one of the challenges of sustainable architecture Definitely energy efficient. The use of insulation, reflective roofs and similar solutions is usually used. One of the most important factors is the orientation of the building, the coveted south orientation. This maximizes the amount of solar radiation received. But what if, without a fixed direction, buildings could rotate around themselves, following the arc of the sun, like sunflowers? I am accustomed to seeing golden tapestries of sunflowers. If you’re lucky, you’ll soon see interesting buildings that mimic these plants both in appearance and function. At the request of Bloomberg Green, it was the vision of Japanese architect Koichi Takada who came up with an eco-friendly design for the area.
Takada’s new building is designed to blend in with its surroundings. Naturally, they follow the following discipline: biomimetics or biomimetics, discussed well on this page. Central to the design is a circular, rotating roof made up of a series of petal-shaped solar panels. An integrated light sensor allows the structure to move autonomously in search of maximum solar radiation. It is estimated that with this system, the Sunflower House will generate 40% more energy than conventional fixed solar panels. Excess energy from buildings is stored in battery systems or diverted to the grid.
But sunflowers are not the only source of inspiration. Architects point out that man-made structures often require very wide bases, in contrast to sunflowers, which require only thin stems to support large diameter flowers. , has been factored into the final design, which calls for minimal interference with the terrain in a manner that preserves the biodiversity of the environment.
The Himawari House is a modular design that allows you to work on two or three floors. This variable height system means that houses can be built with different numbers of floors so that the buildings do not shadow each other.
A cooler, more water efficient home
In addition to the energy aspect already mentioned, Takada’s house was designed to maintain a cool interior. The cantilevered petal design therefore casts a shadow on the room below. At the same time, an additional rotating system allows covering glazed facades. Each floor also forms a circular structure separate from the floor above and below, allowing air to flow freely between them.
Finally, the circular sloping roof collects rainwater as well as sunlight. A system of gutters collects rainfall and directs it to a water tank at the bottom of the building.
Perhaps the best description of this concept is the designer’s own words. If you want to learn more about buildings inspired by nature or based on biomaterials, I recommend this article on living architecture or baubotaniks, or this article on the use of fungi in construction or mycotecture. case also sustainable architecture.
sauce: Aa architecture
image: Koichi Takada Architectural Design Office
