Structurally, each dome is a hex-tri-hex space frame reliant on two
layers. The
efficiency of the frame relies on the components of the geometric
shapes: steel
tubes and joints that are light, relatively small and easily
transportable. The
cladding panels - triple-layered pillows of high performance ETFE foil
- are
equally as efficient, with maximum surface area and minimum perimeter
detailing.
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