Ecoscape designed by Open Source Architecture is a prototype of a mountain cabin located along the Sierra Nevada Mountains of Califonia, USA. The cabin is intended to adapt and respond to the weather conditions of extremely cold environmental climates and is viewed as an innovative approach to sustainable design. The project focuses on the concept of self-sustainability and utilizes feasible strategies that allow it to generate and produce its own source of energy. The structure resembles a kind of dimpled, cratered surface that flows in a similar direction to the mountainscape and consist of areas of tension and compression which are beneficial to the overall design in terms of shading and daylighting. The uses of a south exposed facade allow for the most passive solar heat gain to reach interior spaces.
Photography By© Olivier Mathiotte
The programmatic interior elements also work with the overall structure where courtyard spaces are directly located under the depressed areas gaining optimal direct solar exposure. The design of the building is receptive to daylighting and solar conditions throughout the times of the day where the exterior surface is particularly designed for the highest form of exposure, gaining maximum heat energy. Ecoscape is designed by using an algorithm that locates and tracks the suns position for the purpose of maximizing solar absorption in general areas along the roof. The roof’s surface also contains ETFE material which is a slim sheath that incorporates photovoltaics cells in order to store energy and implement sustainable measures.
Photography By© Olivier Mathiotte
By Amal Dirie
