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Nuclear Bio-Rock
Unit 5 has been challenged by the Norman Foster Foundation and the Advanced Nuclear and Production Experts Group to research and design the potential contribution of nuclear batteries to tackling global warming and the future of the built environment. Each battery could provide 10MW of power, enough to support 8,000 homes, a cluster of skyscrapers, one large data centre, or a desalination plant suitable for providing clean water for 150,000 people.
This project proposes a multipurpose building on the cliffs of Lundy Island in the Bristol Channel. It utilises the energy provided by the nuclear battery to create bio-rock – also known as calcium carbonate – through the process of electrolysis. This process does not only capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere but also creates a building material and enhances coral growth under water. As a result, the building which also facilitates a marine laboratory and housing for scientists produces its own building material and enhances marine life, while reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
Bio-Rock Production Space
This section shows the bio-rock production process as well as the internal structure. The process starts on the first floor with assembly. Then, the hung structure is submerged, and electrolysis is started. Finally, the material is dried.
Modules
To simplify the bio-rock production and increase construction speed the building is modular. All building components are structurally optimized and can be ‘grown’ with bio-rock technology.
Integrated Detail
It is important to have a detail that accounts for structural and environmental performance. The floor entails an airtight cavity that is used for ventilation, heating, and cooling. Exhaust ducts are integrated into the structural columns.
Production Line
CO2 balances are calculated for a weekly production period as well as the building life of 50 years, given a total energy of 876,600MWh is provided by the nuclear battery. Every week 163t of CO2 can be offset, in 50 years 575,855t are offset.
Bio-Rock Growth
It is possible to grow bio-rock within short time spans. At constant 12V electrical potential and 3A current the electrolysis is optimal for bio-rock growth. It is assumed that within 96 hours full columns can be grown.
The Bartlett
Summer Show 2022
01 – 16 July 2022
Summer Show 2022
Explore