Coop Himmelb(l)au Unveils Energy Positive Office for Austria
Coop Himmelb(l)au will be awarded the Sustainability Award at this year’s MIPIM Architectural Review Future Projects Awards for their design of the Town Town Office Tower in Erdberg, Austria. This spikey, stacked, crystalline building certainly creates an interesting composition, but it’s Coop Himmelb(l)au’s implementation of an ultra-efficient building system that caught our eye above all else. Upon completion the building is expected to generate more energy than it consumes, reducing carbon emissions by as much as 1,100,000 kg each year.
Through analysis of wind flow and sun trajectory, the overall shape of the building was formed in order to achieve the most efficient geometry for its energy generating façade. The building produces electric energy in two ways: with a large wind turbine atop the tower, and through a photovoltaic laminated façade that maximizes energy generation from the sun throughout the day.
Tilted panels allow natural light to flow throughout the interior, and all office spaces can be naturally ventilated through operable windows. The façade elements will remain flexible so that they can accommodate more energy-efficient technology as it is developed. As it stands, the building is anticipated to generate more energy that it will consume, and the surplus energy will be sold back to the grid.
In addition to office space, Town Town will feature event spaces, conference rooms, a sky lobby with roof terraces, and a sky lounge with a gallery offering panoramic view of the Danube.
Source: Inhabitat Architecture
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