The Mega-structure:
This artistically conceived structure dubbed as the Cocoon Hotel is conceptualized by Dodeca Architects. The hotel is radically designed in such a way, so as to adroitly screen its guests from the polluting effects of the adjacent industrial environment. It is connected to a number of function specific spaces including the ‘avant-garde’ amphitheater, exhibition grounds and lastly to its sister hotel – which by the way is a recycled silo! Furthermore this unique conception features vertical green gardens, an ingenious passive cooling system and ‘intelligent’ skin claddings.
What makes it mega?
Built in the coastal town of Knysna, South Africa, the design encompasses a huge area, featuring two hotels, a state-of-the-art amphitheater and an adjacent exhibition ground. The two hotels – Cocoon and Silo are constructed with cutting edge technique that will not only screen and shelter the hotel occupants but also the amphitheater visitors from the conspicuous industrial environment – strictly adhering to the eco-architectural dictum of ‘multi-purposefulness’.
Additionally, the Cocoon itself features inner spaces of 3x3x3 meter cubes, amalgamated together to form bedroom, full bathroom and an office. Some of the above rooms also acts as galleries with the clear view of the aesthetically designed amphitheater. But all of the rooms have personal, compact and soundproof components, so that the occupants won’t be disturbed by the surrounding brouhaha and noise.
Eco Credentials:
The singularly innovative feature of this concept is the ‘intelligent’ outer skin rooms that are covered with tensile fabric, literally allowing the defined spaces to interact with the occupants. Each guest can operate their own ‘skin’ electronically, opening and closing it according to their every need. Completely mechanized and private this convenient system does not require the whole paraphernalia of curtains or blinds. Moreover, the skins also incorporate the techniques of passive cooling that significantly reduces heat gain during summer and heat loss during winter. The timber constructed terraces are bedecked with green gardens, furthermore enhancing the processes of oxygen generation, humidification and indirect cooling effects.
