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Tuesday
Feb022010

Environmentally Aware:

This design focuses on the idea of a low-threshold environment where the landscape and built objects work in sync. By immersing the living area into the hillsides (which are abundant in the Palouse), the user is able to experience his/her environment with every sense. By moving the living area underground, plant and animal corridors are left virtually undisturbed. The building will also be able to use geothermal energy as a means to equalize warmer temperature in the winter and cooler temperature in the summer. Within the building, a see-through, inner wall allows the user to see plant material growth and animal movement underground, as well as water infiltration through the soil. Additionally, the water will be seen as it is collected within a cistern before it is pumped up into the solar heated tubes. These tubes, which are “planted” within the landscape, mimic the form of the surrounding grassland. Once they are heated to a usable temperature, the water tubes can be harvested for use. This action brings the user up-close and personal to the process in which water is taken from the environment, and the energy that is needed in order to use it. Furthermore, water usage can be monitored closely to maximize efficiency and maintain sustainability. All of the processes combined allow the user to be more aware of his/her natural environment and their place within it – literally. -Trevor Thompson

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