Aqua-Carapace

Aqua-Carapace as the name suggests is a shelter on water. 

With humans constantly pilfering from Nature, Nature wants its vengeance. It is retaliating with calamities like earthquake, droughts, famines, floods etc. Hence instead of suffocating our lands, why not we move to water which occupy 75% of our earth's surface, thus vacating our lands and let them rejuvenate. 

With the above thoughts in mind, a small dwelling that floats on the water has been designed. This dwelling not only houses its inmates but also travels from one place to another above and beneath the surface of  water allowing them to explore new horizons.

CONCEPT

The outer shell of Aqua-Carapace takes its inspiration from the two sea creatures Oyster and Mobius Nautilus. 

The way in which an oyster shelters its pearl, in a similar manner Aqua-Carapace shelters its inmates and make the water a habitable place for them. In amalgamation with this, Aqua-Carapace shell plates, shaped in the form of an infinity loop are derived from Mobius Nautilus shell symbolizing the boundlessness and endlessness of the ocean. 

ORGANISATION

The module incorporates day activity zones viz-a-viz kitchen, living, restroom and a deck on the lower level, while a parents bedroom and storage on mezzanine level. The kitchen and living open up towards the deck through a glass wall to enjoy seamless view along with natural light. Retractable glass wall expands the living space by merging it with the deck. A skylight above the parents bedroom lets one enjoy the alluring starry nights.

Use of flexible furniture helps in optimization of space that includes foldable dining and bookshelf cum ladder. The living area converts into kids bedroom during night time with the help of sofa-cum-bed. 

The extended deck houses hydroponic pond at one corner and an opening for a navigation system which could be levitated from the cabin below. The technical, service and energy systems have been integrated below the deck, under the water. 

While floating the outer plates retracts to acts as a parapet for the deck. These plates can also come together to form a closed impermeable unit ready to explore the underwater kingdom. 

MATERIALS

To harmonize with nature, the house has been designed using sustainable and eco-friendly materials. The voluminous roof and side walls are made with plastic reinforced fiber which is completely recyclable and marine-friendly composite material. It is light, strong, water tight, speedy, durable and corrosion free material along with being economical and long lasting.

Aluminum is used to build collapsible shell plates and service hull due to its easy workability, imperviousness to magnetism and malleability. It is light weight, stable and recyclable.

All the interior furniture and partition walls are constructed with bioplastic because of its flexibility, durability and heat resistance. It also helps in reducing carbon footprint.

TECHNOLOGIES

Aqua-Carapace is a floating eco-house powered by sun, ocean and algae. The glass wall is covered with transparent solar cells which cuts off harmful UV radiations and uses them to generate power that is used to drive the house and can also be stored for usage during underwater expedition. 

The part of the glass wall above the mezzanine level is made using algae panels. The algae culture grows green in the presence of sunlight proving shade to the mezzanine floor. This algae consumes bio waste and CO₂  to cultivate and produces O₂ . 

The hydro-water turbine attached produces energy while the house is moving thus acting as an additional source of energy.

For additional food supply, hydroponics system has been installed that allows growing plants without soil by using nutrient solution.