Mountain-Like UP Lift Zeppelin Hangar Doubles As a Green Roofed Extreme Sports Center

What do you get when you combine a giant <a href="http://inhabitat.com/hydrogen-wind-powered-zeppelin-could-revolutionize-airship-transportation/">zeppelin</a> hangar with an extreme sports facility? You get the UP Lift building, a <a href="http://www.inhabitat.com/category/green-roof">green-roofed</a> multi-use complex that houses a blimp while making use of the exterior for recreational activities. <a href="http://www.openarch.com/" target="_blank">OPEN Architecture</a> came up with the concept for a design competition to build a hangar building in the serene landscape near Maan Mountain in Auhui Province, China.

The competition called for the hangar to be a "single structure with a clearance of 100 meters wide by 300 meters long and 100 meters in height to house the production and storage of the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/hydrogen-wind-powered-zeppelin-could-revolutionize-airship-transportation/">zeppelin</a>."

The requirements also demanded that there is a single door with an opening of 100 meter by 100 meter and the ceiling had to support a crane with which to do work and maintenance.

After meeting specific requirements to the size of the hangar, OPEN Architecture let their ideas flow freely about what else the hangar could be beyond a simple and functional storage space.

Inspiration for the structure came from the geological process of uplift, whereby the earth is thrust upwards.

In this case, the earth is thrust up to create a pocket large enough to store a zeppelin in and the exterior is covered in a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/green-roof">living roof</a>.

Working with structural engineer CARP, OPEN Architecture designed a prefabricated concrete frame and panel system that could carry the load requirements inside as well as a green-roofed exterior.

Perforated with skylights, the roof lets in natural light into the hangar, facilitates natural ventilation and aids in the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/tag/rainwater-collection">collection of rainwater</a>, which is stored underground in a cistern.

Renewable energy generation systems like photovoltaic panels and <a href="http://inhabitat.com/micro-wind-turbines-small-size-big-impact/">micro wind turbines</a> are located on the top to generate power for the hangar.

But to top if off, the green roof is more than just a pretty facade, it's also totally usable. Hiking trails will be cut around the facility and up onto the facade so visitors can climb around on the roof. Nature walks, rest platforms, picnic areas and even camping sites will be incorporated.

The goal then of OPEN Architecture's design is not just to design just a practical and functional hangar, but to create a destination where many people will want to visit and enjoy.