Proposed for the Aalborg Waterfront in Denmark, a new housing development would feature 60 apartments, from 4 to 12 stories high, all supplied with a 100 percent renewable energy source. This zero-energy project has been proposed by Scandinavian architectural firm C. F. Møller, in collaboration with energy consultants, Cenergia.
Møller's architectural design features a south-facing roof-plane, fitted with 1,200 sq. m. (1,435 sq. yds.) of photovoltaic and solar thermal panels. The solar paneling is reportedly capable of producing 104,000 KWh of electricity annually, which is estimated to be enough to cover the yearly electricity demand of every apartment (at 1,740 Kwh each). In addition, four vertical axis low-noise wind turbines take advantage of strong western winds, creating an additional power supply to recharge electric cars. A rainwater collection system is used to irrigate the surrounding gardens, whilst the lush landscaping helps maintain a clean air environment. Tall window openings allow for natural light to filter through to the apartments' living zones, an example of the passive-housing standards that are incorporated to ensure reduced energy consumption all round.
This slide-like shape of the building creates a distinctive silhouette, which is positioned between Aalborg's main bridges. The roof-plane appears as if it is stretching into the water's edge, where an underpass shelters a public gazebo and café. The extension of the roof is a visual display of the building's power plant, and whilst it may take precedence over optimum, waterfront views, it's essential to the building's sustainable design.
Nice if you\'re 19 and need somewhere to crash and feel eco-sanctimonious.
Not nice if have your own identity, achievements and a family - and would prefer to emerge out of the State\'s cocoon to have your own space, yard and architectural taste.
Lot\'s of people like living in apartments and many even prefer it over urban sprawl and miles of commuting. And as for that precious yard of yours I\'m betting it\'s either a dump or a neglected piece of lawn with a sad barbeque grill that is just sitting there.
Another example of a living building, to be built in Portland, Oregon, and addresses our proclivity to own our own home, can be seen at www.earthharmonyhabitats.org
Has anyone else seen anything this progressive during the Soviet era or is it just me?
It\'s just high-end metro,is all.
Wasn\'t Babylon\'s great 7 Ancient Wonder claim to fame the fabulous hanging gardens(where King Nebuchadnezzar later lost his mind,BTW)? Would that make all gardens Babylonian?
Sometimes over-extended comparisons can lead to strange conclusions....
People tend to clump together like sheep(like it or not)and I\'d rather see more creativity like this than all those Soviet blockhouses that didn\'t even have elevators and had to do without power at all kinds of weird hours after the government and economy fell apart.
Seriously, could this be any LESS Soviet?
Ok,now,how about we erase all these comments and start over with some new though fitting the artistic architecture featured in the article!
Personally, I hope this guy\'s not related to Paul Moller- Go for it and make it happen!
It sure does seem more plausible than a bunch of the crazy \"green\" yachts that come floating though Gizmag on a regular basis.... Peace, -g