6 Green Skyscrapers in New York City! (Part 2)

One World Trade Center

  

While One World Trade Center is not yet complete, the massive tower will be a green beacon on the New York City skyline. Designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merill, the 1,776-foot tall building will have a fuel cell that will generate 4.8 million watts (MW) to power its various systems and will also use waste steam for electricity. Rain water will be harvested to be used in the high-efficiency cooling towers and to water the extensive greenery on the site. Water will also be the key to keeping WTC employees cool. A highly efficient Central Chiller Plant will siphon water from the nearby Hudson River, converting it to cool air for the entire site. Daylighting plays a huge role in One WTC, and sensors will automatically adjust interior lights depending on the sunlight. Even the construction process is green, with “clean diesel” construction vehicles and recycled building materials.

The New York Times Building

The New York Times Building, though not LEED certified, is a sustainable and energy-efficient building incorporating a slew of green technologies that provide energy savings of 30 percent. Designed by Renzo Piano and FXFOWLE, the tower has a curtain wall, fully glazed with low-e glass, that maximizes natural light while a ceramic-rod screen helps block direct sunlight and reduce cooling loads. Sensor-controlled shades reduce glare, and more than 18,000 individually-dimmable energy-efficient light fixtures supplement the daylight. Forty percent of the building’s energy comes from a natural gas cogeneration plant, and multiple air flow features help the structure require less cooling. To top it off, more than 95 percent of the structural steel is recycled.

Condé Nast Building

Located at 4 Times Square, the Condé Nast Building, like the New York Times Building, is not LEED certified, but is most definitely a green tower. Completed by Fox & Fowle Architects (the firm now known as FXFOWLE) in 1999, the Condé Nast Building uses eco-friendly gas-fired absorption chillers that are coupled with a high-performing insulating and shading curtain wall, negating the need for heating or cooling during most of the year. An air delivery system provides twice as must clean air as required by the city building code, solar power and fuel cells provide clean energy, and recycling chutes serve the entire building.

6 Green Skyscrapers in New York City! (Part 1)

From passive house brownstones to LEED-seeking public libraries, New York City is full of green buildings. As private residences or nondescript offices, most of our city's sustainable buildings go unnoticed by tourists and New Yorkers alike, but that doesn't mean our skyline is devoid of green. In fact, our cityscape is dotted with more eco skyscrapers than you probably realize. The Empire State Building, the New York Times Building, and the in-progress One World Trade Center are just a few of the sustainably-built Big Apple towers.

Bank of America Building (One Bryant Park)

The most sustainable skyscraper in New York City, the Bank of America Tower at One Bryant Park is LEED Platinum certified, and it was the first tower in the world designed to achieve that rating. Designed by Cook+Fox Architects and built by Tishman Construction Corporation, the building features a long list of sustainable and energy-efficient elements. Quite uncommon for a tower of its size, the building, completed in 2009, employs a system for rainwater catchement and reuse, greywater recycling, energy efficient building systems, and high performance glass which maximizes day-lighting and minimizes solar heat gain and loss. But it’s most innovative feature is the state-of-the-art, onsite 4.6-megawatt cogeneration plant that provides clean energy for the building, significantly reducing it’s dependance on the NYC grid.

Empire State Building

Just last fall, New York City’s most iconic building received LEED Gold certification. After undergoing a massive $100 million green upgrade (part of a larger $550 million renovation), the Empire State Building is now one of the Big Apple’s greenest buildings. The retrofit included replacing the 80-year-old building’s windows with double hung operable windows and installing an energy efficient heating and cooling system, which will help cut the building’s energy consumption by more than 38 percent and should save $4.4 million in energy costs. On top of this, eco practices, like green cleaning and recycling programs, have been implemented throughout the building.

Hearst Building

Having received its LEED Gold certification upon completion in 2006, the Hearst Tower was New York City’s very first green skyscraper. Designed and built by Foster + Partners, the striking 46-story blue tower sits atop the original stone base that was finished in 1926. During construction, nearly 85 percent of the materials removed from the building were recycled for future use, and the tower uses 26 percent less energy than a traditionally designed building. A rainwater collection system on the roof annually diverts 1.7 million gallons of water from becoming runoff waste, and the lighting is controlled by sensors, automatically adjusting to the amount of daylight. A whopping 90 percent of the structural steel used in the tower is recycled, and the diagonal-grid structural design improves efficiency.

Canada’s Vertigo-Inducing Capilano Suspension Bridge Is Not for the Faint of Heart

Since it was first constructed from hemp ropes and cedar planks in 1889, the Capilano Suspension Bridge has been giving pedestrians crossing the Capilano River in Vancouver, Canada a reason to hold their breath and say a prayer. In its over 200 years of operation, the bridge, which measures 446 ft long and sits 230 ft above the river, has not only enthralled millions of visitors as they cross the icy waters below, but has also garnered its fair share of macabre stories - read on to learn more about this legendary bridge.

The bridge was originally constructed in 1889 by George Grant Mackay, a Scottish civil engineer and park commissioner for Vancouver. Initially a wood construction, in 1903 the bridge was replaced with a wire cable bridge, then being completely rebuilt in 1956. During the mid-20th century, local natives were invited to place their totem poles in the park, and the totems remain an integral part of the park today. But it wasn’t until 1983 that the bridge was really met with some serious foot traffic. After changing ownership once again, the Capilano and the local forest were transformed into an eco-theme park called ‘Treetop Adventures‘.

Treetops Adventure was and still remains the first venue of its kind in North America, carefully preserving the land while bringing visitors closer to natutre. The new attraction consists of seven footbridges suspended between old-growth Douglas Fir trees on the west side of the canyon, forming a walkway up to 98 ft above the forest floor. The park also features rain forest ecotours, award-winning gardens, nature trails, North America’s largest private collection of First Nations totem poles, period decor and costumes, and exhibits highlighting the park’s history and surrounding forest. It is estimated that over 800,000 visitors come to experience the bridge annually, making it one to the top attractions in all of Canada.

With over two centuries of history under its belt, the bridge is not without strange stories. In 1999, a woman dropped her 18-month-old, disabled child off the bridge, claiming that she stumbled accidentally and the child slipped from her grasp. The child was not seriously injured, but was taken from the mother’s custody by officials. Another strange incident occurred in 2010 when a teenage tourist on a class trip from California climbed over a railing and fell nearly 100 feet from a fenced off viewing platform near the bridge. Unfortunately he did not survive, and official RCMP findings reported that the teen was on LSD at the time.

The bridge is open year round, and is sure to provide for great memories — that is if you can handle the vertigo.

Futuristic Tornado-Proof Home Sinks Into the Ground at the First Sign of a Twister

Had Dorothy lived in a home like this, she would have never met the Lion, the Tinman or the Scarecrow, but at least her house wouldn't have blown away and landed on a witch. Since it's unlikely we'll be able to completely avoid the dangers of tornados, our only remedy is to build in such a way as to reduce our risk from the damage of being in harm's way. Hong Kong-based 10 Design is working on a proposal for a tornado-proof house that easily belongs in the realm of a Star Trek movie. With the help of hydraulics, a high performance shell and solar power, the tornado-proof house retracts down into the ground at the first warning of an impending twister.

10 Design is basing their hopes on kinetic architecture and technological innovations to turn this futuristic dream into a reality. The tornado-proof house coalesces by taking inspiration from a large underground cavern, a flower emerging from the ground and a turtle with a survival mentality. A pod-like cylindrical living space cantilevers off a hydraulic tower foundation that emerges from underground. Down in the cavern, other domestic support areas, utilities and storage remain buried, while the home itself enjoys the open air, views, breezes and daylight.

Solar cells on the exterior rotate and flex to maximize solar power generation, while the skin itself is composed of a translucent insulation sandwiched between two layers of Kevlar. This high performance exterior provides maximum insulation, a weather tight barrier, super strong protection and a translucent skin to let light diffuse in. 10 Design is also exploring photocatalytic coatings and carbon nanotubes on the skin to absorb toxins, pollutants and CO2, which in turn would be used to power the hydraulics.

Sensors in the area and on the house monitor weather conditions constantly in preparation for inclimate weather. At the first sign of severe storms, or potential tornado conditions, the home’s exterior collapses and the home retracts down into the ground. A tornado may pass over without casing any damage and water and rain are simply repelled off the house and drained away. 10 Design has a grand vision of entire communities built with these homes, which are interwoven with sensor networks to monitor weather data. The company is currently working on a prototype in collaboration with group of ship builders in the US and Africa.

A Floating Island Paradise at Sea

Yacht Island recently unveiled plans for a floating eco-paradise capable of charting the seven seas. Dubbed Project Utopia, the vessel was designed in conjunction with BMT Nigel Gee, to serve as an off-grid destination spot. The sturdy structure hosts a miniature floating city complete with retail shops, restaurants and hotels.

Project Utopia is similar in size to a commercial cruise liner and is big enough to host a small population. The “island” is circular in shape, measures 330 feet in diameter, and spans 11 decks of living space. The top decks are covered with a glass canopy, which allows sunlight to filter into the interior. The glass canopy can also be opened when the weather permits, providing fresh air to the top floors. When open, the top floor acts as an outdoor pool deck , complete with central swimming area.

The vessel remains stable in choppy waters, thanks to four platform legs that anchor it into place, even during extreme conditions. Each leg has a propeller that allows the island to move at slow speeds in a steady manner.

Four helicopter pads provide access to the island via air, and wet docks house boats and jet skis for recreational use. The interior hosts a retail area, a theater, a restaurant area, bars, nightclubs and a casino. An observation deck perched in the crow’s nest area offers guests a 360 degree view at 65 meters above the sea.

Although still in the concept phase, the British company is moving forward, offering several luxury yacht island design concepts.

Modern Architecture

Modern architecture is a style of a building, it is popularly around 1900.It style emphasize of simple form,fungtional and minimalize of ornament.

Modern Architecture was being identified as an international style by 1940.Many historians relate the origins of this style of architecture to the social and political revolution of the time,technological and engineering development drive though other see modern architecture as primarily.

Many new material available in market place such as steel, pre concrete, glass, aluminium brought about new building techniques as part of the industrial revolution.

The most commonly used materials of modern architecture are glass for the facade, steel for exterior support, and concrete for main building construction this way is most used for high rise building. But, many people are not agree of the modern style indeed oppose it. They find its stark, uncompromisingly rectangular geometrical designs quite inhumane. They think this universal style is sterile, elitist, and lacks meaning.

Minimalism style is divvy from modern style, minimalism is a style of a building which it break of ornaments, this style is not compatible for tropical climate, because much sunlight is falling to wall directly

Modern architecture had challenged traditional style about the types of structure and design architecture

Only important civil buildings, aristocratic palaces, churches, and public institutions had long been the mainstay of architectural practices. But, modernist designers argued that architects should design everything that was necessary for society, even the most humble buildings.

Architects began to plan a house, factories, offices, commercial building till high rise building.it’s too produced furniture, and wallpaper to designing house in the first half of the 20th century to create a totally designed domestic environment.

The origin of modern architecture it’s in Europe and United States, now this style was spread including asia,like Indonesia, japan, Singapore,south korea and across the world.

Modern materials,technology,stylistic movements are characteristic feature to make modern architecture possible were building.

Glittering Louvered Ad Astra Skyscraper is Topped With a Pyramid Heliport

Atkins Architecture has proposed a gorgeous new mixed-use tower overlooking the Black Sea on Georgia’s coast for clients Sustainable Growth Investments. Called the Ad Astra Building, the glass and steel structure will glitter on the Batumi skyline. The skyscraper’s louvered facade reduces solar gain by 40%, and its top supports a heliport for the company helicopter.

The 45 story tower was inspired by traditional Georgian stone towers that dot the lush hills of the region. A diagonally gridded steel exoskeleton will support the interior glass tower, bearing vertical loads while creating a stunning myriad of glass. The tower will be crowned with a translucent pyramid that accentuates the triangular pattern of the outside. Beneath the exterior triangles is a system of louvers, which creates shade and privacy throughout the entire building. The louvers also help prevent solar gain, keeping the inside cool. Coupled with glazing, the louvers and the building’s exoskeleton reduce solar gain by 40%.

The pyramid atop the tower does not just create a visual peak – it also opens to reveal the building’s heliport. The triangular sides are lowered, and the square base acts as the landing pad. The Ad Astra Tower will be home to a 5 star hotel, offices, retail space, luxurious penthouse apartments, an events hall, a champagne lounge, and a sky restaurant below the helioport.

The tower will be a symbol of the new developments in the Georgian city of Batumi. Its glistening top will be viewable from points all over the city, as well as from the Greater Caucasus Mountains nearby.

6 Awesome Caves to Call Home

Cavemen may have had it right all along - with a few modern amenities, cave dwellings are not only exotic places to call home, but also extremely energy-efficient. Their natural walls regulate temperatures all year-round, and many caves have natural fresh water sources flowing through them. Check out some of our favorite modern cave abodes across the globe - some are even available to rent by the night for your own cave adventure!

CHULO CANYON CAVE HOUSE

The Chulo Canyon Cave House is a retreat in the Mule Mountains outside of Bisbee, Arizona. Set on 37 acres of mountainous terrain, the 3,000 square foot home is accessible through a sun room, which leads to the underground dwelling. A high end kitchen, Morrocan dining area with chandelier, living room, yoga space and 3 bedrooms keep naturally cool thanks to the cave walls. Several natural pools, a guest house and vegetable garden also flank the property.

MISSOURI CAVE LAND

Once a concert venue, the owners of this home in Festus, Missouri first bought the cave property on Ebay. The massive 17,000 square foot home is divided into three chambers. The front portion houses the living areas and three bedrooms, the middle houses utilities, laundry, and a large party room and the back still has the historic stage where MC5, Ted Nugent and Tina Turner once played! Three freshwater springs and fourteen waterfalls are also located on the magical property.

SALA SILVERMINE

If caves bored into the side of mountains aren’t wild enough for you, you and a guest can sleep 500 feet below ground in Sweden’s historic Sala Silvermine suite. The mine itself was a leading producer of silver during the 16th century all the way to the 20th century when it closed. A network of beautiful underground halls offer unique dining, small concerts, and can be rented for weddings or private parties, which can be arranged around an underground lake.

CAVE PALACE RANCH

Cave Palace Ranch in Utah is built into the side of a natural red rock cave, on 110 acres of land. Four interior alcoves have been beautifully transformed into a master bedroom with deck, living room, dining area, two bedrooms and a sleeping loft. The entire home is impressively powered off the grid thanks to a system of solar panels. The window front façade floods the interior with light, while fresh waters is sourced from an underground well.

BECKHAM CREEK CAVE LODGE

The Beckham Creek Cave Lodge in Arkansas is a rental property dedicated toward the preservation of natural beauty. The glass front fills the interior with light while connecting the living walls inside to the nature outside. Each private and common room boast the cave’s natural ambience, and the grounds provide adventure in the beautiful Ozark countryside.

IRAN’S CAVE HOMES

Originally built over 700 years ago, the cave homes near Mount Sahand in Iran were carved in the side of the volcanic rock mountains. Now a popular area for hotels and resorts, the cave rooms keep cool during the day thanks to the natural insulation and deflection of solar gain. The interiors are decked with traditional and historical textiles, rugs and pillows for modern comfort.