Salt Creek

On this remote tropical island off the Caribbean coast of Panama there are no connections possible to power, water or waste. Although warm all year round, the climate is often wet and humid. A modern pagoda taking advantage of views and breezes was the client's wish.

The house is designed as an air siphon in plan and a convective chimney in
section. By adjusting louvers the house can maximize the available breeze or
create its own convection drafts.

Kiss and Cathcart worked with Buro Happold Engineers to design a stainless
steel cross braced structure on floating pontoons, using local sustainably
harvested timber. This eliminates the need for complex pile foundations in an
area of high seismic risk. Rainwater collection will supply water for the house,
photovoltaic panels will supply power and composting toilets and planted
greywater beds will treat waste.
projected completion 2004

 

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