Project Description
This architectural model represents Orca, the world’s first and largest commercial-scale direct air capture (DAC) and storage plant, located in Hellisheidi, Iceland. Launched in September 2021 by Climeworks in partnership with Carbfix, the facility is a milestone in climate technology, turning atmospheric CO 2 into stone.
The model highlights a unique “minimalist eco” design created by designaffairs to bridge the gap between industrial technology and the natural Icelandic landscape.
The plant is composed of eight stackable collector containers. This modularity allows for rapid construction completed in just 15 months and makes the technology easily replicable worldwide. To ensure environmental harmony, the design uses earthy colors and natural materials, specifically chosen to blend into the surrounding volcanic terrain.
The world’s first and largest direct air capture and storage plant, making carbon dioxide removal on large-scale a reality. Direct air capture (DAC) technology is one of the key technological solutions to fight climate change.
It captures CO₂ directly from the air, reducing the atmospheric concentration of CO₂ by only using renewable energy, energy-from-waste, or other waste heat as energy sources.
Architectural models are vital tools for any architect or investor, frequently used in the creation process because they are a faithful representation of the project to be built.
Thanks to models, the construction, regardless of its size or difficulty, will be able to be closely analyzed and perfected so that it meets even the most demanding standards.
As an architectural and industrial model, this project serves as a global blueprint for carbon removal infrastructure. It demonstrates that carbon capture technology can be both high-performing and aesthetically sensitive to its site, setting a new standard for sustainable industrial design.
