0
100

A regenerative, biomimetic and ecosystemic building

|

Estran: When the ocean inspires the architecture of the future in Biarritz

Marine biomimicry inspires architecture

This competition, held in 2019, is an architectural project that affirms the ambition carried by the Basque Country Agglomeration Community: to reconcile the dimension of the ocean's impact on our current civilization and its future, with the natural intelligence of the living beings it shelters. Estran is an innovative architectural project. Each element to design this ambitious and different project has been thought out and developed to make Estran a regenerative, biomimetic and ecosystemic building.

Estran embraces the innovative ocean

The Center of Excellence in Marine Biomimicry in Biarritz, named Estran, is a visionary architectural project designed in 2019 for the Basque Country Agglomeration Community. This avant-garde achievement embodies the ambition to reconcile the considerable impact of the ocean on our contemporary civilization and its future with the innate wisdom of marine organisms. Estran stands out for its innovative approach, where each architectural element has been meticulously designed to create a regenerative, biomimetic and ecosystemic building. This holistic approach aims to establish a harmonious symbiosis between the building and its coastal environment, drawing inspiration from natural processes observed in the marine environment to optimize its functioning and minimize its ecological footprint.

Living architecture, inspiring ocean

Estran's energy and environmental strategy is based on an ingenious biomimetic design, adapting to seasonal variations to maximize energy efficiency. In summer, the building exploits the natural coolness of the ocean through a ventilation system inspired by marine organisms, while in winter, it capitalizes on the thermal inertia of the ground and solar heat to maintain a comfortable temperature. Estran's architectural form, evoking a natural embankment, blends harmoniously into the coastal landscape while offering optimal protection against prevailing winds. This innovative approach makes Estran a model of sustainable architecture, demonstrating how biomimicry can inspire creative solutions to address current environmental challenges, while creating a cutting-edge research and education space for marine innovation.
Bechu et Associés - Image

The roof is designed as a living filter, strewn with phytopurification basins. It collects rainwater and grey water, purifies them and redistributes them.

Bechu & Associés|Architects
Bechu et Associés - Image

How is Estran's program an innovative program with challenges that go beyond the building envelope itself?

It is by working with world experts in marine biology and climatology, as well as specialists in parametric design, that we have conceived a project at the crossroads of architecture and scientific research, a biomimetic building at the border of land and sea. The foreshore as a concept to compose an active landscape that filters the waters of the earth as ascidians filter the waters of the sea. The foreshore is a tidal zone, or intertidal zone, or tidal flat, is the part of the coastline located between the extreme limits of the highest and lowest tides. It constitutes a specific biotope, which can shelter many natural sub-habitats. The roof is designed as a living filter, strewn with phytopurification basins. It collects rainwater and grey water, purifies them and redistributes them. Its aquatic and vegetated surface also helps to blend the building into its natural landscape, reflecting the sky and flora. The building thus evolves cyclically, in tune with the rhythms of the biodiversity that surrounds and covers it.

An architectural proposal that extends over 2,900 m2 of land, this project becomes the metronome of climate and seasons while promoting the emergence of a new rich and living ecosystem. Parametric strategies have been developed for the optimization of thermal and visual comfort. The aquatic roof thus becomes a catalyst for the ecological functioning and energy efficiency of the building. Here the objective was to create a building that fades into its ecosystem and is perfectly integrated into its natural environment, so that the project resolutely puts itself at the service of nature. This approach frees up the vis-à-vis and harmonizes the leveling while respecting existing continuities, as well as visual permeability through the site.

The Estran project aims to create a building 100% integrated into the water cycle, self-sufficient in energy and capable of producing for its neighbors. In harmony with its environment, it aspires to establish a symbiosis between the surrounding landscape and its fifth facade, thus marking a remarkable advance in the field of architectural biomimicry. This new project was built with the aim of hosting laboratories, incubators, companies where offices, meeting rooms, showroom, training rooms, CEEBIOS workspace are made available and where health and happiness, as well as architectural beauty and equity are taken into account.


How does the Estran project draw inspiration from deep marine ecosystems to compose an active landscape integrated into its environment?

Bechu et Associés - Image
|

The Estran project draws its inspiration directly from deep marine ecosystems to shape an active landscape that integrates perfectly into its environment. This innovative approach is manifested through a series of strategies and design choices deeply rooted in biomimicry. By closely observing marine ecosystems at different levels, from the foreshore on the continental shelf to the ocean depths, the design team gained a deep understanding of ecological mechanisms and the extraordinary adaptations of living organisms. This observation allowed for the identification of inspiring solutions to design a building that harmoniously integrates into its environment while being resilient to environmental challenges.

Integration into the water cycle is at the heart of the Estran project. By exploiting the heavy rainfall in Biarritz, one of the rainiest cities in France, the building aims for 100% water autonomy. Rainwater management strategies are inspired by the ability of marine ecosystems to absorb and regulate water, thus minimizing discharges outside the plot and taking into account runoff issues in the region. Estran is an architectural project that adapts to the effects of climate change by borrowing sustainable and resilient solutions, similar to those developed by marine organisms to survive in changing environmental conditions. This holistic approach translates into design choices that promote the regeneration of the territory and the creation of ecosystem services, while preserving local biodiversity. By anticipating the effects of climate change such as heat waves, pollution and flooding, the project adopts resilient and sustainable solutions.

Just as marine ecosystems absorb and regulate rainwater, the Estran project's rainwater management system minimizes water discharges outside the plot and takes into account runoff issues in the Biarritz region. These inspirations from living principles and biomimicry contribute to the creation of ecosystem services and the regeneration of the Biarritz territory. It promotes harmonious integration with the local environment and promotes biodiversity as well as ecosystem sustainability. By adopting a biomimetic approach, the Estran project offers innovative and sustainable solutions to address environmental challenges while enhancing the beauty and resilience of nature.

Bechu et Associés - Image
|

How does the Estran project's rainwater management system minimize water discharges outside the plot and address runoff issues in the Biarritz region?

In Biarritz, architectural innovation embraces the rhythm of the tides, transforming climate challenges into ecological assets.

Bechu et Associés - Image

The rainwater management system of the Estran project demonstrates an innovative and resilient approach, aiming to minimize water discharges outside the plot while effectively addressing runoff issues in the Biarritz region. The project takes advantage of the heavy rainfall in the region, characterized by significant precipitation. By exploiting this abundant natural resource, the rainwater management system aims for 100% water autonomy, thus reducing dependence on external water resources and minimizing water discharges.

More articles More articles

To achieve this ambitious goal, the system is designed to fully integrate the natural water cycle. It relies on three interconnected subsystems that interact synergistically to optimize rainwater management: • Pollution control and infiltration system for road water that includes successive infiltration swales to treat polluted road water. These swales allow for the removal of contaminants and filter the water before it infiltrates the soil, thus reducing pollution and preserving water quality. • Rainwater collection on green roofs. This water is collected and stored for later use in the project, thus reducing the demand for drinking water and minimizing water discharges outside the plot. • Wastewater treatment through phytopurification. This natural process uses specific plants to purify grey water and water from toilets, thus allowing their reuse almost in a closed loop for watering and sanitation. The architectural project of Estran takes into account runoff issues in the Biarritz region by minimizing water discharges outside the plot. This design intent that integrates the natural water cycle by promoting infiltration and reuse of rainwater, effectively reduces runoff and flood risks in the region. The rainwater management system of the Estran project represents an innovative and sustainable solution to minimize water discharges outside the plot and address runoff issues in the Biarritz region. By fully integrating the natural water cycle and favoring treatment and reuse solutions, the project demonstrates a commitment to environmental preservation and resilience in the face of climate challenges.

Bechu et Associés - Image

How does the Estran project contribute to the creation of ecosystem services and the regeneration of the Biarritz territory, while maintaining this harmony with living principles and biomimicry?

The Estran project stands out as a concrete example of a symbiosis between human architecture and the principles of living systems and biomimicry. Building on these foundations, the project deploys a series of initiatives to contribute to the creation of ecosystem services participating in the regeneration of the Biarritz territory. In a long-term perspective, the project fully integrates the natural water cycle by efficiently adopting innovative rainwater management strategies. Capturing, treating and reusing this water reduces water discharge outside the plot while minimizing pressure on the city's sanitation infrastructure. This approach creates a vital ecosystem service while preserving local water resources and promoting resilience to climate change challenges.

Estran is also committed to sustainable waste management, promoting recycling, reuse and source reduction. Inspired by natural cycles, it contributes to the preservation of natural resources and the reduction of the ecological footprint, thus creating a beneficial ecosystem service for the local environment. In addition to adopting a passive approach, the project promotes biodiversity by integrating green spaces and vegetation areas. By promoting the creation of habitats for local fauna and flora, Estran participates in the preservation of local ecosystems and the regeneration of biodiversity in the region. The project's aim also lies in the choice to reduce its carbon footprint by using sustainable materials and energy-efficient technologies. Committing to respect the Red List, an inventory of materials and chemicals to be avoided in construction, minimizes harmful impacts on the environment and human health.

By favoring the use of materials free from substances of concern, Estran ensures safe construction that respects its surrounding ecosystem. Moreover, prioritizing the use of Declare products, which provide transparency on the ingredients and environmental impacts of building materials, ensures the project makes responsible choices while promoting long-term sustainability. Furthermore, Estran contributes to the expansion of the local economy by favoring 100% New Aquitaine sourced materials. This approach encourages short circuits and supports local businesses, thus strengthening the economic resilience of the region. The project also promotes the use of bio-based materials, such as FSC certified wood from the Landes. This reduces the project's carbon footprint while supporting sustainable management of local forests. Estran also considers the reuse of materials, such as clay concrete made from site excavation soil. This practice allows for the valorization of locally available resources while reducing the amount of waste generated by the project. This innovative architecture embodies a holistic and integrated approach to architectural design, inspired by the principles of living systems and biomimicry to create ecosystem services and contribute to the regeneration of the Biarritz territory. Through its commitment to environmental sustainability and preservation of natural resources, it offers an inspiring vision for the future of architecture and urban planning.


Bechu et Associés - Image

How are parametric tools used in the Estran project to optimize the thermal and visual comfort of its occupants, while promoting harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape?

Bechu et Associés - Image
|

Parametric tools play a crucial role in the Estran project to optimize the thermal and visual comfort of occupants while promoting harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape. These tools allow for a precise and adaptable design approach, taking advantage of site characteristics and user needs. These tools enable an in-depth analysis of the site's microclimate and sunlight exposure. With this precise data, designers can determine temperature and brightness variations throughout the day and year. This fine understanding of local climatic conditions guides the optimal positioning of buildings and solar protection elements, thus helping to reduce the need for air conditioning and maximize natural light input.

The parametric tool allows testing different building configurations, shapes and orientations to maximize energy efficiency and occupant comfort. This approach favors adapting building design to local climatic conditions, notably minimizing exposure to prevailing winds and maximizing natural light input in the region. These tools are also used to simulate the energy efficiency of construction materials and ventilation, heating and air conditioning systems. This modeling allows for the selection of the most efficient solutions in terms of thermal insulation, light transmission and energy consumption, thus contributing to reducing the project's carbon footprint.

In the design of Estran, parametric tools played a major role in the desire to integrate the building harmoniously into its surrounding landscape. By modeling the site's topography, local vegetation and geomorphological characteristics, designers were able to conceive this innovative building that respects the scale and character of the place. This approach promotes visual connection with nature and preserves panoramic views, thus contributing to creating a comfortable and pleasant indoor environment for its occupants.

Bechu et Associés - Image
|

123%
Of renewable energies
100%
Of water autonomy

Bechu et Associés - Image
Bechu et Associés - Image