Project Brief: Carbon Challenge Mobile Boathouse

Planned Volvo Ocean Race Campaign 2008-2009

Summary Brief and Programme Elements for David Chipperfield Architects and ARUP Consulting Engineers

Background

The Carbon Challenge entry in the Volvo Ocean Race requires a mobile hospitality centre, called the Boathouse, which can accommodate events for guests, held at the port stopovers of the race as it proceeds around the world. There are currently up to eleven ports on the circuit where this facility could be required.

Due to timing and logistics constraints, “twin” boathouses that alternate ports will be necessary to ensure sufficient time in each port. This point requires that the assembly procedures for the building be optimized.

The essential characteristic of the Carbon Challenge Boathouse is that it is carbon neutral in its operation, without compromise for comfort or functionality. As a unit incorporating many high- and low-tech means to this end, it is the prototype of an approach to sustainable building that can be used for didactic purposes during the tour, and ultimately be incorporated into a full-time, fixed sustainability academy/office building to be set up by Carbon Challenge.

The Boathouse will use natural means wherever possible for climate control (natural ventilation flows, shading for reducing solar gain).

For electrical needs, any and all technologies need to be considered with the goal of providing energy for contemporary living standards – of media, information technology, lighting, etc. These energy sources might be photovoltaic, aeolian, fuel cells, piezoelectric or bio fuel generators, whatever is necessary to ensure complete energy autonomy for the Boathouse in any port or final resting location.

Because the Boathouse must be able to be moved quickly, we are anticipating that it will be modular and compact. Elements with a high level of technicity should be containerized so that they can be unloaded, placed, opened up, and operational in a short time. This will likely include a kitchen, toilets (composting), power units, computer, a/v and communications installations.