After 16 months of computational and fabrication research into building system technology, a team of students known as thinkTANK created "The Life Aquatech" for their thesis project at the AA Design Research Laboratory (AADRL). Prioritizing human comfort in terms of temperature, the structure has a self-regulating hydronic system that behaves more like a biological mechanism instead of the standard HVAC system. Additionally, the water-based system easily fuses with the building's contoured aesthetics and doesn't compromise performance.

Here's the project description and images that thinkTANK sent to us:



"The Life Aquatech investigates the relationship between the building systems that mediate between interior and exterior and architectural design by shifting from air-based systems to a water-based system.

Human comfort is one of the main drivers of the investigation, seeking an ideal relationship between the user’s comfort in relation to temperature and how the building can self-regulate in order to provide it."





"By focusing on the behavior of fluid as part of our generative design methodology, the Life Aquatech proposes a building system that is given the same tectonic prevalence as structure."





"Formally the project takes shape from its requirement to collect water while at the same time being structurally viable when made out of fiberglass. By contouring the surface of the project, the surface enhances its ability to carry water while at the same time making it more structurally sound."



"Through the collection of water from a contoured fiberglass shell and the storage and distribution of water in a soft expandable silicone membrane, the building prototype aims to create a cohesive architectural environment through the interaction of different water-based building systems resulting in a fusion of design aesthetic and building performance."

Credits

School: Architectural Association
Students: Armando Bussey-Solleiro, Edward Luckmann, Vichayuth Meenaphant, Ana Margarita Wang-Zuniga
Tutor: Robert Stuart-Smith

For more details, click here.

All images courtesy of thinkTANK.