During the first six months in the program, students are comprehensively trained in the principles of design and construction of advanced ecological buildings through a series of focused and intense modules, which include material production, thermal and metabolic building systems, ecological structures and façade systems and much more. After developing the necessary skills and a holistic understanding of advanced and ecological design, students collectively draft and build a full scale ecological building prototype.
BIOBASE(D) is a forest management and research center in the Pyrenees, dedicated to preventing forest fires through sustainable forestry and education. The building’s design—especially its structure—responds to the local climate, highlights the potential of timber as a construction material, and offers visitors and staff a unique experience in this remarkable forest base camp. REFERENCES Case Study … Read more
In the face of climate challenges, architecture is evolving beyond static walls into dynamic, responsive systems. The N.E.S.T. Research Center embodies this shift through its resilient envelope, an intelligent skin designed to regulate environmental conditions, harness energy, and enhance structural performance. Envelope Development: A Multi-Layered Approach The building envelope is developed across four distinct facades, each tailored to … Read more
The façade design emphasizes verticality, reinforcing a connection to the surrounding forest and the natural growth patterns of trees. Inspired by the structural grid of the waffle roof, this vertical rhythm is expressed through the cladding, creating a cohesive architectural language. The use of natural materials, particularly wood, highlights the building’s relationship with the sawmill’s … Read more
This in this course we examined the fundamental relationships between skin and structure, as well as energy and materiality, to support us in refining our proposals. Throughout the course, we engaged with various strategies and concepts, including low embodied energy envelopes, durable envelope systems, mutable and demountable designs, and materials that were biodegradable, recyclable, or … Read more
Objective To develop resilient, adaptable, and sustainable building envelopes that integrate active and passive design strategies, utilizing advanced ecological materials and systems to optimize energy efficiency, recyclability, and environmental responsiveness throughout their lifecycle. Location Case Studies Wind & Sun Path Analysis Solar Radiation Diagram Envelope Layer : Roof Pergolas Design Intent : Our pergolas were … Read more
