Page 48 - magazine June 2021

Design & Engineering

Turtle Sanctuary at Kalba Mangrove

Reserve / Hopkins Architects

Seven interconnected pods and tensile structures rays of natural light from above. The pods are clad

create a visitor centre, with a terrace and panoramic with segments of white scalloped pre-cast concrete

views towards the mangrove forests and distant referencing the shells found on the local shoreline and

mountains. Facilities include aquaria, exhibition creating subtle variations of light and texture. An array

areas, visitor amenities, staff offices, veterinary of steel ribs accentuates the sculptural cantilevered

facilities, classrooms, gift shops, and a café. A forms and completes this robust cladding system,

carefully set out nature trail encourages visitors to itself designed to withstand the site’s unforgiving

explore the reserve’s rich biodiversity of indigenous coastal conditions.

mangrove forests and mudflats and the species it Visitors approach a dramatic, semi-enclosed ribbed

supports including turtles, stingrays, gazelles and the pod which serves as an orientation space and

rare Arabian Collard Kingfisher. features glazed openings orientated towards key

The geometry of the pods is inspired by urchin views. A palette of light coastal tones softens the

exoskeletons and purposefully echoes those of the interior which is illuminated by skylight oculi.

Buhais Geology Museum, with which the Sanctuary Passive Design principles were prioritized throughout

is paired. The pods have been designed as pre- construction, to protect the interior spaces from the desert

fabricated concrete structures to minimize disruption heat and lower the overall operational energy required.

to the existing terrain, with concrete foundations The pods‘precast concrete shells, ribs, and in-situ

which are simple robust discs, elevated to protect foundation discs provide a well-sealed, exposed thermal

them on this tidal location. mass across their floors, walls, and roofs. A waterproof

The modular buildings invite the landscape into membrane and insulation running within the cladding

the spaces, using framed panoramic views out and cavity is continuous across the pods surface.

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