Drops of Time

This house, designed for the harsh conditions of the desert, is an architectural marvel that combines functionality with innovative design elements to ensure comfort and sustainability.

Structural Overview

The house’s design focuses on mitigating the extreme environmental factors typically found in desert areas. The structure features hexagonal holes strategically placed to facilitate natural airflow, ensuring continuous ventilation and cooling. This not only helps in maintaining a comfortable indoor climate but also reduces the reliance on artificial cooling systems, making the house energy efficient.

Underground Floor

The underground floor is a key feature of this house, housing a pool and a moisture catcher. The pool serves as a natural coolant, absorbing heat from the surrounding environment, while the moisture catcher is an ingenious device that captures water from the atmosphere, a crucial feature in arid environments where water is scarce. This system not only provides a sustainable water source but also contributes to the overall cooling of the house by facilitating air circulation through the structure.

Entrance and Airflow

The entrance of the house is designed with a double-contained door system, effectively preventing sand from entering the living spaces. This is particularly important in desert environments where sandstorms can be frequent and intense. The hexagonal openings throughout the house act as air passages, allowing fresh air to flow freely and keeping the indoor environment cool and comfortable.

Interior Dynamics

The interior of the house features a dynamic design with spiral staircases that wrap around the structure. This not only adds a visual appeal but also creates a sense of movement and fluidity within the space. The stairs connect different levels seamlessly, promoting easy access and enhancing the overall spatial experience.

Water and Ventilation Systems

The house includes advanced water and ventilation systems to ensure a self-sufficient and comfortable living environment. The water reserve, detailed in the provided documents, ensures a steady supply of water for daily use and emergencies, while the ventilation systems are meticulously designed to maintain optimal air quality and temperature.

Revit was more than enough to complete this project.

Step 1: Setting Up the Project

1. Open Revit: Start Revit and create a new project using the architectural template.
2. Project Base Point: Set up the project base point and survey point to align with the chosen site location.

Step 2: Modeling the Underground Floor

1. Level Creation: Create a new level for the underground floor. Set the appropriate depth in relation to the ground level.
2. Foundation: Use the Wall tool to draw the foundation walls. Set the wall type to reinforced concrete.
3. Pool Modeling: Create the pool using the Floor tool with a waterproof material. Use the Void tool to cut out the pool shape within the foundation.
4. Moisture Catcher: Model the moisture catcher as a custom family. Use the Massing & Site tools to define its shape and position it in the underground space.
5. Ventilation Ducts: Add ventilation ducts using the Mechanical Systems tools. Ensure proper placement for optimal air circulation.

Step 3: Building the Main Structure

1. Main Levels: Create additional levels for the main structure of the house above ground.
2. Walls and Roof: Use the Wall tool to draw the exterior walls. Select materials suitable for heat insulation. Use the Roof tool to design the roof with heat-reflective materials.
3. Hexagonal Openings: Create hexagonal openings in the walls using the Edit Profile option in the Wall tool. Place these strategically for airflow.
4. Double-Contained Door: Load or create a double-contained door family. Place it at the entrance to prevent sand intrusion.

Step 4: Designing the Interior Dynamics

1. Spiral Staircase: Use the Stair tool to create a spiral staircase. Set the stair type to spiral and place it to wrap around the house's interior.
2. Interior Walls and Spaces: Use the Wall tool to create interior walls. Define spaces for living areas, bedrooms, and other functions.
3. Windows and Skylights: Add windows and skylights using the Window and Roof tools. Select energy-efficient types that allow natural light while insulating against heat.

Step 5: Implementing Water and Energy Systems

1. Water Reserve: Model the water reserve as a custom family. Place it in the designated area and connect it to the moisture catcher and water fixtures.
2. Solar Panels: Use the Roof tool to add solar panels. Load a solar panel family and place them on the roof for maximum sun exposure.
3. Cooling Systems: Add HVAC components using the Mechanical Systems tools. Place air conditioning units and evaporative coolers as needed.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

1. Materials and Finishes: Apply appropriate materials and finishes to walls, floors, and ceilings using the Material Browser.
2. Landscaping: Use the Massing & Site tools to add desert-friendly landscaping around the house. Model plants and terrain features that blend with the natural environment.
3. Inspection and Testing: Use the 3D view and walkthrough features to inspect the model. Ensure all systems and components are correctly placed and functional.