TELUS, a major telecommunications company, unveiled plans for the Sky Tower in 2013, which is designed by BIG, in partnership with Canadian design firm DIALOG. The entry levels of the structure will house dining and retail spaces, with 26 floors of large open office spaces above that. The tower then twists into a narrower footprint—comprising what BIG refers to as a “feminine form”—to house 326 residential rental units.
The textured glass facade of the Sky Tower features triple pane windows to reduce noise, solar gain and energy bills. But perhaps the most intriguing sustainable aspect of the building is its heating system; TELUS will capture waste heat from its data centers to both heat the building and provide hot water. This will provide substantial energy savings—according to TELUS’ website, Sky will use approximately 30 percent less energy than other office environments.
Moreover, TELUS continues, “with the additional use of recaptured heat from existing TELUS buildings, the total system results in an overall 80% reduction in grid energy demand for heating and cooling. In all, TELUS Sky will reduce CO2 emissions by over 395,000 kgs annually, equivalent to planting 158,000 trees a year.”
Operable windows will allow residents and office workers to have control over their climate, and during chillier seasons a fresh air supply system will provide a more pleasant atmosphere than those found in many a recirculated-air office environment. Those living and working in the the downtown building will also be encouraged to adopt a greener lifestyle, with ample, secured bike parking, lockers and showers available.
The TELUS Sky Tower is located on 7th Avenue in downtown Calgary, and is slated for completion in 2017.
+ TELUS Sky Tower
+ BIG
Via Archinect
Images courtesy of BIG
