HARNESS THE ENERGY

Of Waves And Wind To Be …
HYDROELECTRIC Tidal House
Llandudno, Cape Town 2015  
The tidal house has foundations embedded into the sand or rock coastline,
harnessing tidal wave power to generate electricity. The structure is made
up of two shells- the outer, cast in concrete, anchors the house to the beach
whilst the inner shell rises with the tide as it flows around the primary
structure.
The semi circular concrete shell contains solar cells that provide an
electrical supply to the living area, the cross section is made from an array
of hydraulic tidal turbines which generate electricity from a renewable
source of energy, the tidal wave; tides are more predictable than solar and
wind’ energy making it simpler to find an appropriate location to harness
this renewable energy source.
There are two types of extruded turbine, one type uses lightweight
aluminium chambers which compress air trapped in the chamber when a
wave breaks into them, this kinetic energy creates an. electrical current
similar to wind turbines: the second type of sustainable energy uses
neodymium magnets to move through wound copper wire tubes inducing
an electrical current as a wave pushes and pulls against the extruded
chambers, the electrical energy can be stored in a capacitor. This type of
electrical generator is electromagnetically induced. The inner shell is made
from a lightweight non-ferrous aluminum monocoque structure that floats
within the external bunker as the tide rushes through it.
There are three modules to the living area making it easy to dismantle
according to the functional requirements of the house. The outer shell is
clad in a framework of cast concrete sections making it easier to transport.
The form creates a series of channels for water to travel though creating a
whirlpool effect which mimics the beachcomber house itself. in order to
trap as much tidal energy throughout it’s structure.