Spotted: The International Energy Agency’s (IEA) analysis of the solar photovoltaic industry found that “more than [a] threefold increase in annual capacity deployment [is needed] until 2030” in order to meet the global net-zero emissions goal for 2050. That is a huge increase in capacity and is a volume most agencies and governments struggle to meet. Solar farms in general require a significant amount of ground space, making it difficult to find locations that are large enough and close enough to the communities they serve to minimise transport costs.
France’s HelioRec is looking to coastal waters as a potential solution to this challenge. Many densely populated urban areas lack the land needed to build renewable energy sources at a usable scale. Many of those cities are, however, located on the coast. By looking to the surface of the nearby bodies of water as a potential foundation for a renewable energy plant, an entirely new space of opportunity is created.
HelioRec’s floating solar systems are customisable, made from recycled plastics, and designed to minimise maintenance costs and time. The floating solar farms use water for balance and stability, rather than costly and environmentally damaging concrete or metal. The company’s bespoke, flexible connectors make a range of configurations and sizes possible, with output ranging from 10 kilowatts (kW) of energy up to 100 megawatts (MW).
The company uses algorithms to help predict energy generation, making it easier for users to plan for a volume of power to sell and to project how much should be available for times of peak demand. The solar farms can also be used as a dock and charging station for electric boats.
Innovators are increasingly looking to the world’s waterways for solutions to global challenges. Recent developments spotted by Springwise include a nanogenerator that harnesses the energy of the ocean to power sensors and a floating platform for generating continuous electricity from rivers.
Miyue · Blue & White Cliffside Resort by GS Design
GS Design realizes the ‘Miyue · Blue & White Cliffside Resort‘ on the south coast of China, redefining the concept of ‘elegant vacation’ and focusing on ‘spatial experience’. Located amidst mountainous views in Shenzhen, the hotel incorporates a predominantly white color palette throughout, creating an aesthetic clarity that complements the expanses of blue sea and sky surrounding the structure. The architectural practice composes a series of elegantly minimalist spaces in a warm, uncluttered style, and with subtle materials that reflect the natural environment. The accommodation unit arranges 25 rooms with a unique interior design and character. The core element of each room is the formation of various caves, baths, and arches which provide framed views of the landscape.
all images by GS Design
a sensory experience of urban vacation
Architectural practice GS Design focuses on the ‘spatial experience’ of the composed resort exploring the architectural potential in color, light, and texture forming a ‘pioneering model of urban vacation’. Redefining the term ‘elegant vacation’, the design integrates the building with the surrounding environment ‘unlocking the relationship between physical space and perceptual experience behavior’. The material selection of the public zones applies natural bamboo and wood allowing the natural landscape to become part of the interior. Pure white sets as the main tone of the entire building contrasting the framed blue sea and sky.
The rugged cave baths ensure direct contact with the outdoor area securing privacy and transparency. The terrace bubble pool reflects the ever-changing shadowplay during the day. Through the visual, tactile, and auditory sensory experience and the design team’s constant and progressive exploration to connect daily life and leisure, the hotel shapes a contemporary urban vacation retreat.
the hotel incorporates a predominantly white color palette throughout the structure
formed arches provide framed views of the landscape
each room enjoys unique outlooks of the mountainous scenery
white hues and subtle materials complement the framed expanses of blue sea and sky
Design studio Linehouse has used natural, tactile materials for the interiors of the Coast restaurant in Shanghai for China’s casual dining brand Gaga.
The restaurant is set inside a traditional mid-century Shikumen house – a blend of Western and Chinese architecture – with a renovated interior informed by its Mediterranean menu.
“We aimed to create a deep connection with coastal elements and Mediterranean soul,” said Linehouse co-founder Alex Mok.
Linehouse has completed the Coast restaurant in Shanghai
According to the studio, the restaurant’s aesthetic is one of “refined rusticity” – a contemporary reframing of rough-hewn vernacular styles, that creates a laid-back and tranquil atmosphere.
Throughout the scheme, Linehouse was informed by the idea of coastal terrain, including earthy and fired elements.
Linehouse chose a natural material palette, which in turn informed the colour scheme that flows throughout the interior of the three-storey restaurant.
Green-glazed lava stone surrounds the ground-floor cafe and bar
The aim was to take the visitor on a “vertical journey” by giving each of the three floors its own unique identity.
“The colours and materials shift on each floor, telling a different part of the story,” Mok said.
The bar is finished in the same tiles
On the ground floor, where a daytime cafe transitions into an evening bar, green and earthy tones link to the leafy garden beyond. Walls are wrapped in a green-glazed lava stone, with a deliberately hand-made patina, “representing the earth element”.
Custom furniture pieces designed by Linehouse were used throughout the restaurant, while lighting was chosen for its intriguing, sculptural forms from designers including Santa & Cole and Studio KAE.
Natural timbers were used for the centrepiece bar counter, while the timber-framed windows open up to the silver-grey of the olive trees outside.
An open-hearth grill features on the first floor
Above this on the first floor is an intimate dining space lined with white-washed stone and timber panelling. Layered oak panels hung horizontally from the ceiling create intimate dining nooks, with taupe-toned banquette sofas and oak dining tables.
The focal point of this room is the parrilla – an open-hearth grill – and a chef’s table.
“The concept of the open parrilla grill captures the quintessence of Mediterranean cuisine,” Mok told Dezeen.
On this level, fire-informed red and brown tones punctuate the space including the tiles that line the kitchen, which were repurposed from used coffee grounds.
Finally, on the top floor under the exposed timber beams of the pitched roof, Linehouse created a string-wrapped wine room and a lofty private dining space.
Panels of string line the staircase structure
The walls were again clad in white-washed stone. But here, it is contrasted with the intense black of yakisugi, or fire-preserved wood, which serves as a backdrop to a chef’s table.
The space also features a generously-sized balcony, providing views out across this bustling neighbourhood.
Linehouse created a string-wrapped wine room on the top floor
The spaces are linked by a staircase that weaves up through the centre of the building. Its chalky-white outer walls are patterned with a sculptural relief of sea creature exoskeletons, echoed by collections of shells displayed in glass jars nearby.
Panels of string, woven into simple grids, line the staircase structure, allowing natural light to flow into the heart of the building.
“We chose materials that tell the story of the coastal journey, while the exoskeleton wall is a modern representation of the sea,” said Mok.
The top floor also houses a private dining room
Linehouse was founded by Mok and Briar Hickling in 2013 and the duo went on to win emerging interior designer of the year at the 2019 Dezeen Awards.
The studio has completed a number of other projects in Shanghai, including a space-themed cafe decorated with real meteorites and an office housed in a former swimming pool.
The photography is by Wen Studio, courtesy of Linehouse.
How can architecture be a force for good in our ever-changing world? During Future Fest, we’ll pose this question to some of the world’s best architects. Launching in September, our three-week-long virtual event will be 100% free to attend. Register here!
Nestled between beloved Surfers Paradise and chill Coolangatta, Burleigh Heads is a small suburb on Australia’s famed Golden Coast, known for its crowd-drawing surf breaks and iconic towering pine trees. In recent years, a hip dining scene has emerged, reflecting how the area’s popularity has grown. Now, there is a need for more multi-residential developments has increased to help house the growing influx of locals and visitors alike. For the first time in the area in three decades, a multi-residential development has gone up, taking the name of Norfolk, Burleigh Heads.
The iconic luxury apartment building gets both its name and from the heritage Norfolk pine trees found around the site, making a significant contribution to the unique features that set this area apart from the rest. “Just like their pinecones protect its seeds from bad weather and open when in ideal natural settings, Norfolk’s architecture can be adapted to protect residents from the elements or opened up to take in the 300 days of subtropical sunshine and stunning natural surroundings,” said the building’s visionary Koichi Takada Architects, a firm known for the diversity of their portfolio and imaginative willingness to push the bounds of architectural form.
Images by Scott Burrows
The 10-story building bagged both the Jury and Popular Choice A+Awards in the Multi-Unit Housing – Mid Rise category and for a good reason. It makes a statement, challenging how we imagine multi-residential towers, while staying true to the unique features that make the site special. Fanned balconies, a ribbed spine and endless views are just a few other elements that make it special. Its organic form allows it to be a spectacle from every angle and makes it seem like it will take flight. And while its geometry sets it apart, its neutral beige hue helps tie it to the beachy surroundings.
Large open balconies and maximized exterior surfaces allow more natural light to enter the building and increase the resident’s connection with the outdoors. Instead of being stacked uniformly on top of one another, the floating balcony slabs all vary in shape and are strategically overlapped to create additional shade and privacy for the homes below. Imitating the Norfolk pine, their sides are covered in slatted screening to create additional privacy. One can see that these floating slabs are also tapered at the edges and extend beyond the glass balustrade, making them seem even lighter and reflect natural light further into the homes.
Image by Scott Burrows
Cementing the relationship with nature, the architects have also added a spine to the building that curves inwards and allows the blades of the balconies to connect together like ribs. This provision creates shade in the summer, enhancing privacy while also allowing those inside to get glimpses of the ocean. The sides of the building also have slatted screens arranged in a diagonal pattern across the balconies to break up vertical lines and add some dynamism. Since these diagonal panels are movable, the façade is constantly changing are creating new patterns, further reflecting the ever-changing qualities of nature.
Images by Scott Burrows and Tom Ferguson
The structure holds fifteen apartments and a part of two-level penthouses with private rooftops. Making it even more enticing to residents is the inclusion of a gym, outdoor pool and sauna. While all the apartments have generous light and ventilation, the north-facing homes have an unhindered 180-degree view of the ocean. The living, dining and kitchen areas spill out into the large balconies. The southern end of the building holds the en-suite bedroom. There are two additional rooms in the center of the floor as well. Natural timber floors used within the home extend to the balconies as well and create a clear visual connection with the sandy shore beyond. The interior spaces of these homes, fashioned by Mim Design, build on the natural tones found on the exterior of the building to create a cozy coastal home.
How can architecture be a force for good in our ever-changing world? During Future Fest, we’ll pose this question to some of the world’s best architects. Launching in September, our three-week-long virtual event will be 100% free to attend. Register here!
