热带中心丨IMKM 建筑与规划

Firm： IM-KM Architecture and Planning

Type： Industrial › Research Facility

STATUS： Built

YEAR： 2016

SIZE： 1000 sqft - 3000 sqft

BUDGET： Undisclosed

Th is project was designed to centralize the operations at the Reserva Ecologica Panamaes. The Tropical Hub was designed as a case study in functional tropical modern design that utilizes passive cooling and lighting, as well as materials available on the large forested beach-front property. Th e program includes – offices, meeting rooms, storage areas, a staff kitchenette, and sleeping quarters for visiting specialists and consultants. Th e design follows the program efficiently while relating to the environmental principals of natural ventilation, daylighting, solar shading and building orientation.

The building is organized around 2 central open-air corridors – with enclosed spaces laid out along either side of the corridor. Th e open corridors have continuous pop-up skylights that allow for hot air to escape from the central space. Th e corridors have been oriented along the path of prevailing wind to ensure that there is consistent air flow and cross ventilation year-round. To shield the facades from direct insolation and solar heat gain throughout the day, the design employs the use of cantilevered concrete roof overhangs to the south and brise-soleils on the east west facades. The entire structure has been lifted off the ground to take advantage of the prevailing winds, and to prevent pests from entering. Th e gardens to the north and south have been located to provide protection when the winds are very strong and the brise-soleils have been planted with bougainvillea vines which add color to the facades.

The resulting spaces highlight the beauty and simplicity of tropical modern design and provide REP staff with a positive sunlit work environment that is ideally suited for collaboration and teamwork.