A Stone at the Waters Edge

clovisbaronian (Georgina Baronian, Sam Clovis)

Urban Climate Island – Finalist

Designed as a thermal battery, this proposal leverages the inherent material properties of its construction – in lieu of reliance on any mechanical systems – to cool its surrounding environment. To increase the cooling potential of this climate island pavilion, a ventilated cavity is inserted between two layers of site-cast concrete. This void serves two purposes – reducing the required amount of concrete and embodied carbon, while also providing a space to passively cool the thermal mass. This cavity is closed off during the day to eliminate the entry of warm air and maintain a cool lower surface, and is opened at night through operable vents to exhaust heat accumulated during the day. This void also significantly reduces the transfer of direct heat gain from the roof’s top surface, maintaining a cold under-surface from which a visitor can experience radiant cooling.

Recycled-aggregate concrete is utilised as the main environmentally and structurally performing material, limiting any necessary maintenance and ensuring long-term durability.

In order to reduce material waste, the earth of the site is utilised as the formwork of the roof. After curing and removal of the structure, this excavated region remains as a sunken grotto along the waterfront. This site-cast method also produces a varied and textured underbelly of the roof surface.