Biosphere: A Sprawling Community for Extreme Climate Architecture

Project by Pranita Khedkar

Shortlisted entry – EHC: Arctic Competition

In a world where habitable zones are shrinking due to climate extremes, Biosphere proposes a visionary settlement on Ellesmere Island, Northern Canada. The project "BIOSPHERE: A Sprawling Community" is rooted in the emerging discipline of extreme climate architecture, developing sustainable, flexible, and resilient built environments in some of the harshest terrains on Earth.

A Modular System for Arctic Survival

Ellesmere Island offers a unique geographical challenge with brutal winters, persistent winds, and low precipitation. Addressing these demands, Biosphere introduces a modular system of dome-based dwelling units designed to provide self-sufficient living for up to 1,000 residents. These modular prototypes—resembling glass-clad igloos—are strategically arranged to allow phased community expansion, integration of biodomes, public areas, and effortless relocation.

Each dome structure is built using advanced materials: 10mm Pilkington thermal insulation glass, a reinforced galvanized steel skeleton, timber cladding, cob flooring for thermal mass, and fiber-reinforced polymer panels. The hydraulic supports elevate units above snow, allowing for easy movement in drifting conditions—a crucial feature in Arctic topography.

A Vision Rooted in Adaptability and Community Planning

Flexibility, ease of construction, relocation, acoustics, and thermal insulation are central to the design. With three prototype sizes (50, 118.5, and 118.5 sqm), these prefabricated structures cater to different community needs—residential, agricultural, recreational, or research-focused. Designed with circular floor plans, the interiors offer panoramic views of the northern lights while ensuring privacy and energy efficiency.

The glass-domed community blends seamlessly with the snow-covered landscape, ensuring minimal ecological disruption. Biodomes serve as hubs for urban farming, supporting poultry, plant biodiversity, and food sustainability. Meanwhile, prayer halls, workspaces, dining areas, and recreational modules foster a self-sustaining microcosm.

Thermal Resilience Meets Functional Innovation

From a structural standpoint, each dome combines traditional insulating techniques with contemporary detailing. A multi-layered construction—incorporating vapor barriers, insulation, and ventilation channels—ensures internal thermal balance even under fluctuating Arctic conditions. The dome design maximizes solar gain while maintaining thermal inertia, reducing the need for additional energy inputs.

Services like hot and cold water, sewage systems, and greywater recycling are integrated within the raised foundation system. These support units are compact and maintainable, feeding into the biodome agriculture system for efficient resource use.

Reimagining Arctic Living through Extreme Climate Architecture

Biosphere challenges the conventional narrative of inhabiting uninhabitable terrain. Instead of resisting nature, it embraces the Arctic's rhythm. The design strategy allows the community to expand or retreat based on environmental cues, shifting units without disturbing the terrain.

By intertwining architectural innovation, ecological respect, and spatial fluidity, Biosphere stands as a benchmark for extreme climate architecture. It is not just a settlement, but a living, adapting organism—proof that even the most remote corners of the world can become home through thoughtful design.