Open Architecture Network

PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The intention of this project was to create a village to best capture the communal nature of the Kallari people and their venture. The buildings are divided into functions so that they can respond better to the site and to the program and are situated to create two realms. Two green spaces represent a public enclosure and a private enclosure. The public green is fronted by the buildings intended for public access and buildings of public interest such as the chocolate factory. This location also facilitates delivery of goods and it seperates and contains the transporation necessities like parking. There is then also in the design a division between tradition and modernity.

The design of the buildings is linear running east-west across the site, a technique to minimize heat gain. Because the buildings are divided by function they can be situated to contain courtyards that are kept shaded and from which cooler air can be drawn. The building are elevated from the ground on piers also so that cool air can be drawn from underneath. This is a more gentle response to the site and reflects the traditional wisdom of the indigenous heritage. Each building because it is separate from the rest can more fully articulate a response to the terrain and has less of an effect on the local sensitive ecologies. The walls are made permeable and the ceiling heights high to encourage the ventilation and movement of air. Louvers are used for openings and folding doors are used in place of walls so that each structure can become a roof above an open platform. Behind the doors are meant to be hung slatted blinds so that the doors can be completely open and the blinds can be dropped to modulate light, sound, and enclosure.

The materials used are local: wood, bamboo, and thatch. Additional materials could be considered such as reflective metal roofs. To achieve reflection white fabric is stretched between the towers of the chocolate facility, a technique which could be replicated elsewhere on the site. Construction is meant to be simplified by repeating units for each structure.