London-based Amonle Studio Workshop has come out with a novel design for a home that is inspired by the Caribbean lifestyle – the Antillean Gothic – a sustainable structure. This brilliant concept is the brainchild of John Allsopp, an architect who spent his growing-up years in Barbados – and has incorporated lot many Caribbean elements in his environmentally friendly designs. The Antillean Gothic does not have the shape and physicality of a regular house. Its curved shape makes it look very different from a conventional house, yet the make is extremely interesting. The basic construction of the house follows the pattern and arrangement of a ‘shotgun house’ wherein the rooms are all arranged in a linear fashion so as to make the most of cross air ventilation and circulation. However, this home is slightly different as it has another level which also receives the same degree of ventilation – making the house naturally cool.
The design of the building makes use of old corrugated metal sheets that have vaults attached to them – making them support the sheets independently. The house is basically built of bamboo – a very sturdy and sustainable raw material that is also locally sourced. The construction is such that the Antillean Gothic has a well managed and an extremely durable structure that can withstand natural hazards – such as floods, hurricanes, earthquakes etc. The home makes optimal use of clean water and natural light. Various other building materials that have gone into the construction of this magnificent abode are recycled such as – 55 gallon drums (that serve as a huge gutter), corrugated metal sheets (that form the structure and enclosure), bent scaffolding pipes and expanded metal mesh (used for screening and the structure). Wind energy is also generated for powering the house through an axis wing turbine that would generate around 7,500 KWH annually. The Antillean Gothic is truly a sustainable structure that makes optimum use of raw materials and renewable energy to provide a ‘green’ way of living.
Via: Amonle
