All posts by Giulio
SOLARLEAF
World’s first algae-based bioreactive facade
RODUCT OVERVIEW
Purpose of this product:
Bioreactor Façade – A dynamic façade system for the production of renewable energy using algal biomass and solar thermal heat. Building Integration:
The system is suitable for both new buildings and existing buildings, and for industrial, commercial,
existing buildings, and for industrial, commercial, residential and public buildings.
Features and benefits:
Full integration of low energy design for energy efficient buildings with a Passivhaus standard;
conversion of natural light to biomass and heat; local storage and use of solar thermal
energy; sustainable energy design – near to CO2 neutral; dynamic and adaptive shading, since
with the increasing intensity of solar radiation the transparency and the degree of total energy
transmission (g-value) decrease; living and dynamic user experience created by the emerging
air bubbles and the variations of colour of the SolarLeaf elements; also applicable as a primary
façade system with additional benefits in terms of high thermal and acoustic insulation.
SOLARLEAF – THE BIOREACTOR FAÇADE
The vertical glass louvres are filled with water containing nutrients which conver
daylight and CO2 to algal biomass through the bio-chemical process of photosynthesis
at the same time the water is heated up by solar-thermal effects. The biomass and
heat generated by the façade elements are transported by a closed loop system to the
plant room, where both forms of energy are exchanged by a separator and a heat
exchanger respectively. The temperature levels of the heat generated can be increased by
of the heat generated can be increased by using a hot water pump for the supply of hot
water and for heating the building. Excess heat can be stored by use of a geothermal system.
The biomass has high energy content, and can therefore not only be used for generating
energy but also processed and used by the food and pharmaceutical industries.
To be able to benefit from the synergies of the system, a holistic and comprehensive
design approach is required right from the beginning.
From 2020 onwards, zero-energy houses will be obligatory in Germany and in some
other European countries. Every new building will need to produce the same amount of
will need to produce the same amount of energy as it consumes. In 2012, the energy
generated by photovoltaic systems and solar thermal systems in Germany provided 1.5%
thermal systems in Germany provided 1.5% of the total energy supply, while biomass
as a renewable energy source provided 8%.
The advantage of biomass compared to photovoltaic is that it is a form of solar energy
that can be easily stored and therefore doesn’t require expensive storage technologies
like batteries. The bioreactor façade is the first building integrated system to generate
biomass.
The conversion of light to heat is a well first building integrated system to generate
design. In contrast, the conversion of light to biomass is a biochemical process facilitated by
microscopically small algae, called microalgae.
Microalgae, like other higher level plants, use sunlight for the photosynthetic process and
this is linked to the process of conversion of much more efficient in the conversion of light
to biomass than higher-level plants, because they consist only of single cells, each of whic
is capable of photosynthesis. Microalgae can divide themselves up to two times a day and
thus increase their biomass by a factor of four.
Their biomass contains 23-27 kJ of energy per gram dry weight. This biomass can be used as
raw material for cosmetic and pharmaceutical products or is used for animal food or dietary
supplements. By varying the cell density in the culture medium the transparency can be
varied between 10 and 80%
HOW DOES SOLARLEAF WORK?
When used as a secondary façade the bioreactor elements form a rainscreen system
of the outer layer of a double-skin façade. The vertical elements have a size of 2.5m x 0.7m
and can span across a full storey if required. In addition they can rotate along its vertical axis
to track the position of the sun. When fully closed the SolarLeaf forms a continuous outer
skin providing a thermal buffer.
Each SolarLeaf element features a multiple glass assembly, designed to meet the latest
performance criteria of modern façade engineering. The two inner layers form an
18mm wide cavity with a capacity of 24 litres for the circulation of water and growth of
algae. For safety and thermal insulation the photobioreactor is clad on both sides with
laminated safety glass.
Compressed air is introduced to the bottom of each bioreactor at certain time
intervals. The gas emerges as large air bubbles and generates an upstream water flow and
turbulence to stimulate the intake of CO2 and light by the algae. At the same time, the
inner surfaces of the panels are washed by to the naked eye. The flat photobioreactors
are thus very efficient for algal growth and need minimal maintenance. All servicing pipes
for the inflow and outflow of the culture medium and the air are integrated into the
substructure of the SolarLeaf elements. At the BIQ pilot project in Hamburg 32 elements
are combined into a closed loop system and
connected to the plant room.
A central building management system controls all the processes necessary to
operate the bioreactor façade and to fully integrate it with the energy management
system of the building. This includes the control of the algal cell density and the
temperature in the culture medium.
The heat obtained from the façade has a temperature of about 40°C and is either
used directly to heat water or is stored in the ground by use of a geothermal system. The
system can be operated all year long.
The efficiency of the conversion of light to biomass is 10% and to heat 38%. For
comparison, photovoltaic systems have an efficiency of 12-15% and solar thermal
systems 60-65%.
So the bioreactor façade is competitive relative to these other technologies. In
addition, bioreactor façades remove CO2 from flue gas at quantities equivalent to th
build-up of biomass and thus reduce the CO2 emissions from buildings and help to improve
the overall CO2 balance.
“The “SolarLeaf ”
bioreactor façade is
pointing the way ahead
for the future of the
façade and low energy
engineering for Green
Buildings”
SOLARLEAF in OVERVIEW
A Solarleaf bioreactor façade:
– produces high value biomass (10% ECS*)
– produces solar thermal heat (38% ECS*)
– provides dynamic shading
– increases the thermal and acoustic
performance
Optimal conditions for building integration:
– Production of a constant flue gas or source
of carbon
– Production of heat throughout the year
– Ideal for south facing façades (>200 m²)
* ECS = energy conversion efficiency ratio, which indicates the percentage of the incoming light
energy converted to biomass or heat.
Innovations with Old Tires Transforming Green Building Design
By: Andrew Horsman, Executive Director, Ontario Tire Stewardship
To create highly functional, award-winning facilities and community spaces, it’s important for builders, architects and designers to understand how users interact with these spaces. But it’s equally important to understand the enhancing role that eco-friendly building materials – such as innovative products made from recycled tires – can play to create industry-leading sustainable facilities.
An increasing number of builders and designers are seeing the value of high performance recycled tire products across all facets of new development projects, from indoor applications to roofing and rooftop patio solutions to surrounding outdoor space design. Various recycled tire products that are available on the market today are highly regarded as environmentally sustainable ways of managing tire waste, while addressing developer and property management considerations around LEED certification, durability, safety and long-term cost effectiveness.
To bring these sustainable solutions to market, Ontario Tire Stewardship (OTS) – a non-profit organization that operates the Used Tires Program in Ontario – works with product manufacturers and members of Ontario’s tire recycling community to convert old tires into high value recycled tire products. To date, OTS has diverted more than 50 million tires in the province and helped the industry transform tire waste into eco-friendly solutions such as landscaping mulch, flooring underlay, brick pavers, patio tiles and more.
Indoor Applications
Sound absorption, durability and low maintenance materials are important areas for consideration when selecting quality building materials. Old tires are now being recycled into a variety of sustainable flooring solutions to meet these indoor design demands. For example, Toronto’s Corus Entertainment Centre recently incorporated a flooring underlay made from recycled tires to improve sound absorption in the company’s multi-level buildings, soundproof its studios for daily recording purposes, and meet the building guidelines for Impact Insulation Class (IIC) and Sound Transmission Class (STC) requirements to reduce sound that travels between floors and ceilings.
Toronto-based not-for-profit, Earth Rangers Centre for Sustainable Technologies used recycled tire products to serve a completely different purpose. Promoting healthy lifestyle choices for its employees and community members, Earth Rangers re-designed a space within its facility into an accessible gym. Since environmental sustainability was an important element of its organizational culture, work and values, the Pro-Fit athletic flooring provided by manufacturer National Rubber Technologies was a natural fit. The athletic flooring is highly durable to withstand rigorous fitness use, low maintenance and slip resistant, addressing Earth Rangers’ safety standards. It also contributed to the facility’s Platinum status under LEED for Existing Buildings .
Tires on the Roof
It seems an unlikely place to house our old tires, but recycled tire products have been used by many residential and commercial builders across North America as roofing shingles and eco-friendly patio tile solutions for green rooftop spaces. High quality composite roof shakes made from recycled tires are far more durable than traditional cedar and other wood shakes. When applied to an average sized 4,000 sq. ft. roof, recycled rubber shingles can also keep up to 64 scrap tires out of harmful landfills.
Designers of the Residential Energy Efficiency Project (REEP) in Kitchener, Ontario saw great value in using these roof shingles. A winner of the 2011 Minister’s Award for Environmental Excellence in the non-governmental organization category, the REEP House serves as a public learning centre, educating homeowners on ways to make their homes more energy efficient and sustainable. Consistent with its objectives to be a leading example in sustainable design, REEP House chose Enviroshake’s composite roof shingles made from 95% recycled materials, which features fire and hail resistant qualities, do not decay, blister or peel, and can last more than 50 years without losing its aesthetic appeal when compared to the shorter life span of cedar shakes.
As a result of using Enviroshake’s roof shingles, the REEP House not only gained LEED industry rating points, but these points have contributed to its pursuit of a Platinum industry certification under the LEED Canada for Homes program.
Outdoor Applications
When designing award-winning buildings, what surrounds them is just as important to creating the desired atmosphere as what is inside the buildings. This includes accessible parking lots, landscaping and pedestrian walkways.
Using recycled tire products in high-traffic pedestrian and vehicle zones is highly beneficial from a design aesthetic, development quality and environmental perspective. Many of these surfacing solutions are highly durable, safer for pedestrian use from its slip resistant qualities, and easier to maintain as rubber bricks. Meanwhile, pavers are easier to install, remove and re-align if necessary. Due to their recycled rubber composition, rubber pavers and bricks won’t have cracking and warping damages due to extreme Canadian temperature fluctuations in the summer and winter months when compared to traditional alternatives such as concrete and asphalt.
Kortright Centre for Conservation in Vaughan, Ontario and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) recently partnered with OTS to use recycled tire products in a new way that makes the facility more sustainable, while creatively addressing municipal storm water management issues. TRCA replaced Kortright’s old asphalt parking lot with Eco-Flex Churchill Brick Pavers and IOWAT’s AZEK VAST permeable recycled tire paver systems, to test and showcase a sustainable storm water management solution, reduce the amount of runoff and improve the overall aesthetics and long-term maintenance of its frequently used parking lot.
Highly shock absorbent playground surfacing solutions made from recycled rubber are also being featured in outdoor play areas where builders must adhere to high safety standards. In North America, playground standards require surfaces to pass a minimum safety performance not exceeding 1000 Head Injury Criteria (HIC). Recycled tire products, such as those manufactured by SofSurfaces can provide an HIC rating below 570, which is the threshold considered safe for children in an automobile crash. Since playground surfaces may harden over time, this extremely safe rating ensures the surface remains compliant to the standard for the long-term.
In addition to leading builders and architects, consumers are also showing their support for the use of eco-friendly alternatives. In fact, a recent study conducted by OTS found that 94 per cent of Ontarians felt that commercial and residential developers and builders should be more active in using environmentally sustainable building materials. As this demand for high quality, environmentally sustainable building solutions rises, so too will the relevance and use of innovative recycled tire products to transform everyday spaces into leading examples of the latest in green design.
Nova Scotia Power Corporate Headquarter
WZMH Architects
First LEED Platinum Building in Atlantic Canada
Among the best and most environmentally sustainable new buildings in Halifax is the headquarters for Nova Scotia Power, a contemporary 8-storey office tower. It revitalized a former coal-fired power plant, which closed during the 1970s. The site and structure received a wholesale makeover by WZMH Architects, achieving significant environmental, economic, and community responsibility objectives along the way. The facility houses more than 500 employees in approximately 18,000 square metres of space.
The LEED Platinum project was recognized with a Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Engineering of a refurbished historic building, two ARIDO awards for interior design and was a finalist for the 2010 international re-skinning award from Zerofootprint. WZMH Architects has successfully incorporated sustainable principles into the majority of its projects in recent years and has received numerous domestic and international LEED awards.
The building occupies a prominent location with significant frontage on the downtown boardwalk that lines the western edge of the Halifax harbour. An innovative construction strategy acknowledges the memory of the building’s initial use. The original steel structure was retained with additional floors inserted and skylights replaced chimney stacks along the roof.
The original concrete mass formed a barrier to the waterfront. A portion of this has been transformed into an atrium, which now connects the city to the water, offering spectacular views of the harbour. Public space includes a galleria and indoor street parallel to the boardwalk, and a cafe with outdoor seating. They promote casual interaction between employees and user contact with the waterfront.
DESIGN GOALS
WZMH designed the building to meet the strategic goals of Nova Scotia Power (NSP) in the environmental, economic, civic and social realms. As the provincial power authority, NSP sought a visible demonstration of its commitment to environmental responsibility and leadership in energy conservation through the adaptive reuse of the former power plant. Its financial analysis had established that renovation of an existing proprietary property was the optimal solution in terms of space requirements over time. In addition, by redeveloping an urban brownfield, NSP could demonstrate civic responsibility and participate in urban intensification. It did not increase urban sprawl by locating a new building on prime farm, wetland, or forested land; and it promoted the use of existing amenities and infrastructure. It also retained employment within the city, supporting the economic and social fabric of downtown Halifax.
LIGHT & WATER
The Atrium and Galleria provide more than 75% of occupied spaces with natural daylight. In other areas high efficiency fixtures, occupancy and daylight sensors are used to reduce reliance on artificial light. Annual electricity consumption for lighting is about 22 kWh per square metre, about 10-15% of total electricity consumption of the building.
Water efficient plumbing fixtures reduce potable water use and a 43 cubic metre cistern collects storm water for toilet flushing. Landscaping consists of turf grass that is drought-resistant and requires no irrigation. Water consumption is about 24 litres per person each day, representing an improvement of about 75% over the reference building.
ENERGY
Existing piping from the Halifax harbour, originally used to cool power turbines, brings sea-water into titanium heat exchangers, then into a heating-cooling loop. Heat pumps in turn supply chilled beams and perimeter heating. A bypass for free cooling is also included. The Chilled Beam system uses an induction unit to cool outdoor air and supply it to occupied spaces. It improves thermal comfort while utilizing less fan energy. The system can use rejected heat from cooling the south areas to heat the north side of the building.
A dedicated demand-controlled ventilation system and occupancy sensors provide optimal fresh air, superior indoor air quality and save energy. CO2 sensors protect occupants from leaks. A tight building envelope, energy recovery ventilators and variable speed drives also help save energy.
Projected annual electrical consumption for the building is 792 mega-joules per square metre (including regulated loads and plug loads). The use of harbour water for heating and cooling will mean that as fossil fuels are phased out in the future, the entire building will operate using renewable energy.
MATERIAL USE & COMMUTER CONSIDERATIONS
At least 25% of total building materials were extracted and manufactured within 800 km by truck and 2,400 km by rail or sea. Steel was recycled off site and the rubble from window openings in the concrete was used as fill to adjust site grades. In total, 86.9% of waste materials were recycled during construction. At least 85% of all wood-based building components were FSC certified.
The location is near two bus lines and 48 bicycle racks were included along with shower and change facilities. Auto Share high-efficiency vehicles are also provided.
EDUCATION AND INFORMATION SHARING
An interactive kiosk in the main lobby showcases sustainable design features with actual energy consumption displayed and updated quarterly. Building performance can be compared to the design stage modeled performance.
WZMH Architects was established in 1961 in Toronto, and has built a reputation for innovative design and technical expertise. It now employs more than 100 people who utilize a collaborative approach to meet client expectations for corporate projects, courthouses, hotels, conference facilities, retail, resorts, entertainment complexes, educational and residential buildings.
London’s greenest home is a model of inspiration
What began as a charity fundraiser by the London Home Builders’ Association (LHBA) has resulted in something much more.
The LHBA’s Green Home was designed initially to raise money for the completion and maintenance of the association’s 60th anniversary legacy project – the Cancer Survivors Garden in one of the city’s parks.
“But the more we talked about it, the more possibilities and opportunities we saw – to educate the public on new building materials and construction science and the green achievements of the industry,” says Lois Langdon, LHBA executive officer.
Public education continues to be a critical process as the building industry strives to construct more energy-efficient, eco-friendly and healthier homes. The challenge is that buyers still want luxury upgrades before energy-saving products and materials – things that don’t add to the home’s aesthetics.
The Green Home, built with donations of materials, products and labour from LHBA members, was an opportunity to showcase the benefits of green products and materials, Langdon explains. To that end, the association conducted open houses over several months, distributed brochures and posted call-outs throughout the house to explain what was behind the walls or a new piece of equipment.
The bottom line is that such a home – which is registered under Energy Star, LEED Canada for Homes and GreenHouse – will provide the owner significant savings and an environment that is free of many of the chemicals found in materials of the past.
The features include:
- Low VOC paint and wall coverings;
- LED lighting;
- PureBond cabinets which are formaldehyde-free and use soy-based adhesives;
- Quartz countertops;
- Kitchen sink made from 90 per cent recycled stainless steel;
- Water-saving faucets – up to 30 per cent less water;
- Carpet made from recycled plastic bottles;
- Fibreglas entry door that has the appearance of wood but is more resilient;
- EcoTouch PINK Fibreglas;
- Foamular 150 Rigid Foam Insulation;
- And grey-water recovery, which saves as much as 40 percent on the annual water bill.
Playing a key role in the home’s green designation is the Rinnai tankless water heater, which was provided by Reliance Home Comfort. Water is heated only when needed, resulting in energy savings of up to 40 percent. This compact, space-saving unit packs a major punch in that it can meet many water-use demands such as laundry, dishwasher and hot shower – all at the same time. And being EnergyStar qualified, it offers up to 97 per cent thermal efficiency.
The Rinnai unit also provides heat for a zoned hydronic air handler, allowing separate temperature control on each level of the home.
The most cutting-edge feature, according to Toby Stolee, director of housing operations for Sifton Properties and LHBA president when the project was initiated earlier this year, is the grey-water system which collects water from the showers and laundry, filters and sanitizes it and then pumps it to the toilets for flushing.
“This is one of the first systems of its kind approved by the City of London. I think it is still ahead of its time.”
The home, built in Sifton’s Ballymote Woods development in north London, fits nicely into the company’s green philosophy, Stolee says, adding that the company built London’s first solar home in 1975.
The purchaser of the Green Home will not only have the greenest home in London, but at a bargain price. The $429,900 sticker is well below the home’s value of $600,000. The reason, Langdon says, is to ensure a fast sale and is not a statement about the marketability of green.
The primary reason for the project is completing the Cancer Survivors Garden at the busy intersection of Wonderland Road and Riverside Drive where cancer survivors can find peace, hope and celebrate life.
“We could have contributed to medical research, which is extremely valuable and needed, but we also had come to know, through conversations with [a cancer survivor] that the power of home and a positive mindset can be crucial to survival,” Langdon says. “Our LHBA members have a lengthy history of being generous. Giving back to the community is part of our mission statement and we take that seriously.”
THE SWALLOW’S NEST
TAICHUNG CITY CULTURAL CENTER / PUBLIC LIBRARY AND FINE ARTS MUSEUM
Taichung 2013, Taiwan
Project Title : Taichung City Cultural Center Planning, Design and Construction Supervision Service Project
Surface Area : 62.720 m²
Budget : NT$ 2.410.000.000
Team : Vincent Callebaut, Frederique Beck, Julien Combes, Benoit Patterlini
- 1. A MÖBIUS’ RING OFFERED TO THE FINE ARTS AND LITERATURE OPENED TOWARDS THE GATEWAY PARK
At the North end of the new « Gateway Park » located on the site of the old airport of Taichung city, the “Swallow’s Nest” project is a true entrance door to the new urban ecosystem. Actually, the project develops itself under the shape of a three-dimensional Möbius’ ring that extrudes its triangular section around an elliptic path. This organic building is thus created by the simple repetition of a standardised section that turns eighty times clockwise by 4.5 degrees to make a full revolution of 360 degrees around a huge central patio, the “Endless Patio”. The architecture is inspired by the nature and seems to grow harmoniously such as a plant from the earth to the sky. This pure shape in horizontal spiral enables to create three huge vaults, true connexion hubs between the central patio and the cultural centre, the city and the park.
Like a dynamic and innovative cultural center dedicated to the Fine Arts and Literature, the Swallow’s Nest is thus a new icon of spatial transversality and cultural transdisciplinarity! It is a raw diamond cut into the crystal whose sharp voluptuousness magnetizes the site from its spiral curves.
2. BUILDING ENVELOPE
Intelligent façades of e-low glass pixelated by the photovoltaic solar cells assuring an energetic autonomy
The Swallow’s Nest is the future landmark of the Gateway Park. The project is thus crystalline assuring a maximum of transparency and lighting effects by the treatment of façades, from the integration of renewable energies, intelligent glasses and effects of progressive translucency. Actually, the glittering skin is made of E-Low glass with high rate of thermal isolation. Like a musical score opening out along the glass ribbons, pixels of photovoltaic solar cells and panels of translucent glass and stainless steel assure 50% of opaque façades in order to avoid greenhouse effect on the one hand and to protect the exhibited works on the other hand.
From the Endless Patio, the Gateway Park or the Gateway Park Avenue 2, the facades create mirror effects by reflecting the rustles and the vibrations of the city and of the surrounding nature. These façades question us by transforming themselves in mirror of our society and act as a spectre for the creation of the contemporary art and for the protection of the knowledge. At daytime, the adjusted surfaces of the façades degrade the azure blue towards the tender greens of the luxuriant vegetation of the park. Whereas during the night, the Klein blue of the stars reverses progressively to gold colour of the dawn and the lights of the urban lighting
3. A POETIC GREEN LANDMARK
The new centre of Taichung has been transformed into a nest of preservation and cultural creation that sees the birth of history in real time, the sensitivities and the Taiwanese philosophies mixed worldwide. In this sustainable architecture dedicated to the biodiversity and the right balance of the action of Human being on Nature, the museum intertwines in the library, the plant embraces the mineral, and the shadow mixes up with the light. The swallow’s nest is a glittering landmark which expresses with elegance the swirling of the imagination. Like the Möbius’ ring, it is a cultural centre without end which will constantly question, intrigue and attract the attention of its visitors.
One swallow made a spring!
Courtesy of © Vincent Callebaut Architect
Bosco Verticale/Vertical Forest
The world’s first vertical forest
Bringing nature back to the Milan’s concrete jungle
The Vertical Forest project aims to build high-density tower blocks with trees within the city. The first example of a Vertical Forest is currently under construction in Milan in Porta Nuova Isola area, part of a larger redevelopment project developed by Hines Italia with two towers which are 80 metres and 112 metres tall respectively, and which will be able to hold 480 big and medium size trees, 250 small size trees, 11.000 groundcover plants and 5.000 shrubs (the equivalent of a hectare of forest). The Vertical Forest has at its heart an concept of architecture which demineralises urban areas and uses the changing shape and form of leaves for its facades, and thus which hands over to vegetation itself the task of absorbing the dust in the air, and of creating an adequate micro-climate in order to filter out the sunlight. This is a kind of biological architecture which refuses to adopt a strictly technological and mechanical approach to environmental sustainability.
biological habitats Vertical Forest increases biodiversity. It helps to set up an urban ecosystem where different kinds of vegetation create a vertical environment which can also be colonised by birds and insects, and thus becomes both a magnet for and a symbol of the spontaneous recolonisation of the city by vegetation and by animal life. The creation of a number of vertical forests in the city will be able to create a network of environmental corridors which will give life to the main parks in the city, bringing the green space of avenues and gardens and connecting various spaces of spontaneous vegetation growth.
mitigations Vertical Forest helps to build a micro-climate and to filter dust particles which are present in the urban environment. The diversity of the plants helps to create humidity, and absorb CO2 and dust, produces oxygen, protects people and houses from the suns rays and from acoustic pollution.
anti-sprawl Vertical Forest is an anti-sprawl measure which aims to control and reduce urban expansion. If we think of them in terms of urban densification, each tower of the Vertical Forest is equivalent to an area of urban sprawl of family houses and buildings of up to 50,000 square metres.
trees are a key element in understanding architectural projects and garden systems. In this case the choice of the types of trees was made to fit with their positioning on the facades and in terms of their height, and took two years to conclude alongside a group of botanists. The plants used in this project will be grown specifically for this purpose and will be pre-cultivated. Over this period these plants slowly got used to the conditions they will be placed in on the building.
ecology billboards Vertical Forest is a landmark in the city which is able to release new kinds of variable landscapes which can change their form in each season depending on the types of plants involved. The vertical forests will offer a changing view of the metropolitan city below.
management the management of the trees’ pots is under building regulation, as well as the upkeep of the greenery and the number of plants for each pot.
irrigation in order to understand the need for water the plan for these buildings took into account the distribution of plants across various floors and their positioning.
CREDITS Architectural project
Boeri Studio (Stefano Boeri, Gianandrea Barreca, Giovanni La Varra)
Bosco Verticale Landscape Design: Emanuela Borio and Laura Gatti
Developer: Hines Italia
Courtesy of Boeri Studio (Stefano Boeri, Gianandrea Barreca, Giovanni La Varra)
Practising what they preach
North Star Homes is committed to building energy efficient homes and a perfect example is LEED Silver-designated Pacific Villas project in Markham
At North Star Homes, they practise what they preach.
Staunchly aligned with green initiatives, North Star’s latest coup is the Pacific Villas project, which has achieved LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for Homes Silver classification – one of the first of its kind in Markham.
“We are committed to building energy efficient homes,” says Frank Dodaro, President, North Star Homes Inc. “Our sustainability consultant has been recommending the best methods to deliver greener homes to keep us on the leading edge of the best homebuilders.”
Recognized as Home Builder of the Year by the Building Industry and Land Development
Association (BILD) in both 2004 and 2008, North Star was founded in 1990 and prides itself on being on the cutting edge of industry changes, so that buyers know they will be getting the latest in “design and finishes that deliver a high quality home at a good price.”
Phase 1 of Pacific Villas – to be followed by Phase 2, which will be an apartment building with commercial uses on the ground floor, also built to achieve LEED Silver – has a whole world of shopping, services and restaurants right on its doorstep. The vibrant community is a private enclave of beautiful bungalows and two-storey townhomes, walking distance from Pacific Mall, Splendid China Tower Mall and Market Village Mall.
But there’s more. Just down the road are Aldergrove School, Milliken Mills High School and Town Centre Montessori Private School. All the amenities of Milliken Mills Community Centre, Aldergrove Park and the playing fields of Kennedy Reservoir Park are minutes away. Also, the Milliken GO Train Station is within walking distance.
LEED is a rating system which awards points for construction, design and operation of high performance green buildings. LEED’s Silver rating is one of the highest in the industry and is verified with independent third party testing.
Designing to LEED for Homes Silver rating transforms the way homes are built. It promotes waste diversion of construction materials, soil erosion controls, use of recycled construction materials, advanced framing, water conversion, and many other environmental advances that other programs do not cover.
Pacific Villas incorporate a number of energy saving features that led to LEED Silver designation.
The list of additional features, both inside and out, is thorough and impressive. Some of those include:
- Insulation: Roof R50, walls R24, basement wall R20 and exposed floors R31;
- Ice and water shield (six feet) from edge of eaves, 30 gauge steel at all valleys, and rubber flashing at all penetrations;
- Complete air barrier between attic and conditioned space and all penetrations sealed;
- Energy efficient windows and doors;
- Pest management control features;
- Low flow water consumption plumbing fixtures;
- Drain water heat recovery pipe with insulation;
- Individually controlled, hi-velocity fan coil unit (with ECM motor and MERV 10 filter) integrated with EnviroSense gas fired hot water heater provides heating, cooling and domestic hot water at 90 per cent efficiency;
- Energy recovery ventilator (ERV) to provide fresh air with dehumidification control;
- Install drain pans to capture leaks under water heaters;
- Refrigerant type: R-410a (Eco Friendly);
- Air seal ventilation ductwork;
- Energy Star ® appliances;
- Energy Star ® compact fluorescent light bulbs throughout;
- Surface water management system – final grade tamped and sloped away from foundation;
- And drought-tolerant plants and turf.
North Star Homes continues its focus on green and sustainable building with the following project examples:
Canyon Hill Gardens
A prestigious development of 74 luxury detached homes is now underway in Richmond Hill and being built to meet Energuide 82 standards that are above the current Ontario Building Code levels.
The notable sustainability features include:
- R31 half-pound spray foam insulation to exposed floors;
- R22 batt insulation + R4 Insulsheathing for exterior wall;
- R20 for walls below grade;
- Two-stage gas furnaces with ECM motor rated at 95 per cent efficiency along with an HRV (heat recovery ventilator) rated at 74 per cent efficiency;
- Hot water heater with 86 per cent efficiency;
- Drain water heat recovery – five-foot pipe mounted on drain stack;
- And maximum 2.5 air change per hour.
All homes are evaluated and undergo a blower door test by a third party rater to verify the program requirements of Energuide 82 are met. Additionally, top soil depth will be at three feet, to foster tree health.
King’s Crossing
The final phase of the King’s Crossing development in Richmond Hill consists of townhomes and semi-detached homes. For this site, North Star has chosen the Energuide 82 standard to exceed the minimum building code level. These homes will also be individually evaluated and tested to receive the official label for Energuide 82.
Bayview Gardens
An infill development of 70 townhomes featuring open space floor plans and distinctively modern exteriors is coming soon to Richmond Hill. North Star is targeting a sustainability package of construction features that will achieve a 20 per cent better than code rating.
For many years, North Star Homes has been a beacon of quality for the new home buyer in communities across Metro Toronto and beyond. The North Star name has been proudly displayed in Barrie, Brampton, Markham, North York, Scarborough and more, and in each area home buyers have been offered an exceptional selection of homes, innovative designs, all reflecting superb craftsmanship.
North Star Homes will be bringing its commitment to build green and sustainable buildings to future developments such as the 43-storey residential tower in the heart of the Mississauga city centre.
For more information please go to www. northstarhomesinc.com
Forward thinking pays off
MOE reaps the benefits of completing a green reno by taking home LEED Platinum award
By Greg McMillan
Sometimes it’s a good thing to put the cart before the horse.
Case in point: Prior to relocating about 150 staff members back in 2009, the Ontario Ministry of the Environment (MOE) decided to complete a renovation to the specifications of the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum for Commercial Interiors rating system.
And the MOE’s forward thinking ended up reaping benefits still being felt today.
Not only did the MOE project on the 10th and 11th floors of the Ferguson Block at 77 Wellesley Street in Toronto receive Platinum certification in 2012, but it was also the highest level achievable and the first in the Ontario Public Service, according to Eva Musso, the MOE’s Project Green Team Lead.
Working with Enermodal Engineering and Freeman + Freeman Design Inc., she said the MOE renovation was completed at a cost that was less, on a square foot basis, than other comparable projects undertaken around that time.
David Freeman, Principal, Freeman + Freeman Design Inc., says the MOE took a lead position on working toward obtaining LEED Platinum certification, right from the start.
“The project was expected to be 15 per cent more costly than a typical office build out,” he explained, “however, with reusable wall panels, furniture that could easily be reconfigured, built-in energy and water savings, enhanced air quality testing and monitoring, the additional up front costs will be recouped in 7-8 years and the project will actually produce cost savings over the life cycle on the 10-year lease, from that of a typical office build out.”
To begin with, Musso says, the project achieved a 92 per cent waste diversion rate during the reno process, through the extensive training of tradespeople, a litterless workspace, separate diversion room on site, and extensive monitoring of input materials.
She described green building features found throughout the space that reflect the MOE mission:
- Each floor is organized into four themes represented by panels – water, air, earth and energy. Features of the space include the use of reclaimed and local materials, such as salvaged wood beams and flooring from 1860s farmhouses.
- A living wall designed and created in Brantford.
- Countertops containing 80-100 per cent recycled content, including concrete, glass and shells
- Real time tracking of energy use for carbon footprint – space is metered throughout with Energy Star equipment.
- Heating and cooling provided by deep lake water cooling, and electricity.
- 100 per cent EcoLogo certified alternative electricity.
- Provisions for bicycle parking.
- A kiosk providing interactive information about the space for visitors and staff.
- 90 per cent of all occupants have access to daylight and views.
- Low cubicle walls and daylighting control sensors and low wattage lighting which adjusts to the amount of light outside – lowers the demand for electricity as well.
- CO2 sensors installed throughout to monitor carbon dioxide levels and communicate with air handling unit to bring in more fresh air from the outside if the levels are high.
Musso added that economic savings have been realized through improved use of natural light, sensor lighting, Energy Star appliances, and low flow and aerated faucets and washroom fixtures.
Freeman stresses that the MOE saw an opportunity to lead by example when it came to the construction of new offices.
“Since the project’s completion the MOE has adhered to the LEED principles and undertaken renovations to the space to maintain the Platinum rating,” Freeman says. “Walls and furniture workstations have been relocated with no waste, the water and energy savings, through monitoring and controls, have been confirmed, and the staff enjoy the access to daylight and views.
“With a defined goal and commitment, the MOE demonstrated it is possible to achieve the highest standards of green building and sustainability.”
The light of glory
A world first: Cathedral’s stained glass windows generate solar power
By Greg McMillan
For Canadian artist Sarah Hall the challenge was straightforward.
Simply put, she was asked to design stained glass windows that generate solar power for the Cathedral of the Holy Family in Saskatoon.
“The intention of the project is to demonstrate that beauty, art, and renewable energy can work together,” says Hall.
A world first, the cathedral project, called Lux Gloria (The Light of Glory), features an embedded array of 1,113 silver solar cells and is connected to Saskatoon Light and Power’s grid through SaskPower.
According to Kevin Hudson, manager of metering and sustainable electricity for Saskatoon Light and Power, the solar panels are expected to produce about 2,500 kilowatt hours annually.
Conventional, roof-mounted solar panels were originally considered, but the cathedral group decided they’d be difficult to integrate visually, so a solar element was brought into the mix for the art glass windows.
It was pointed out that Lux Gloria was inspired by the beauty of God’s creation expressed in Saskatchewan’s vast prairie skies by day and the northern lights by night.
Within the silver-hued solar array are 12 dichroic glass crosses, signifying the Apostles. There is also a circle, representing a prayer for unity. The windows were fabricated by Glasmalerei Peters GmbH in Paderborn, Germany, while the new windows were engineered by solar expert Christof Erban, of Aachen, Germany.
“This project was particularly challenging,” says Hall. “In terms of size, the panels were large, shaped and heavy, making them difficult to handle.
“The largest window is 37 feet high by 12 feet wide and the two others are only slightly smaller. There are 18 panels in each window, totalling 54 with solar cells embedded in each one.
“Each of the 54 panels was a different in shape and dimension so everything was custom made.”
She says accessing the windows was also very demanding, as they needed to be installed and wired from the exterior by crane and cage starting 107 feet up in the air – with the crane operator doing his work “blind” because of the overhanging canopy.
“Not for the faint-hearted,” Hall says.
From an artist’s perspective, designing stained glass windows that generate energy is a far cry from traditional techniques.
“Designing stained glass windows that generate energy, versus the traditional technique of painted and leaded windows is a significant artistic leap,” Hall says. “It has been a steep learning curve.
“For a thousand years our goal as artists and artisans has been to add beauty, meaning and mystery to buildings. The experience of colour and light can be transformational. What we do have in common with solar is an absolute dependence on sunlight. The crystalline structure of solar cells relates well to glass art.
“The primary difference is that the artist has to bring a grid of cells into the design – and that it has to be functional from a solar viewpoint,” Hall says. “An artist also needs to collaborate with experts in solar technology right from the inception of the project.
“Since my work has always been part of architecture and set within a building it was not a difficult transition to consider adding building integrated photovoltaics. I have also always liked the juxtaposition of nature and geometry in my artwork, so solar cells immediately provided the geometry.“
Hall says she thinks there is now a lot of interest in solar art glass façades.
“I think we are just at the beginning of a new way of building – where our façades generate energy and the field of stained glass can add a beautiful dimension to solar and our buildings. My hope is to soften hearts about renewable energy and provoke interest and conversation.”
Web
www.sarahhallstudio.com
www.holyfamilycathedral.ca
