Photovoltaic Ice Skating Rink

Compiled by TeamIAnD

Photography: Margot Krasojević  

Read Time: 2 mins

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With the intention to have an eco-friendly ice skating rink, Margot Krasojević Architects design a contextual solution inherent with solar technology.

Located high in the mountains surrounded by volcanic terrain, nature reserves, hot springs and scenic routes, is this ice skating rink on a natural lake in the Kamchatka peninsula, Russia.

 

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Popular with tourists and locals alike, the lake is exposed to bright daylight with winter temperatures averaging 20⁰F, ensuring the lake stays frozen over the winter months. But to ensure that it stays frozen throughout the year, the architect uses photovoltaic cells to generate an electrical current, flooding the rink from below the surface to keep it frozen and strengthen the ice. This is ably supported by geothermal turbines.

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The project is multi-purpose, with an outdoor cinema and a natural geothermal spa catering to larger interests and the design intends to reflect the fluid nature and ever-changing state of the immediate environment.

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Partly enclosed by a sequence of striated cedar wood sections, which create a dynamic relationship with the environment and the project's programs, the form of the ice rink mimics frozen water.

Photovoltaic cells attached to the canopy hold the lighting and cinema projector outlets, providing the area with charging and docking stations; whilst unused energy is fed back into the grid.

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The docking stations also absorb as much sunlight as possible to prevent the ice rink from melting; foldable seating acts as platforms dotted around the main frame, creating a series of flexible spaces. The design is partly enclosed for an ice solar cinema, where using an entirely self-sufficient projector, cinema can be projected onto the ice covered surfaces of the skating rink, animating the design and presenting it as an all-year all-seasons sports and wellness centre.

The lake freezes during the winter months and is used for hockey tournaments and as a skate park. A biodegradable LED net spans the area of the lake strengthening the ice and providing light and gadget/mobile charging stations during the evening.

The second stage of the project adapts the formal configuration of this ice skating rink so it is entirely run by solar energy in the Mongolian desert. The rink will be self-sufficient using renewable energy rather than harmful c02 refrigeration/mechanical refrigeration; as capacitors store the electrical energy for night time use, resulting in a downshift in electrical consumption.

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A configuration of the striated canopy design will be used as a geothermal pavilion spa, and will have geothermal turbines generate enough electricity to be powered back into the grid, whilst the photovoltaic cells will replace the need for harmful refrigerants.  

Fact File:

Official name of the project: Liquid Skating - Photovoltaic Ice Skating Rink

Location: Kamchatka Krai, Russia

Area: 2,500 m²

Client: China Film House

Architects/ Designers: Margot Krasojevic

Project manager: Margot Krasojevic

Collaborators: Out to tender