BIG and Vollebak Unveil Visionary Plans for Self-Sufficient Island Showcasing Sustainable Living
BIG, the renowned architectural firm, has recently unveiled plans for an ambitious collaboration with British clothing company Vollebak. Together, they aim to create a self-sufficient and off-grid island off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada. The 11-acre Vollebak Island will serve as a proof of concept, showcasing a sustainable and carbon-neutral model for design and living that can be scaled to larger communities and even countries. This visionary project explores how humanity can adapt to the challenges of climate change and resource scarcity in the coming century.
A Collaboration of Disruptors
The partnership between BIG and Vollebak brings together two influential disruptors in their respective fields. BIG is renowned for its unconventional designs that challenge conventional boundaries, while Vollebak has been pushing the envelope with its innovative and technologically advanced clothing for the past decade. Together, they have conceived a living, breathing ecosystem on Vollebak Island, offering residents an opportunity to embrace a low-impact lifestyle in harmony with nature.
The Vision of Vollebak Island
Vollebak co-founder Nick Tidball explains that Vollebak Island aims to provide a glimpse of the future, a vision of how we could potentially live on our planet while existing within the limits of its resources. Amidst the uncertainties of climate change, space colonization, and resource scarcity, Vollebak Island presents a sustainable future where architecture, design, and materiality synergistically coexist with the natural world.
Earth House and Sustainable Living
At the heart of the island lies the Earth House, a network of nine interconnected structures designed using 3D printing technology. Constructed from hempcrete and boulders, these structures showcase the possibilities of sustainable construction. The Earth House will feature four bedrooms, a living room, a dining room, and charming thatched roofs. This innovative design will offer visitors a glimpse into what life on Earth could look like in the future.
Renewable Energy and Self-Sufficiency
Vollebak Island will operate solely on carbon-neutral energy sources. A combination of offshore wind, geothermal energy, and solar power will power the island, with excess energy stored in Tesla Powerwalls. This commitment to renewable energy further emphasizes the project’s dedication to sustainability.
Living in Harmony with Nature
Vollebak Island embraces the natural environment and offers various amenities that celebrate its wonders. Residents will have access to a stargazing room to enjoy the beauty of the night sky, as well as the opportunity to grow their own food in a greenhouse or a solar-powered plant room. Additionally, the Wood House, located on the eastern shoreline, will serve as a resilient bunker capable of withstanding extreme weather conditions.
The collaboration between BIG and Vollebak on Vollebak Island represents a groundbreaking endeavor to explore sustainable living models in the face of climate change and resource scarcity. By combining their expertise and innovative thinking, these disruptors aim to inspire and provide a tangible vision for a future that integrates architecture, design, and materiality with the natural world. Vollebak Island serves as a beacon of hope, demonstrating that living in harmony with the environment is not only possible but also essential for a sustainable future on Earth.
Read more on Firstplanit
Check out our article on the 3 Buildings that Reimagined Sutainability in 2022, which includes the Plus Factory a BIG project for the outdoor furniture maker Vestre.