KRVAVICA ECOLOGICAL INCUBATORSPRING 2024
Exterior Render
Postcard of the original building dated 1966. From the Collection of Ivan Huljev.
First Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
Sustainability Center
300,000 Total Square Feet
Adaptive Reuse, Heavy Timber and Glazing Additions to an Existing Concrete Structure
Designed by Rikard Marasović in 1964, a former Children’s Maritime Resort today sits abandoned on the Coast of Croatia. This adaptive reuse proposal seeks to establish new connections between residents, tourists, and the building’s unique context at the foot of the Dalmatian Mountains. The Modernist architecture is revived through the integration of Living Building Challenge design principles and passive design strategies tailored to the site.
The following is a joint project completed thanks to the expertise and work of Jase Stewart and Sagan Gotberg.
Existing Building Condition - Central Rotunda (Photo taken by Jean-Baptiste Dodane)
Existing Building Condition - Skybridge (Photo taken by Jean-Baptiste Dodane)
Conceptual Site Mapping Sandblasted Acrylic and Thread (18” x 18” x 18”)
The site mapping focused on three dynamic elements that have shaped the site in different ways. In plan view, the site exploration highlights the social borders that have demarcated Croatians throughout history. Empires, conflicts, and political regimes have all profoundly impacted the expansion and contraction of the imaginary lines drawn through the region, their constant movement highlights how ephemeral these seemingly rigid lines are. Sectionally, the piece explores how the unique climate of this area fosters the growth of a widely endemic ecological system. The diversity in climate, which changes dramatically as you move up the site’s steep topography, creates an interlinked system of habitats, each of which facilitates its own distinctive ecosystems. Finally, the interstitial dimension connects the two opposing dimensions by mapping the nautical activity within the region over time. While the trade routes and merchandise fluctuate, the growth of the region has always balanced between the social and environmental factors.
Physical Model (Existing Building in Rockite, Adaptive Reuse Additions in Acrylic)
Program and Circulation Diagram
The building program benefits these dynamic factors, while centering the practice of regenerative building. The primary function of the building is a workshop, depot, and exchange where the resident population can purchase and swap salvaged materials, make modifications to furniture, and check out expensive renovation equipment that would otherwise be inaccessible. Supplementary to this is a hostel to accommodate visiting trainers or trainees with shared amenity spaces and cooking facilities.
Auxiliary to these functions are those that sustain the longevity of the reuse program. These include the on-site incubators for the social and environmental explored in the conceptual site investigation. The Ecological Incubator provides education on how to grow garden and fresh vegetables endemic to the region. This space will function not only to feed occupants of the cafe, but also to restore and protect local endemic species. The Commercial Incubator within the central rotunda is a space that generates activity by blending local and tourist populations. Pods within the rotunda gives local artisans a space to sell their goods to an already established tourist hub. In doing so, the program will bolster the local economy, giving back to the residents and facilitating the start of their own small business’. The social deck melds the locals and tourists together, providing the opportunity to connect and build relationships.
Passive and Active Systems Sectional Diagram
Inspired by the way nature had begun to find a home within the abandoned building, the intention of the adaptive reuse became to preserve some of these infiltrative moments. Because the primary program encourages local residents to practice adaptive reuse, it was important highlight the current period of the building’s history. An example of how this emerged in the design began with a panoramic view of the Adriatic Coast that was sought after in the design of the administration tower’s facade. To compensate for its South West exposure a dual-skin facade was implemented, insulating the interior while opening up new sight lines. Between the two layers of this facade native vines and protected species were provided with space to thrive. This ecosystem then extends to the roof where a shaded garden can foster more plants while providing a relaxing space for employees.
While recognizing that fulfilling the requirements of the Living Building Challenge extends far beyond the initial design phases, aligning the project with these criteria were important if the building was to have the ecological effect intended. Outlined below is how the project intends to grapple with each petal of the Living Building Challenge and how the additions mitigate their environmental impact.Physical Sectional Model of Dual-Skin Facade System
Isometric Diagram of Structural Additions
Detailed Structural Plan
Longitudinal Section
Active System Diagram
Site Plan