The Eco-Sushi House is another one of my conceptual design experiments that explore ways in which to create a new and exciting architectural art aesthetic for commercial structures. This is done through the careful integration of alternative energy gathering and storage systems into the design. This structure incorporates two large vertical axis wind turbines and a large area clad with flexible photovoltaic cells for all of the electrical power generation requirements. A major section of the roof can be opened and or closed to help heat the structure in the winter, and naturally ventilate it in the summer. There are two automated sliding insulated panels that cover two automated glazed panels that can also be opened or closed to accommodate changing climatic conditions. In the winter, the sun is allowed to enter the structure through the operable roof sections and or through the south facing glass doors and windows, which are shaded in the summer by a large built-in overhanging roof section. The entire floor of the sushi house contains a large amount of thermal mass in order to store the solar heat in the winter, and help cool the structure in the summer. The windows on the East and on the West are designed to prevent the sun from entering the structure during the summer but still help to illuminate the interior through indirect natural light. A large sushi bar that only serves sustainable sushi is located at the center of the lower portion of the Eco-Sushi House, and a private dinning space is located on the second level (naturally illuminated by a circular skylight) along with an outside balcony. There is also a shaded outdoor dining space located below the north side of the two-story structure.
The symbolic aesthetic inspiration for this design comes from a fishing vessel, equipped with two large sails.