This will be the first building dedicated to coral conservation in Australia
The corals They constitute a resource of incalculable value for ecosystems. Just mention its function as coastal protection agents against erosion or other natural phenomena, reasons why places like Tuvalu, the Marshall Islands and the Maldiva's Islands . So it is not surprising that on the shores of The great coral barrier in port douglas Finally, a center dedicated to the conservation of this species comes to life.
Conceived by Australian architecture firm Contreras Earl Architecture, Living Coral Biobank will become the first space on the planet dedicated to the conservation of corals . And it's no wonder it's located in the epicenter of North Queensland, Australia.
In order to keep alive and take care of more than 800 species of hard corals in the world , this building will secure its long-term future, while at the same time aiming to avoid extinction and protect coral biodiversity who are under serious threat due to the climate crisis.
Living Coral Biobank will protect more than 800 species of corals
"The main purpose of the building is to keep the corals safe no matter what future event –natural disaster or other– threaten the building ; has been designed to give corals the best chance of survival," says Rafael Contreras, Director of Contreras Earl Architecture , to Traveler.es.
The facade of Living Coral Biobank It will offer protection against floods, cyclones or other phenomena that may occur in the extreme north of the tropics, while the corals will be located in a concrete vault that has been carefully designed to be able to cope with adverse weather conditions and flood levels 500 years from now.
The project is supported by leading sustainability and engineering consultants Arup and Werner Sobek , who have been in charge of promoting a renewable energy design state-of-the-art, creating optimal conditions for the storage of corals while minimizing energy consumption and opting for solar.
The construction will seek to enhance the importance of educational tourism
In addition, in order to protect nature and the environment, the design of the building champions carbon neutrality (or zero carbon footprint) , since it is precisely carbon dioxide emissions that cause the threat to corals that since Living Coral Biobank They aim to conserve.
"It was a very exciting challenge because there is no precedent for these types of buildings . It's a mix of laboratory and museum, a collaborative design process between the client and his team with experience in coral conservation, as well as the world-class engineers we work with to achieve sustainability goals that are seamlessly interconnected throughout the design" , declares Monica Earl, Director of Contreras Earl Architecture, to Traveler.es.
They have also sought to create an experience for the visitor, as it will not only become a conservation building but a fundamental milestone for environmental awareness, a place that enhances the importance of educational tourism and a site that seeks to make the public aware of the current situation, problems and possible future solutions that the species in question entails.
The building will be located in North Queensland, Australia