climate + design as drivers of an integrated design approach

Studio | An off-grid mountain climber acclimatization hut

Fall 2013 | Dr. Petra Liedl

INTEGRATED DESIGN

The Andes Hut is located on Cotopaxi, a volcano in the Andes mountains of Ecuador on the equator and at an altitude of 20,000 ft above sea level. This off-the-grid mountain climbers’ acclimatization hut creates a space for climbers to prepare for their ascend to the peak.

A holistic design was the result of carefully accounting for the local climate conditions, the desired thermal comfort and off-the-grid energy generation. Site specific climate data was used to calculate energy demand and generation. With the assistance of climate and energy analysis tools the Andes Hut provides a space for climbers that is both functional and beautiful.

Site specific climate data was used for all analysis and design. Climate analysis was done utilizing Climate Tool. Energy demand was analyzed with eQuest.