The Mammoth Model, Climeworks
Hellisheiði, Iceland
In the spring of 2024, Climework launched its second commercial DAC+S plant, Mammoth. It is almost ten times larger and more productive in capturing CO₂ than its predecessor, Orca. It has a nominal capture capacity of 36.000 tonnes, showcasing Climeworks’ ability to follow its ambitious scale-up roadmap, reach a megatonne removal by 2030, and operate at gigatonne levels by 2050.
Parallel to the plant installation, a new Visitor Centre was opened at the Mammoth facility to educate visitors on the carbon capture process.
Gagarin designed and installed an engaging model representing Mammoth. Via tangible knobs, visitors can trigger in-depth information on the different modules within the plant and how they function in the carbon capture process.
The interactive model invites visitors to explore the inner workings of the plant through tangible knobs. Turning a knob illuminates parts of a semi-transparent image of the capturing station, highlighting the intricate network of pipes and facilities where CO₂ flows. This interactive experience allows visitors to follow the journey of CO₂ through different stages, with text and illustrations appearing to explain each step. These visual elements make the complex scientific processes accessible and engaging, encouraging a deeper understanding and connection to the technology.
We designed the table using birch and concrete-like materials to match the architecture of the Visitor Centre. The design is minimalistic and contemporary, fitting seamlessly into the overall aesthetic of the space.
Tangible knobs invite visitors to explore the carbon capture process interactively, making complex processes accessible.
Even when not in active use, the model remains an attraction with a meditative feel. Particles flow from the edges towards the air-capturing center, and the names of each building are highlighted. The interactive design, with its animated circles around the birch knobs, draws visitors in and entices them to interact with the exhibit.
Working with Gagarín has been an extremely rewarding experience. Not only are they very good to work with, but they also bring a wealth of imagination and technical expertise to the table, transforming the project and lifting it to a whole new level. Bryndís Nielsen, Climeworks
Swiss company Climeworks, founded in 2009 by engineers Christoph Gebald and Jan Wurzbacher, is the global leader in Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology, which removes carbon dioxide directly from the ambient air. The company is committed to combating global warming by providing high-quality, permanent CO₂ removal services. Climeworks opened the world's first commercial direct air capture and storage plant (DAC+S), Orca, in Iceland in 2021, where CO₂ is permanently removed from the atmosphere and then stored in Earth’s crust through a partnership with Carbfix. It has a nominal capacity of capturing 4,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year.