Open Architecture Network

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
AMD Open Architecture Challenge

South America _ Kallari

The project responds to the functional brief by making the logical choice to divide the programmatic elements in 3 separate buildings, carefully arranged on the site: Visitors Centre (200 m2); Administration Building (200 m2); and the Chocolate Factory (400 m2).
Each structure is set atop a raised platform, supported by columns created using packed earth and standard plastic drain piping as formwork.

The raised platforms not only ensure that the buildings can be adapted to sloping site conditions, but also favour natural ventilation, separating the buildings from issues related to rainy soil conditions (landslides, muddy conditions).

The layout of the pavilions is a direct response to the natural topography of the site. The brief does not provide any empirical data; however, from the images it is possible to estimate the slope from the road down towards the river. The design of the structural slabs on pilotis that support the pavilions can be adapted to any sloping condition.

The Chocolate Factory has been located in proximity to the road, to ensure easy connections for supply trucks and the loading and unloading of goods; the Visitors Centre is located halfway down the hill; the Administration Building is located below the Visitors Centre, on the opposite side of the site. This arrangement ensures clear views from all pavilions toward the river, the landscape and back up the hill.

The pavilions are connected by a raised bamboo walkway that offers visitors the chance to experience the site, while ensuring rational connections for staff and employees. Along the path visitors will encounter a botanical garden, greenhouse and rest areas, perfect for a picnic.

The pavilions are designed as extrusions of a standard module; the multiplication of the module creates the larger spaces of the programme. Furthermore, this model is easy to repeat on site and elsewhere, ensuring the simplicity of extensions in the future.

The construction system uses locally available materials and technologies – bamboo, packed earth, galvanised steel sheeting – ensuring that the structures are easy and quick to build.

Facades are realised using Naco glass louvers, alternated with fixed and mobile brise-soleil. This system allows for the maximum benefits of natural ventilation and modulation of natural light (shading and management of humid conditions).

The lightweight bamboo structure is designed to resist under hurricane conditions and provide the necessary flexibility and stability in the event of an earthquake, the exception being the Chocolate Factory building, which rests on a packed earth foundation to support the weight and vibrations of the equipment it contains.