etherea
Vibrac, France, 2021, collaboration with Adrian Rivera, Angie Aguilera, Emma Amidei and Mariana Serra for Dartangans with YACademy
Etherea is a redevelopment project of an island in the Charante River, France, home to medieval castle ruins. Posed with the challenge of the annual flooding of the island, Etherea considers Vibrac's unique heritage and fragile biodiversity. Etherea aims to integrate a new community of visitors into the existing community of Vibrac with appropriate architectural interventions and permaculture at the heart of Vibrac's next chapter.
Master Plan
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The Nest
A polyfunctional space nestled into the shore. Through hosting educational seminars, private functions, and public events, the Nest is key in integrating people into the daily function of the island.
Château de Vibrac
Redefining the landmark of the historic castle by introducing a bold architectural ramp that brings users to the highest point on the island for a beautiful vantage point. A central hub for information, art and artefacts related to the history of the island.
Hidden Restaurant
Engulfed by permaculture plots and tucked under a risen intersection of paths hides a restaurant. The restaurant is a hub of food, feeding directly off the new permaculture of the island. A triumph of participation.
The Market
Closing the circular economy of the island's redevelopment is a permanent market of shelters where locals can offer goods to the visiting user base to the island.
Sleeping Pods
A refuge in the trees for visitors to indulge themselves into the biodiversity of the island in a truly unique stay.
Floating Saunas
A unique spa experience floating on the river system of Vibrac, reacting to the change of tides and outdoor conditions.
New Connection
An important new connection to the township of Vibrac is a strong architectural gesture of invitation to the residents of the town to claim ownership of the new development.
