Abstract
The Covid19 pandemic has changed our perspective. While it was a huge stress on our emotional, physical and mental well-being, it has also taught us a great lesson. A lesson o foresee the unpredictable future and be ready for challenges. It confined us to the four walls and also thought us the importance of being self-sufficient. On similar lines, climate change is yet another challenge that we need to tackle on this planet. Nature is unpredictable and we never know what the future holds for us. Self-sufficiency is the key to tackle such situations.
The Concept of Bio Cabins
Climate change is an unpredictable process. With the increased human intervention into nature, we can see the changing patterns of weather every year. Hence, to be future-ready and to survive through the future changes in climate bio construction can be put to use. With the use of technology and bio-architecture, low environmental impact habitats can be conceptualized. This can include self-sufficient living units, drought-resistant vegetation, wind-resistant, and stabilized systems for a better and safe existence in the future. The whole system of a self-sufficient unit is referred to as ‘Bio Cabins’.
Bio Cabins are basically aerodynamic structures, built from sustainable low weight, low carbon footprint materials and also wid in reducing sounds, vibrations, and tackle site erosion. The increasing Co2 emissions and rising temperatures are indications that the future is going to be tough and to cope up with the adverse effects we need an architecture that can facilitate survival in extreme climates and make use of passive techniques for a sustainable lifestyle.
This concept focuses on reducing dependency. It is all about creating a habitat where humans can grow their own food, work independently and have access to technology at the same time. As far as energy production is concerned, this concept talks about harnessing clean sources of energy like solar radiation, wind energy, etc. This in a way eliminates the need for general power grids and dependency on fossil fuels.
Bio Cabins by W-LAB
W-LAB is the architectural laboratory/research unit of Wild Design Studio. The aim of this unit was to design an architectural solution to mitigate climate change thereby minimizing energy consumption and greenhouse emissions. Therefore the establishment tries to solve issues with software simulation techniques giving rise to sustainable design solutions.
The Bio Cabins as proposed by W-LAB is a futuristic habitat that would allow the people of the community to be self-sufficient and lead an efficient life even in extreme conditions. It has proposed to facilitate connection to broadband through satellite technology and goods delivery to the residents through drones. The handed structures of these units will be formed using tensile fabrics and would be surrounded with drought-resistant vegetation to regulate macroclimate and avoid the heat island effect.
Moreover, water supply will be designed to harness water from evaporative cooling techniques employing Fog catchers to catch the humidity. In addition to this, another source of water is been designed to be through modular desalination plants. Wastewater recycling has been formulated for using wastewater for growing plants. Furthermore, aluminum will be majorly used in the construction of these bio cabins as it is much more cost-effective and light in weight when compared to steel. The interiors of these cabins would have greenhouses to provide sustenance for the settlement’s inhabitants.
Solar and wind power will be harnessed for energy production. Each cabin autonomous eliminating the dependency on a central grid system. Since these bio cabins by W-LAB have been planned for the desert climate, the material of construction would majorly be organic. For instance, agave would be used as a source of wood and fiber. This can be used for structural elements, cladding panels, flooring, and insulation. Moreover, it can also be a source of ropes and textile for the tensile structures.
All in All
Bio cabins are an effective way to mitigate the futuristic climatic effects and create a human settlement that is can exist efficiently in the extreme future conditions with respect to climate, location, and access to technology. Though it is a futuristic visualization, it shows us the potential of bio construction and its application that can help us in adverse conditions.
