A sustainable research hub in Tanzania by EFGH.

Part research facility, part administrative and meeting hub, and part regional exemplar of alternative energy practices, the new IITA research hub in Dar es Salaam is an important new home to those working to increase food security in Africa. An open and light-filled hall, the new research building fosters learning and information sharing through a careful calibration of open and flexible work environments with enclosed private research/ study spaces. An abundance of informal meeting spaces allows for serendipitous encounters and communication.

Structure: Simplicity is achieved through the use of repetitive structural bays that allow for a highly flexible interior space. Triangular trusses are used as the building's primary structure, while concrete floor slabs span between the trusses. The angled facade/ roof is constructed as a repetitive grid that can be in-filled with a variety of roof-panel types: opaque, transparent, translucent and solar.

Energy: It is of primary importance that the building's massing and its geometry reflect the twin priorities of energy efficiency and the use of alternative energy sources.

Passive energy systems are given great consideration; natural day lighting, passive ventilation and a building orientation and massing that minimize solar loads are used as design criteria from the very start. Solar power is used as the primary alternate energy source. A soundproof back-up generator will deliver an alternate power system to supplement main grid failure.

Solar energy: The roof form is key; it holds the solar panels at the correct angle to maximize effectiveness. The long and narrow building footprint, oriented along an east-west axis, benefits buildings in this climate by minimizing the exposure of east and west surfaces that experience the greatest sun load. These surfaces are kept relatively solid or beneath overhangs as to avoid the potential high morning and afternoon solar loads.

Water Management: In addition, the folded roof geometry acts as a large water collection device; rainwater is directed into the valley formed by the v-shaped roof and channeled into a rain collection basin at the building's base. From here it is filtered and recycled throughout the building. Grey-water is also collected and will be recycled from holding tanks situated in the basement, for re use in the building itself and potentially for irrigation.

Cooling: Natural ventilation is achieved through an efficient design that implements two types of ventilation: wind driven ventilation and stack ventilation. The perimeter adjustable louvered vents located just below the building roof- line allow for cooler air to pass through rooms whilst removing the accumulated hot air.

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