The Argent Floater

Spring 2018 Comprehensive Studio Professor: Elizabeth Kamell

Collaborator: Sizhe Wang

We started to think about the structure we are adopting for a building such as this. The structure must be light, firm, consistent and allow large spans for moving seaplanes. A steel truss system with exterior curtain walls thus became the basis for future iterations.

On top of that, each façade needs to be individually analyzed and e valuated according to its program and energy requirements. Excessive sunlight causes unnecessary cooling thus a shading system is required.

S imilarly, to a seaplane with draws its power of flight from air and sustenance from water, this building is designed t o be self-sufficient in energy needs. By installing solar panels on the roof, a significant portion of the building’s energy cost could be offset.

Sitting right on top of the water, the building has excellent access to grey water both used for general cleaning as well as maintaining the seaplanes. Water also offsets big temperature swings on land, which acts both as a heating and a cooling assistant.

With that in mind, we started to think about the structure we are adopting for a building such as this. The structure must be light, firm, consistent and allow large spans for moving seaplanes. A steel truss system with exterior curtain walls thus became the basis for future iterations.

On top of that, each façade needs to be individually analyzed and evaluated according to its program and energy requirements. Excessive sunlight causes unnecessary cooling thus a shading system is required.

Similarly, to a seaplane with draws its power of flight from air and sustenance from water, this building is designed to be self-sufficient in energy needs. By installing solar panels on the roof, a significant portion of the building’s energy cost could be offset. Sitting right on top of the water, the building has excellent access to grey water both used for general cleaning as well as maintaining the seaplanes. Water also offsets big temperature swings on land, which acts both as a heating and a cooling assistant.