This project reimagines living in the existing Shaft Area ‘N40’ of the Superconducting Super Collider, strategically between northern Waxahachie and Red Oak. The low-lying landscape presents a unique opportunity for different types of living design.
To harness passive design principles to create energy-efficient living spaces that respond to rapidly changing climate and seamlessly integrate with the landscape. The key strategies involve transforming the terrain into sloped hills to effectively disperse cold air while positioning residential units on higher ground to alleviate seasonal temperature extremes. Implementing cut-and-fill techniques will sculpt the landscape, with large magnet and ventilation shafts re-engineered as advanced cooling systems. Furthermore, it integrated with groundbreaking technologies, including ‘Airloom’ systems for wind energy generation and thermal labyrinths for natural temperature regulation. These thermal labyrinths are designed to function as emergency shelters, underscoring our commitment to resilience.
The housing layout will foster a vibrant community spirit, shifting away from traditional, car-dependent neighborhoods and promoting dense, shared living spaces. By embracing the natural processes of weathering and adaptation, this project stands as a potent symbol of resilience. It is engineered to accommodate 175 residents in a thermally comfortable and socially cohesive environment, prepared to withstand the challenges posed by Texas’ rapidly changing climate.
