Solar freezer on Madagascar

Project idea

This thesis deals with the design of a single-storey freezer building, with particular emphasis on efficient operation and energy sustainability. A key aspect was the location of the building in an area with limited technical infrastructure options. I chose the east coast of the island of Madagascar, near the village of Mahanoro, as a suitable location.

Project description

The concept of the building is based on a simple and functional design that is appropriate to its use. The design includes three separate buildings - a smaller building used as a gatehouse, another unit connecting the operational, technical and administrative areas, and a building screened by a steel truss structure with solar panels, used for cold storage.

Technical information

The structural system of the cold store is a combination of steel and reinforced concrete frame, with the infill brickwork designed in solid brick. High strength concrete with special admixtures and GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer) composite reinforcement is considered to increase resistance to corrosive environments. The roof of all three buildings is designed as flat with a duckbill. The shading structure over the service and technical areas consists of a steel grid with folded sheet metal.
The design focuses on optimising operating costs, self-sufficiency and long-term sustainability in an environment with limited technical infrastructure.