Sunflowers, salt, and algae by circular-design lab Atelier Luma
Le Magasin Électrique, the workspace of the circular-design lab Atelier Luma, was self-designed in collaboration with studios Assemble and BC Architects & Studies, incorporating a variety of biomaterials. Among these materials are sunflowers, salt, and algae, which have been ingeniously utilized to complete the project.
Atelier Luma emphasizes that the construction of Le Magasin Électrique relied solely on raw materials categorized as waste products, byproducts, or undervalued materials. This approach highlights the project's commitment to utilizing resources that might be discarded or overlooked, showcasing the potential for innovative and environmentally conscious design practices. The use of sunflowers, salt, and algae as biomaterials in projects like Le Magasin Électrique is intriguing due to several reasons:
Sustainability: Sunflowers, salt, and algae are renewable resources that can be harvested and grown in an environmentally friendly manner. Their utilization reduces reliance on non-renewable materials, contributing to sustainable design practices and the conservation of natural resources.
Circular economy: Incorporating biomaterials like sunflowers, salt, and algae promotes the principles of a circular economy. These materials can often be sourced locally and have the potential for multiple life cycles or uses, minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency.
Biodegradability: Many biomaterials, including certain parts of sunflowers and algae, are biodegradable. This means they can naturally break down over time, reducing the environmental impact and waste associated with traditional construction materials.
Aesthetic appeal: Sunflowers, salt, and algae offer unique textures, colors, and visual characteristics that can enhance the visual appeal of a space. Their use can add an organic and natural aesthetic, creating a distinctive and visually intriguing environment.
Innovation and experimentation: Exploring the potential of unconventional biomaterials opens up avenues for innovation and pushes the boundaries of design. By incorporating sunflowers, salt, and algae, designers and architects can challenge traditional notions of materials and discover new possibilities for sustainable construction and creative expression.
Overall, the use of sunflowers, salt, and algae as biomaterials represents a fascinating intersection of sustainability, circular design, aesthetics, and innovation, showcasing the potential for creating more environmentally conscious and visually engaging spaces.
The primary objective was to develop a building prototype that could effectively test the low-impact bioregional approach to design on a larger scale. In the sustainable design of Le Magasin Électrique, algae have been employed to filter and recycle the building's wastewater. This recycled water is then repurposed for irrigating the studio's garden, which serves as a research space and contributes to cooling efforts.
To enhance natural lighting and ventilation within Le Magasin Électrique, several modifications were made to the existing structure. Notably, long skylights were incorporated, effectively introducing an ample influx of natural light and facilitating improved air circulation throughout the space. These alterations contribute to a more sustainable and pleasant working environment within the building. Long skylights are capable of improving natural lighting and ventilation in several ways, offering significant benefits to indoor environments. It allows an abundant amount of natural sunlight to enter the space. Sunlight is not only aesthetically pleasing but also provides a healthier and more productive environment. Natural light has been shown to positively impact mood, productivity, and overall well-being. It reduces reliance on artificial lighting, leading to potential energy savings. Skylights that span a considerable length provide a more even distribution of natural light compared to smaller or fewer windows. This helps to minimize the formation of shadows and dark spots within the interior, creating a well-illuminated and inviting atmosphere. This visual connection with the outdoors can enhance the overall ambiance, promoting a sense of openness and connection to nature, which has been linked to improved mood and reduced stress.
Along with increased natural light, long skylights can facilitate passive ventilation. They allow for the escape of warm air and the entry of fresh air, creating a natural airflow within the space. This can help regulate indoor temperatures, reduce the reliance on mechanical cooling systems, and improve indoor air quality. By harnessing natural light and ventilation, long skylights can contribute to energy efficiency. They reduce the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours and can assist in passive cooling, potentially reducing the demand for air conditioning and lowering energy consumption.
The current building regulations have been tailored to accommodate the characteristics of industrialized and standardized construction materials, focusing on their performance. However, as we shift towards embracing organic materials that exhibit variability based on their origin, it becomes crucial to develop new regulatory frameworks that can effectively accommodate this transition.
To fully embrace a culture of using diverse organic materials that may vary from one location to another, it is essential to establish regulations that are flexible and adaptable. These frameworks should consider the unique properties and characteristics of organic materials, providing guidelines and standards that ensure safety, durability, and compliance while allowing for inherent variations.
By designing different frameworks of regulation, we can foster innovation and encourage the use of sustainable, organic materials in construction. These frameworks should promote a balance between flexibility and accountability, supporting the adoption of diverse materials while ensuring the construction industry maintains high standards of quality, performance, and safety.
Ultimately, reimagining building regulations to accommodate organic and location-specific materials will be crucial for realizing a more sustainable and environmentally conscious approach to construction. It will enable the industry to embrace the inherent qualities and benefits of organic materials while upholding the necessary standards for construction projects.
