‘Nature Academy’ School and Museum for Sustainability_former paper factory refurbishment project 2017

Site Area : 4,330 m2

Building Area : 1,854 m2

Total Area : 3,818 m2

Design Strategy

The concept of this project mainly focus on the sustainability in various ways and apply them fully to the existing building with integrated sustainable design. And, how to preserve the historical space of the factory was an another issue.  Here are a number of strategies as follows.

Strategy 1. The primary objectives of the project are to make a better architectural space than before, by remaining the distinctive existing architectural characters and preserving its architectural and historical significance. To achieve them, the existing concrete grid structures, concrete mass that have functions for manufacturing papers are preserved. Therefore, they have become special architectural elements that can fit into new programs. Also, a part of brick facade is preserved, so that the new facade has become a hybrid one in combination with glass and timber walls in consideration with local context.

Strategy 2. By installing green Ivy skins except for the glass facade area on the north side of the building, the green skins are functioning as a natural sunshade with the pursuit of architectural beauty. As a result, the combination of natural materials such as Ivy, timbers and bricks highlight the sustainable image.

Strategy 3. To create a pleasant indoor climate, a linear glass atrium is inserted into the middle of the existing building mass. This approach can maximize natural ventilation and sunlight inflow through the skylight. Thus, it can help reducing energy consumption.

Strategy 4. By introducing double-leaf masonry wall system and exterior insulation finishing system, thermal bridges of the existing brick facade can be removed.

Strategy 5. For all the floors and the outdoor furniture, recycled materials (such as recycled porcelain, recycled rubber, recycled plastic, recycled terrazzo) are used.

Strategy 6. The drainage passages on the roof slope gently and they play a role as a rainwater collector. The water flow toward the west direction of the building and is collected into the west-side pond. Thus, it is reused for the plants around the building and also for toilets.

Strategy 7. To Improve energy performance of the existing building, geothermal heat pump is also installed under the ground, so that it can dramatically reduce the amount of energy consumption.

Strategy 8. One of sustainable design issues is how to use photovoltaic cells as a beautiful architectural element beyond the function. As a solution, so-called PV Trees are invented and placed in the exhibition area as well as outdoor area. They provide sunshade like real trees as well as generate electricity during the daytime. At night time, the stored electric energy make LEDs illuminate.

Strategy 9. For experiencing sustainable life, farming area where can cultivate various vegetables and grains are planned in the outdoor yard. Here, visitors can use solar cookers to cook with the harvested ones directly from the farm. Additionally, bicycles that can generate electric power by cycling are installed in the outdoor playground for children.

Strategy 10. Children museum, green business incubator, science & recycling museum, life-style academy, training center and public space are arranged in balanced mixture. The program arrangements provide visitors multiple ways to interact with each other. This creates an environment where users of each program feel free to share their knowledge and experience as an another sustainable meaning.

Strategy 11. The middle part of the north main facade is set back and replaced into the glass facade. The main thing is exposing visitors to the most innovative sustainable items through the transparent glass facade. In terms of interior materials, bricks and timbers are harmonized with the preserved concrete structures. It shows the history of the space as well as create warm and natural environment.

Design by KIM MIN JAE

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