Located in North-West Scotland, the Tidal Pool Resort is a project by Margot Krasojević Architects that blends coastal tourism with renewable energy production. The space serves as a power plant that utilizes multiple forms of renewable energy sources to produce electricity for the Scottish mainland. Additionally, the project supports the local marine ecosystems to maximize sustainability.
Continue reading below
Our Featured Videos
Generating renewable energy
The resort uses two main energy sources to generate clean electrical power. These are tidal and solar energy. The project sits on an artificial landscape made of a series of hexagonal columns that house dual reversible turbines. These turbines cluster and create interlocking caves that create the form of a boat bow. This projecting form is used to catch and direct the waves. The open structure works similar to a marine geyser. As water enters the system, it is forced upwards through the hexagonal columns, which creates hydro-kinetic pressure that forces the turbines to move.
Related: The power and benefits of using tidal energy
To maximize energy production, tidal energy is harnessed by the system as the tide ebbs and flows. As the tide rises, the waves push the turbines in one direction to generate electricity. Meanwhile, as the tide lowers, the waves are directed to push the turbines in the opposite direction. By making the system work for both tidal directions, it becomes more efficient at generating renewable energy.
Thank you!
Keep an eye out for our weekly newsletter.
Join Our Newsletter
Receive the latest in global news and designs building a better future.
In addition to the wave energy that is harnessed, solar panels are used for additional energy production. A layer of solar panels is located two meters below the water’s surface, near the entrance. This opening to the sea has maximum solar exposure as well as reflected light. In turn, this allows for maximum solar energy to be generated. Overall, the project aims to generate 1MW of electricity to power 1000 homes in the area.
The resort
The resort rests on a platform created by the turbine clusters. The resort features an overarching canopy that is made from rust-resistant galvanized steel and clad with acrylic and polycarbonate panels. It is a lightweight structure that can span large areas to create a large open-plan space underneath. Additionally, interlocking cabins can be folded out from the canopy to create modular living spaces for guests.
Supporting local ecosystems
Besides the primary objectives of producing clean energy and serving as a short-term holiday spot, the project is also designed to support biodiversity and allow local marine ecosystems to thrive. It is done through careful material selection and well-designed formal elements.
The turbine clusters are made from marine geopolymer concrete. This makes them strong and low-density, allowing them to flow in the water with limited wear and tear. The project is flexible to dock in various coastal locations to propagate four types of tide pool habitats. These differ in levels of seawater and air exposure to create safe havens for varying marine species. This counteracts the harsh characteristics of the current local ecosystem, which has seen rapid changes in wave force and oxygen and salt concentrations that have made it hard for local species to adapt.
+ Margot Krasojević Architects
Images via Margot Krasojević
