A new ranger station will be built to strengthen the protection of Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park.

Conservation and sustainability are key elements of the design, which has been drawn up by Dylan Melgazo, a consultant for WWF-Philippines, with a team of architects from EASt Studio. Melgazo spent three weeks at the current ranger station in Tubbataha in 2012 accessing its condition and the rangers’ needs.

DESIGN

The new station will consist of three main structures – a command centre in the middle, a research building to one side and transport structure to the other side.

The hexagonal design includes a geometric glass dome with a 360 degree view supported by a space frame, which will provide thermal insulation.  Louvered windows surrounding the structure have tempered glass blades to allow pathways for ventilation. The structure, which will be prefabricated in modular parts and assembled onsite, will be straightforward  to repair and maintain, despite Tubbataha’s remote location and harsh weather.

DESIGNED FOR CONSERVATION

The command centre will house the rangers’ quarters, a visitor centre, a mini museum and a library plus an integrated garden for growing vegetables.

The research building will accommodate up to eight marine biologists, who have always been confined to short research trips due to the weather and Tubbataha’s remoteness.

The transport structure will include a helipad, an observation deck and auxiliary fuel storage area.

DESIGNED FOR SUSTAINABILITY

The ranger station design will harness renewable energy to utilize the power of the earth to provide the station with power and the rangers with fresh vegetables:

• Using photovoltaic panels, the new station is designed to exceed the current energy needs to allow for future expansion and flexibility.
• Micro wind turbines will provide auxiliary power to be used as a backup system and a primary souce when wind is abundant and during times when the sun is absent, such as at night.
• Rainwater collected through a system of overhanging troughs will be funnelled into cisterns underneath the structure for use during dry periods.
• Integrated planter systems will allow rangers to grow vegetables to supplement their fish-heavy diet.