Wastewater Treatment Plant
/ Riparian Bufffer
/ Riparian Bufffer
BackgroundFollowing an initial analysis of the EPA’s published data on the risk status of water bodies, the town of Callan was selected as the area of interest. From a network standpoint it stood at the centre of an area of high pollution risk, coming from an array of different sources. Agricultural runoff, industrial pollution, and wastewater overflow were the most significant offenders. Extensive reports on the unsuitability of the current wastewater treatment network in the town was also noted at the time. To tackle these issues a riparian buffer, mitigating against accidental agricultural pollution, was imagined. This buffer stretched 17km along the Kings River from Callan back to the River Nore. Particular design focus was then given to the riverscape around Callan. A series of landscaped bridges, pathways, breakout spaces, constructed wetlands and newly planted trees tied the landscape proposal back into the town. A new wastewater treatment plant was proposed at the centre of this civic parkland. The proposed treatment plant was situated at the site of the existing treatment plant. By-products from the treatment process such as fertiliser were offered back to both the town and to farmers, populating an otherwise inaccessible piece of civic infrastructure.
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Wastewater Treatment PlantThe two main buildings on the site contrast to create an unusual architectural space. The main fertiliser shed is a contemporary adaptation on the vernacular Irish farm shed. Concrete block walls support a steel truss to create a corrugated steel butterfly roof. Necessary rainwater for the treatment processes is captured within this roof, while PV solar panels are also concealed neatly. The water which is captured is briefly exposed at the gable end facing the road before it disappears. Large timber barn doors open inward to welcome farmers to collect their organic fertiliser, and large window seats welcome pedestrians to view the busy happenings below. The opposite side of a new triangular pedestrian space is held by the other main building on the site, the public greenhouse. The same steel structural unit is used to create a large celebratory greenhouse with integrated fertilising system. This offers a destination for ordinary citizens of the town within their own wastewater treatment plant.
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