ABSTRACT
Architecture creates better places, affects society and it can even have a role in making a place civilised by making community more visible as a social catalyst. This architecture design project is based on the theme of “Reduce , Reuse and Recycle.” , a design for people, with an awareness about building sustainably and showcasing the immense possibilities of creating new, exciting spaces with pre-used, discarded or waste materials.
PROJECT INTRODUCTION
In a world increasingly cognizant of environmental sustainability and resource conservation, the intersection of architecture and ecology has emerged as a dynamic frontier for innovative design solutions. In this era of conscious construction, where the ethos of ”Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” reigns supreme, architects and designers are continuously exploring novel materials and construction techniques to minimize ecological footprints. It is within this context that we embark on an exciting architectural journey, one that transforms a seemingly humble and often overlooked resource into a remarkable architectural achievement - the creation of a pavilion crafted entirely from waste tender coconuts.
PROJECT AIM
The aim of this architecture project, aligned with the theme ”Assemblage,” is to design and construct a pavilion crafted entirely from waste tender coconuts, showcasing the innovative use of natural and sustainable waste materials in architectural design, embracing diversity . This pavilion will serve as a tangible embodiment of our commitment to ecological responsibility, resource conservation, and creative design excellence.
PROJECT OBJECTIVE
• To reimagine and repurpose waste and pre-used materials as a unique and versatile building material, exploring their structural potential, durability, and aesthetic qualities.
• To create an inclusive pavilion that caters to diverse user needs, ensuring accessibility and comfort for people of all abilities, ages, and backgrounds.
• To minimize the environmental impact by reducing the demand for conventional construction materials, promoting resource conservation, and decreasing the carbon footprint.
• To design the pavilion for longevity and adaptability, considering its potential to evolve over time and remain relevant within changing contexts.
By pursuing these objectives, this project seeks to redefine architectural boundaries by demonstrating the power of inclusivity and innovation. It will also showcase the limitless possibilities of sustainable architecture by assembling waste tender coconuts in innovative ways, challenging traditional design paradigms. The pavilion will not only serve as a physical testament to the theme ”Assemblage” but also as a beacon of inspiration, promoting diversity and sustainability in designs for future generations.
MATERIAL INTRODUCTION
Exploring the unexplored: Tender coconut as a sustainable architectural innovation.
In the creation of our pavilion, we have embarked on a journey that not only reimagines architecture but also champions sustainability through innovative material use. Our primary material of choice is tender coconut, carefully selected, and transformed to meet the rigorous demands of architectural construction. The material journey begins with the selection of tender coconuts. These coconuts are sourced and thoughtfully collected, taking into account factors such as size, quality, and suitability for our project. The choice of tender coconuts aligns with our commitment to sustainability, as they are abundantly available and often underutilized.
Coconut is a strategic commodity for all of us that has social, cultural and economic significance for the Indian populace. 85% OF THE COCONUT FRUIT’S WEIGHT IS THE COCONUT SHELL. After usage around three million tons of coconut shell wastage is created. [1.5KG/COCONUT]
INCREASING CONSUMPTION OF COCONUTS
INCREASING USED COCONUT WASTAGE
“Nurturing Life: The Art of Coconut Germination”
PARTS OF A COCONUT :
COIR
OUTER SKIN COVERING
COIR PITH
SHELL
COCONUT WATER
FRUIT
USES:
Coconut components find diverse construction uses: coconut shells for lightweight concrete and decor, coir pith as soil conditioner, and coir for erosion control and geotextiles in civil engineering.
MATERIAL PROPERTIES: COCONUT
COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH: The fracture force decreases with increasing velocity and increasing moisture content. Performed compression loading tests on whole coconut endocarps and determined fracture forces of 4.2 KN and 2.7 KN depending on loading direction.
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES: Moisture content came out to be 3.92% and water absorption came out to be 19.87%.
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES: Abrasion1.5%
Impact Value 9.01%
Crushing Value 2.76%
INSULATION:
Thermal conductivity test shows that the it ranges from 0.030 to 0.125 W/Mk. Due to its water and moisture absorption properties it remains cool in hot summer temperatures too.
THERMALCONDUCTIVITYCHART
MOISTURE REDUCTION:
Samples of the coconut wastes (husks and shells) were sun-dried for 3 to 18 days. Using the pintype moisture meter, the moisture contents of randomly sampled coconut wastes were measured for 3 to 18 days.
STUDY PROVING THAT COCONUT SHELLS WILL NOT CATCH FIRE EASILY:
Open burning of coconut shell contributes to c02 and methane emissions.
At harvest, moisture content of fresh coconut husks is around 29–35% . In this study, it was observed that even after nearly one week (6 days) of open sun-drying, the moisture content of the coconut wastes reduced marginally to about 26%. reported that high moisture content of biomass results in poor ignition and reduces the combustion temperature, which in turn affects the combustion of the products and quality of combustion.
The CO concentrations generally decreased with decreasing moisture content over the drying period for both varieties. The smoke produced when burning the husks and shells that were being dried gradually changed from thick white to light smoke in 3 to 15 days. This is an indication of the fact that there was a decreasing amount of volatile gases including water vapour that resulted in the change in the concentration and colour of the smoke.
Insulation (I): Coconut shells need to be subjected to very high temperatures (between 300-500 degree celsius) for several hours to be turned into charcoal.
Integrity (E): the structure has multiple air pockets created due to the particular arrangement of coconuts preventing any hot gas to be trapped inside the structure. Load bearing capacity (R): RCC bars used in the structure are fire resistant thus withstanding structural stability
REASON BEHIND CHOOSING COCONUT SHELL IN ITS ORIGINAL SHAPE:
The results establish
(1) that the orientation of the whole endocarp has no significant effect on the fracture force.
(2) that the orientation of arch-shaped samples affects fracture behaviour.
(3) test velocity does not affect fracture behavior.
(4) that the compressive strength of rectangular samples is highest when applied normal to the endocarp surface.
LONGITUDNAL VS LATITUDNAL ORIENTATION ORIENTATION
Harnessing the Strength of Coconuts for Sustainable Construction. COCONUT
PRECEDENT STUDIES
Manish Advani, a marketing professional, and Jayneel Trivedi, an architect, collaborated with 20 students from Somaiya College in Mumbai to construct a unique Coconut House prototype. The construction process began with an 18day drying period for coconut shells. Simultaneously, old scrap materials from the college were collected.
The Coconut House featured four distinctive walls:
The first wall used halved coconut shells, stacked and reinforced with mud, coconut fibers, and bamboo mesh.
The second wall served as vertical gardens, created from coconut shells.
The third wall was composed simply of stacked coconut shells, designed for partitioning.
The fourth wall used mud and coconut shells for temperature control while maintaining structural strength.
This innovative construction demonstrated the potential of waste materials and eco-friendly techniques in building a functional and sustainable structure.
INTRODUCTION TO GODHAVI
A town nestled on the outskirts of Ahmedabad, India, where the convergence of rural and urban dynamics presents a captivating tapestry of architectural and environmental interaction. At the heart of this exploration lies a pristine lake, a serene oasis within the bustling village crossroad, serving as a focal point for the community's life and development.
DECODING THE SITE
Nestled at the intersection of Godhavi Crossroad in Sanand Taluka, Ahmedabad District, this urban site presents a captivating blend of education, community, and natural beauty. The site’s landmarks, the prestigious Zydus School of Excellence and the charming Sanand Town, contribute to its unique character, while a picturesque lake and a well-traveled crossroad makes it an attractive and vibrant destination.
Sanand Town, a quaint and culturally rich urban area, offers a charming contrast to the modernity of the school. Its heritage and traditions are reflected in its architecture and vibrant local markets
Enveloping this site is a serene lake, which enhances the overall appeal of the area. The shimmering waters create an oasis of tranquility amidst the urban hustle and bustle. This natural feature provides a stunning backdrop and a respite from the daily grind, inviting leisurely walks and picnincs.
The crossroad leading to this site ensures easy accessibility from multiple directions, making it a well-connected hub within the region. It serves as a vital transportation nexus, facilitating the movement of people and goods, and bringing a diverse mix of individuals to the site.
The site benefits from an established vehicular circulation system, comprising a network of roads and pathways, ensuring efficient access and transportation within the area.
Active spaces are bustling and well-maintained areas, frequently used . Neglected spaces being deteriorating and abandoned, lacking attent ion and upkeep on the existingsite.
LAKE NEGLECTED SPACE ACTIVE SPACESLandmarks:The nearby landmarks, including the temple, grocery store, and crossroad attracts vehicle users and forms as an understanding to the existence of the site.
Daily nodes include the temple, grocery stores, and crossroad for daily needs. Weekly nodes involve leisure at the lake and religious gatherings. Programmatic nodes host events at the temple, lakeside, and crossroad.
DESIGN INTENTION
Our project is an embodiment of ecological responsibility and innovative design. Drawing inspiration from the common practice of discarding coconut shells after quenching one’s thirst, we’ve envisioned a pavilion constructed entirely from used tender coconuts. The extended biodegradation period of these shells serves as a poignant reminder of the environmental impact of thoughtless waste disposal.
This pavilion serves a dual purpose. Firstly, it acts as a poignant reminder of our responsibility towards the environment, offering a visual commentary on the need for conscious material choices. Secondly, it serves as a testament to the power of regeneration and recycling in architecture. As visitors engage with this organic, coconut-inspired pavilion, they will immerse themselves in an environment that seamlessly merges with the surrounding natural landscape.
The pavilion is a symbol of transformation, reminding us that even the simplest of materials, when viewed through an eco-conscious lens, can be reborn into something of lasting beauty and value. Our objective is to refine and expand upon our pioneering construction method using dried tender coconut shells and explore its broader applications in the construction industry, addressing the pressing issue of wasted coconuts in the country.
DESIGN DEVEVLOPMENT
The Palm-Inspired Pavilion’s design development marries nature-inspired aesthetics with parametric techniques. Drawing inspiration from palm trees, it utilizes a circular form divided into three segments, shifted to create an intricate, functional, and visually dynamic envelope.
