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Crystal GardensMelbourne's CBD is set to have a new high-rise, residential tower accented with <a href="http://inhabitat.com/solar-powered-crystalline-towers-unveiled-for-abu-dhabi/">crystalline</a> balconies and punctuated with gardens. Designed as a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/skyburbs-bringing-the-burbs-to-the-city/">vertical street</a>, residents of the tower will be able to enjoy a community garden on every sixth floor, which may be more park space than most urban areas get. Crystal Gardens, designed by <a href="http://www.ckdesignworks.com/" target="_blank">CK Designworks</a>, will also feature energy efficient design, rainwater collection and heat reflective glass - all part of an overall sustainability strategy.1
Crystal GardensThe 35 story tower is located on a small (360 sq meter) corner lot in downtown Melbourne and will include ground floor retail, three floors of offices and 154 apartments.2
Crystal GardensDensity is balanced in this development with four community gardens (one on every sixth floor) facing north, east, south and west so as to be enjoyable in every season.3
Crystal GardensAs the corner location is very prominent, the architects are also exploring solar-powered lighting to make the tower a landmark by lighting up the tower in the early evening.4
Crystal GardensClad in heat reflective glass, Crystal Gardens will minimize solar heat gain, but still enjoy ample daylighting.5
Crystal GardensEach apartment enjoys a faceted balcony, which will give the building the appearance of a sparkling crystal draped in greenery.6
Crystal GardensRainwater will be collected from the facades and used for to water the gardens and flush toilets.7
Crystal GardensThen to minimize energy usage, the building will feature energy efficient lighting, appliances, and innovative heating, cooling and hot water supply plants located in each garden area.8
Crystal GardensA space will be cut away from each facade to create the gardens, which will feature 10 meter high trees when fully grown.9
Crystal GardensThe total garden area will be more than double the footprint of the entire building.10
