a rain-forest shelter March 2006
Rain-forests in Australia have attracted international scientific interest because they are home to an unusually high number of animals, birds and plants that are found nowhere else in the world. This shelter can be used by birdwatchers and scientists interested in zoology and botanology.
Situated downhill, on an uneven surface, it is standing on two posts that meet in the lowest point on the ground. The floor beams of the construction bank on a reinforced concrete base. The shelter is a timber construction, raised from the earth in order to avoid flooding from tropical rainfall and improve ventilation. Why timber? Timber is a natural regulator of the indoor climate; it breathes and assists ventilation; it stabilizes humidity and filters the air. It does not disturb the nature and in relation to its weight is stronger than any other building material. While the prevention of low temperature in the interior is accomplished with the use of insulation in all sides of the cubic shelter, and the ventilation is achieved through the openings, the reflective surface of the roof (corrugated steel sheet) protects the shelter from the pressure of rainfall and direct sun light.
Situated downhill, on an uneven surface, it is standing on two posts that meet in the lowest point on the ground. The floor beams of the construction bank on a reinforced concrete base. The shelter is a timber construction, raised from the earth in order to avoid flooding from tropical rainfall and improve ventilation. Why timber? Timber is a natural regulator of the indoor climate; it breathes and assists ventilation; it stabilizes humidity and filters the air. It does not disturb the nature and in relation to its weight is stronger than any other building material. While the prevention of low temperature in the interior is accomplished with the use of insulation in all sides of the cubic shelter, and the ventilation is achieved through the openings, the reflective surface of the roof (corrugated steel sheet) protects the shelter from the pressure of rainfall and direct sun light.
Building Technology Studio * University College Dublin * individual project