In Peter’s eyes, architecture should be the combination of protecting the environment while effecting change. This is something I totally believe in and aspire to achieve in my work.
The “VanDusen Botanical Garden Visitor Centre” (pictured right) was opened in 2011. It demonstrates cutting-edge design that promotes energy, carbon efficiency sequestering, and minimal ecological impact.
The shape of the roof is based on the analogy of a native orchid leaf. The result is a green roof, which consists of an undulating series of gorgeous orchid petals that meet at an oculus, a central point that forms the skylight of the atrium. The petals also serve an incredibly important functional purpose, with one of them housing a solar hot water tube array and the other serving as a rainwater catch-basin.
The aim of the design is to achieve annual net-zero energy through an array of renewable and energy-efficient design features. The building itself includes solar hot water tubes, geothermal boreholes, and solar photovoltaics which all help to reduce energy use.
Natural ventilation coming from a solar chimney and large overhangs shade the building keeping it cool without the need for air-conditioning. A large cistern under the building collects and filters rainwater which is then used as greywater, the blackwater is then treated by a bioreactor and released.
I am keen to consider these types of features in my final design.
Comments