The market-driven demand for renewable energy has pushed solar photovoltaic (PV) forward into an era of tremendous market growth. This has led to innovations in the types of solar panels available and made the adoption of solar energy a feasible investment across residential and commercial sectors. This article looks at the different types of solar panels on the market today to help determine which is right for your facility. Read more at THERMA >>
Understanding HSPF Ratings and Heat Pump Efficiency
Heat pumps are simple, effective devices that help us transform spaces into comfortable places to work and live by transferring thermal energy. Air conditioners, geothermal HVAC systems and heated swimming pools all rely on heat pumps. Understanding the energy efficiency of your heat pump and its Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) can help you find energy savings. Read more at THERMA >>
The Role of BREEAM Certification in Construction and Development
Sustainability goals are a part of everyday commerce, governmental policies, and personal lifestyle choices. Eco-labels and certification schemes help create tools for consumers and businesses to navigate the complexities of social, environmental, and economic sustainability performance. BREEAM certification provides a trusted measure of sustainability assessment for master planning projects, infrastructure, and buildings. Read more at THERMA >>
Tate Modern's Energy Efficient Redesign by Herzog & de Meuron
Herzog & de Meuron set about designing the Tate Modern Extension in 2006 with a modern, glass-filled aesthetic that contrasted the museum building’s origins as a former power station. A recently unveiled redesign of the addition has brought a pyramid shaped brick structure to this anchor point of the museum. The new program not only fits the museum’s needs better, it is poised to set a new standard for sustainability in the UK.
The 2008 redesign uses industrial features from the old power station as a base for the addition, mainly old oil tanks which will become unique gallery spaces. The brick scheme also allows for a more consistent aesthetic between the old building and the extension. The changes reflect a more integrated appearance, but will also allow a significant reduction in energy use.
Herzog & de Meuron’s new design for the Tate Modern Extension will bring about a 40% savings in energy and cut carbon emissions by 35% more than regulated standards. The efficiency will be a result of heat recapture systems and passive design principles.
The project is slated for completion by 2012, with £70 million in funding in place from the government, London Development Agency and private donations.
Modern Eco Villa for Southern Spain by Diseño Earle
Diseño Earle is an international architecture firm known for unique, and often ecologically minded, projects around the world. Their latest design responds to a brief “to design and build a large and modern zero carbon footprint villa” in Southern Spain. The result is The Eco House, a modern luxury villa that holds up its name with a variety of environmentally friendly features including a chemical free canal that facilitates cooling....read more at Inhabitat
Shipping Container Playground by Phooey Architects
This children’s playground made from recycled shipping containers takes the cake for one of the most imaginative examples of shipping container architecture we’ve seen. Known as the Skinners Playground, this kidscape puts four discarded shipping containers to use as the primary spaces for childhood adventures. Designed by Phooey Architects, the children’s activity center reconfigures the containers into a fun-filled park for the young imagination....read more at Inhabitat
Coal Fired Power Plant turned "Eco-dome" in London
There is nothing quite like a creative redux on a post industrial site. When done right, innovative reuse and repurposing of obsolete structures can set some pretty amazing examples for a sustainable future. One such model conversion is taking root in the newly unveiled plan for Battersea Power Station in London. Once a coal-fired electric plant (and defunct for near 25 years), this industrial icon is getting a 21st century makeover...read more at Inhabitat
NO MAN’S LAND: Innovative Watertecture in the Dead Sea
In the Dead Sea region, control of water is a source of political friction and presents an ecological quandary that threatens the drinking supply for inhabitants. A research project from New York-based architect Phu Hoang Office seeks to address and solve these site specific issues with ‘No Man’s Land’, a series of artificial islands that would provide recreation, tourist attractions, renewable energy, and create fresh water...read more at Inhabitat
ONE JACKSON SQUARE: New LEED Living in Greenwich Village
A new project in Greenwich Village is bringing a mix of modern luxury and green building to the historic West Village district. Architect William Pederson, with international real estate firm Hines, recently announced the design for One Jackson Square. With an eye-catching glass façade and a host of environmentally sound features, the new development will be...read more at Inhabitat
HOK Unveils London Olympic Stadium's Hemp Facade
Last week, we thought the idea of a prefab, flatpack, reusable stadium sounded like a great way to cut down on the cost and waste associated with what is basically a one-time-use showpiece. As of Friday, that was the latest plan for the London 2012 Olympic stadium, designed by HOK Sport and Peter Cook. This week’s news shines an even more interesting sustainable light on...read more at Inhabitat
James Law's High Tech 'Cybertecture Egg' for Mumbai
James Law Cybertecture International brings high-tech solutions to large scale structures through innovative ideas for intelligent living. The latest future forward design from this firm is the Cybertecture Egg, commissioned by Vijay Associate for Mumbai, India. The 32,000 sq m egg-shaped building will combine “iconic architecture, environmental design, intelligent systems, and new engineering to create an awe-inspiring landmark in the city.”...read more at Inhabitat
Green Roofs for Healthy Cities Awards 2008
Green Roofs for Healthy Cities has just announced the Awards for Excellence 2008 honoring projects that exemplify the aesthetic and environmental benefits of green roofs and living walls. The winning installations are a showcase of innovation and awareness-raising ideas that standout among the growing field of building integrated green space...read more at Inhabitat
AIA/COTE Top Ten Green Projects 2008
Every year we look forward to the American Institute of Architects Committee on the Environment’s (AIA/COTE) top picks for the best green building projects of the year. This year’s selections are a showcase of sustainable design approaches that balance functional aesthetics with environmental consciousness. Each winning design has been evaluated under a comprehensive list of measures from community connectivity, to energy efficiency, to longevity of purpose...Read more at Inhabitat
1st LEED PARKING GARAGE: Santa Monica Civic Center
Eye-catching aesthetics and implementation of a bevy of green building practices have brought a new oxymoron into consideration in the form of the Santa Monica Civic Center parking structure. This building is on its way to becoming the first LEED certified parking garage in the United States, shifting the sustainability merits of LEED debate into impassioned overdrive with plenty of fuel fodder for both sides of the argument...read more at Inhabitat
Leonardo DiCaprio Buys New Green NYC Digs
It’s not always our style to point out celebrity lives but when they involve a super green, LEED Gold rated building with stellar views across the Hudson River it gets our attention. The New York scoop is that the three-time Academy Award-nominated actor/environmentalist Leonardo DiCaprio has found shelter in Riverhouse, one of NYC’s greenest condominiums...read more at Inhabitat
Jean Nouvel Wins the 2008 Pritzker Prize
Groundreaking architect Jean Nouvel has inspired and influenced international architecture (and many of us here at Inhabitat) for over three decades with creative interpretations of culture, location, program and client that have resulted in some of the world’s most unforgettable structures. In recognition of his abundant career and persistent imagination, he has been chosen as the 2008 Pritzker Architecture Laureate, the world’s highest architecture honor...Read more at Inhabitat
High Line 23 Brings New Green Tower to Chelsea Skyline
High Line 23, or HL23, is a new green building from Neil M. Denari Architects that is currently under construction and turning heads soon in the Chelsea art gallery district on Manhattan’s west side. With an impressively small footprint and a multitude of green building technologies, HL23’s cantilevered silhouette is made even more exquisite by the expected achievement of LEED Gold certification...Read more at Inhabitat
New Green Complex in China by Steven Holl
Architect Steven Holl always appeals to our sustainable side, capturing our imagination with beautiful designs that incorporate both social and environmental responsibility. His new design for a mixed use development in China is bringing a green sensibility to the skyline of Chengdu, the capital city of Sichuan. This high-performance building will integrate green strategies in heating, cooling, lighting and materials to attain an LEED gold certification....Read more at Inhabitat
Civil Court for Madrid from Zaha Hadid
Planned as part of the new Campus de la Justicia at Valdebebas in the Spanish capital city, Hadid’s Civil Court is expected to become a focal point among works from Norman Foster, IM Pei and others. While we are not always big fans of Hadid’s obsession with form, we are intrigued by the “intelligent” façade of this Madrid courthouse...Read more at Inhabitat
Anti Smog Architecture: A Catalyst for Cleaner Air in Paris
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Architect Vincent Callebaut’s latest project balances public galleries, meeting rooms and gathering spaces over canals and abandoned railroad tracks in the 19th Parisian district. The prototype uses green technologies and techniques but is more than just an example of sustainable design...Read more at Inhabitat
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