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UNStudio Center for Virtual Engineering (ZVE) Earns Gold Sustainability Certification
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Tafline Laylin
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Architecture,Clean Energy,Design,Energy,Environment,Innovations |
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An experiment in constructing offices to promote communication, experimentation and creativity, ZVE is comprised of a main curved structure with rows of horizontal windows that open to permit natural ventilation and then extends into a more traditional rectangular space. This alternative to the grid is not only ascetically-pleasing, but also allows for a remarkably low facade to volume ratio of just 32%. Bubble deck ceilings mitigate the need for structural columns, and the lintel-free ceilings allow natural light to penetrate deep into the building.
Taking their commitment to sustainability (and attainability) one step further, UN Studio used low-maintenance, separable and recyclable materials for ZVE’s skeleton, interior and facade construction. This combined with the building’s super efficient footprint and compact building volume, along with a variety of energy-saving fixtures, all culminate in an exciting and progressive design that has earned the recognition that it is receiving from DNGB today!
+ UN Studio
[1]
Today the German Sustainable Building Council (DNGB) will award UNStudio’s Center for Virtual Engineering (ZVE)
their gold certification for sustainable building at its official opening. Located on the Fraunhofer-Institut für Arbeitswirtschaft and Organization IAO campus in Stuttgart, the high-performance structure features a space-saving circular and rectangular design and operable bands of windows that together form a sawtooth facade.
[2]
Stuttgart’s Center for Virtual Engineering is now open.
[3]
Designed by UNStudio, the building is an experiment in boosting creativity and communication in offices through design
[4]
Bubble Deck ceilings mitigate the need for columns
[5]
Lintel-free ceilings permit natural light to permeate deep into the building
[6]
ZVE has a compact building volume and a low facade to volume ratio
[7]
By eschewing the traditional rectangular grid architecture, the design team has slashed the project’s footprint
[8]
The German Sustainable Building Council will award the project gold today at the official opening ceremony