The construction industry is currently working on environmentally friendly projects as an essential part of the solutions to the problem of climate change. Explore seven of the best energy-efficient and innovative projects around the world.
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1. Albion District Library by Perkins+Will - Toronto, Canada
By providing a landmark where people could study and participate in recreational activities, this sanctuary for recent immigrants in Toronto successfully improved the community it serves. The library building incorporates a green roof that slopes downward, photovoltaic arrays that are integrated into the ceiling, native tree species, bicycle infrastructure, and the installation of a wetland to collect stormwater for irrigation purposes. Without compromising the level of comfort, the building achieved a reduction in energy usage of 40% in comparison to the national average.
2. Transoceánica Building by +arquitectos - Chile
The design of this office building placed a significant emphasis on constructing a shape that maximizes the building's orientation, prioritizing natural light, ensuring that all rooms have views of the exterior, and establishing a meticulous treatment of facades to prevent unwelcome increase or decrease in thermal energy.
By regulating interior illumination in response to the amount of sunlight outside, an advanced domotic system prevents artificial lighting when it is not required. The structure's exceptional energy efficiency results in cost savings of up to 70%, making it the first structure in Chile to obtain the esteemed LEED Gold certification.
3. Bank of America by Cook + Fox Architects - New York
Biophilia, which accentuates the connection between humans and nature through the optimal utilization of natural light and fresh air, was incorporated into the design of the first high-rise commercial structure to attain LEED platinum certification. Adopting low-e-glass and heat-reflecting ceramic frit curtains reduces the amount of heat gain within the building.
4. Bullitt Centre by Miller Hull Partnership - Seattle
This self-sustainable building comprises solar panels responsible for generating renewable energy. Due to its thermal mass, the treated heavy timber structure of Bullitt Centre, which has a 250-year lifetime, aids in maintaining a constant internal temperature for an extended period.
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5. The Crystal by WilkinsonEyre - United Kingdom
The building, which is structured like a crystal, uses six distinct kinds of highly insulated glazing with changing degrees of transparency to regulate the amount of solar heat gain and reduce the amount of energy consumed. With reflective glazing on the exterior to minimize heat gain and clear windows on the interior to let in lighting, the structure's exterior features angles.
6. The Friendship Hospital by Kasef Chowdhury of Urbana - Bangladesh
A low-cost and environmentally friendly design method was utilized in constructing the Friendship Hospital, located in the rural Bangladesh delta. It employs the passive design technique, which regulates temperature in conjunction with natural ventilation, minimizing the need for artificial energy. Moreover, building blocks resembling pavilions create courtyards that allow air to circulate through the wards while offering covered areas for resting outside.
7. Gardens by the Bay by Wilkinson Eyre - Singapore
Gardens by the Bay, located in Singapore, is a horticultural attraction showcasing technology innovation for environmentally responsible buildings. Together with several other attractions, the entire garden complex comprises two greenhouse conservatories, one of which is the largest of its kind anywhere in the world, as well as the famous Supertrees. Even though the gardens were quite large, the architects and engineers tried to reduce the amount of energy consumed by utilizing passive cooling components such as materials and some shadowing.
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