Image courtesy of eVolo

Sand Babel: Solar-Powered 3D printed tower

The eVolo Magazine 2014 Skyscraper Competition shows off a range of unique designs, including a desert tower made from sand. Conceived by Chinese designers Qiu Song, Kang Pengfei, Bai Ying, Ren Nuoya, Guo Shen, Sand Babel is a solar-powered 3D printed skyscraper built from desert sand. It is a group of ecological structures designed as scientific research facilities and tourist attractions for the desert.

Image courtesy of eVolo

“In my eyes, sand is a perfect building material – it has stable chemical and strong physical properties and is resistant to weathering. The sand is our thermoplastic powder and the ample sunlight of the Sahara is our inexhaustible source of energy. Sand and sunlight, these are the sources of Sand Babel.” notes the team.

Image courtesy of eVolo

The structures are divided into two parts. The first part, above ground, consists of several independent structures for a desert community. The top structures are based on the natural phenomena called Tornadoes and Mushroom Rocks, which is very common in deserts. It utilizes a spiral skeleton structure, which is tall, straight and with strong tension, to meet the requirements of residential, sightseeing and scientific research facilities.

Image courtesy of eVolo

The second part is partially underground and partially above ground connecting several buildings and creating a multi-functional tube network system. The net structure is similar to tree roots to keep the structure stable. This design not only helps to keep flowing sand dunes in place but also facilitates communication among the buildings. The dual funnel model not only improves cross-ventilation, but also generates water condensation based on temperature differences through a water-generating system located on its mushroom-shaped roof.

more. http://www.evolo.us/competition/