Project
LOOP
Collaborators: Luca Corrêa
Year: 2022
Category: Residential Architecture
Skills: Grasshopper, AutoCAD, Illustrator, SketchUp, Rhino, Lumion, Photoshop
Team: Ana Clara Cavalcante Luca Augusto Gustavo Zorzeto Ana Paula Gomes Otávio de Souza Caio Frederico e Silva Renan Balzani Through the holistic lens of nature, waste is a mercurial concept. In a cyclical dance, living things preserve the dynamic stability that colors the Earth. From plants to fungi, and back, resources are continually transformed and passed on, but never wasted. Notwithstanding, fervent as it is, urbanization has long evoked a different picture. In Brazil (and in many countries alike), this scenario is especially conspicuous, as waste disposal remains largely unregulated and inadequately handled. Accordingly, the loop reframes the avail of human overflow. Inspired by long-established natural mechanisms, it intends to shelter the most affected ones: garbage pickers. Leaflike, it mainly runs on sunlight and rainwater, while wastewater and organic residues are harnessed through methanogenesis for water heating and stove power. The slightly warped envelope is mostly based on natural and recycled materials, thus it not only enables a sustainable building but it fosters scavenging as a fruitful activity in modern society. Furthermore, along with providing adequate housing, the loop's uses are manifold; its versatile layout may assume diverse functions according to the inhabitants preferences, ranging from a repair shop to a handicraft atelier. Hence, this design proposal paves the way for a mindful landscape, in which both resources and humans are encompassed by the all-around loop of things.
Loop Microhome
Lateral view of the Loop microhome in an already reconstructed environment.
Land development
Applied urban and architectural concept. One can observe the ability to change the landscape and people's lives through the application of architecture.
Exploded Perspective and Constructive System.
Offgrid System
The energy cycle starts with the photovoltaic panels installed on the microhome's roof, which capture solar energy and convert it into electrical energy. This energy is used to power the house and stored in batteries connected to an inverter for later use when there is not enough sunlight to power the house. In the rainwater cycle, the rainwater tank is used to collect rainwater that can be used for plant irrigation or non-potable purposes inside the house. In addition to feeding the hydroponic tank used to grow plants and vegetables without soil, making it possible to create a garden for consumption. In the biogas generation cycle, the biodigester is used to treat organic waste and produce biogas, which is used to power gas stoves or other gas-powered appliances, such as gas water heaters. The final residue from the biodigestion process can be used as fertilizer for gardens and farms. The gas water heater is used as a source of hot water for bathing. In the wastewater and organic waste cycle, constructed wetlands are natural water treatment systems. This process is carried out through the use of aquatic plants and microorganisms that absorb and transform nutrients and contaminants into harmless forms for the environment. The tertiary treatment of wastewater is used to purify the water that comes out of the house. This process removes unwanted contaminants and nutrients, making the treated water suitable for non-potable uses and stored in the wastewater tank.
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