The environmental footprint of this green-roofed Lotus Square Art Center in China is as low as its visual impact on the surrounding landscape. Starting with the goal of ecological design and low energy consumption, architecture firm Raynon Chui Design took inspiration from sea life to design a building that runs on renewable energy sources and looks good in the process.
The building is located at the North East corner of Hengqin Island in Zhuhai, China, within close proximity of the Shizimen Commercial District. Its undulating form is inspired by the outline of a fish and allows natural light to reach the interior and generates multiple sight-lines across different floors. Large skylights “funnel” additional natural light into the glass-encased space.
Related: A swirling green roof tops the gorgeous Nanyang Technical University in Singapore
New construction technologies and techniques were used throughout the structure and incorporate several sustainable mechanisms. Rainwater is collected on the roof surface and is used for irrigation of the surrounding landscape. Low-E glass capable of reflecting heat reduces the need for artificial lighting, while the insulation from the soil reduces the heat island effect and maintains stable indoor temperatures.
Via Archdaily
