Icon–Beacon
telemedicine and community technology center

“ . . . representing, building, serving and connecting the community “

The goal for this project is an integrative design solution that merges urban design, community building, identity (through the space & form provided), technological and building physics, and cost considerations into a single building that represents the architect’s cultural & social philosophy.

Site*:
Zones for building structures should generally be developed either in bulk form (village settlements) or along tectonic edges (for example, the transitional zone from pasture land to hillsides), but in order to support Nayayas Health’s community- and connectivity-building challenges, their headquarters should be developed on a spot that is widely visible. It is a solitary structure that represents and demonstrates the organization’s goals, their important position in the community, and the technological challenges that accompany such aspects of the project.

Program:
The building serves as an iconic home base for the telemedicine center, a training center for its employers and others, a meeting point for the community, and a data storage and transmission hub for medical knowledge and internet access. It also provides accommodation for ten employers.

Layout:
The building is a circular two-story structure. The circular arrangement embodies the community-building effort and the exchange of information in all directions that characterizes the project. It allows for openness/flexibility, privacy/individuality, and structural efficiency regarding the local availability of labor and material.
The first floor provides a flexible space for a general meeting room, a library, AV & computer labs, counseling rooms, a central “vault” for sensitive storage and electronic equipment, and a bathroom. The meeting room is expandable to the outside, where awnings provide more sun protection. The simple tectonic landscaping features create more gathering space.
An exterior stairway leads to the second floor – the private quarters of the employers. Ten individual sleeping rooms, a living space and kitchen, and separate bathrooms for men and women are arranged around the central core. An office at the entrance and access to the central “vault” are linked to the administrative elements of the building. A stairway in the “vault” leads to the open attic, where electrical and mechanical equipment and all antennas are installed.

Gross area: 220 sqm
Footprint: 113 sqm
Net area: 182 sqm

Structure:
The backbone of the structure is a 7m high circular stone wall in the center. Beams no longer than 4m span from this point to an outer ring. On the first floor, this ring is a stone wall with various widths and heights defining door and window openings, benches on the inside and outside, and it also serves as the foundation of the façade. Further up, wood posts and bracings define the structure of the second floor. Certain posts extend to the attic to support – along with the central core – the roof. A light roof truss keeps the weight of the roof to a minimum.
The overall concept for the framing distinguishes clearly between the structural components of compression, tension, and deflection to allow for the most economical use of materials.
Materials:
To accommodate the budget, the selection of materials is heavily based on local availability and “weight x distance” consideration of imports. Also, the method of construction – which has no requirement for special tools – and the possibility of the re-use and recycling of selected materials are taken into account.
Structurally, the building relies on stones set in wire cages (gabion system), minimal use of concrete (two flat rings in the central core), wood timbers, and any kind of readily available material as substrate for the framework, such as reeds, wood boards, or bamboo. Exterior surfaces consist mostly of corrugated metal and stone – both very durable materials. For the interior, more tactile finishes have been chosen: clay/mud plastering for the walls (stone and reeds – or similar – substrate) and ceilings; exposed wood beams on the ceilings; stone, wood, or clay/mud for the flooring.

Climate Considerations:
As for the structure, the climatic behavior of the building is based on the central core (the “vault”), as well as on its geometry. The central stone core serves as a massive thermal mass, as well as a ventilation chimney for controlled air flow throughout the building. The openings in the façade can act like turbine reels and guarantee air flow by means of pressure differences at any given wind direction. The same applies to the roof. The standard façade system (corrugated metal, framework with organic filling, clay/mud plaster) can be assembled either as a composite (simpler, south and north façade) or as a ventilated façade system for the sun-exposed eastern and western sides of the building. Clay/mud plastering provides for moister control than any other building material.

Mechanical Considerations:
All electrical and mechanical equipment can be installed in the “vault” and the attic, and is therefore well-protected. The layout of these systems basically depends on the available budget. A few considerations:
A power backup (solar panels) should allow at least for the direct daytime consumption of the basic computer and connectivity equipment in case of a power grid failure. Batteries for long-term storage are costly, as well as an environmental and maintenance hazard.
Supported by the stone core, a water tank can be installed above the roof, or if installed below and insulated (w/ straw), with a solar-powered pump that circulates the water through black hoses on the roof. This system keeps the water warm until the next morning.
A waste pit is located outside the foundations.
A wood-burning stove for heating is located in the main meeting room – heat will distribute itself throughout the building.

Construction Considerations:
The design is based on a simple assembly process. In this situation, the cost of labor is less of a factor than the materials or special construction equipment. Every element of the structure can basically be carried to the site. With some support**, the building can be assembled by relying only on local craftsmen.
The developed structure provides for the best safety for the expensive equipment and comfortable living conditions for its occupants.

* We understand that possible sites are still being considered. Our building is adaptable to various site conditions, but we propose the following strategy in selecting a site.
** We emphasize establishing a local building workshop where all details can be developed and communicated to the laborers, and where necessary processes can be taught.