Living Steel is sponsoring this the 2nd annual international steel design competition. Launched on World Architecture Day, Living Steel challenged architects from around the world to provide designs for responsible and innovative housing in one of three locations: Brazil, China and the United Kingdom. Over 1,100 submissions were received and now it is down to the top 18 (6 submissions per country). nArchitects came up with a truly innovative design to create an apartment building ("Living Steel Housing") in Wuhan, China that responds and integrates with the local sub-tropical climate and demographics.
Each submission is based on creativity, innovation, sustainability of building type and sustainability based on local climate...and based on what I have seen on nArchitects design, they have hit the nail on the head!
The design for the apartment building (total of 69 units) really focuses on and implements local environmental strategies. Wuhan's climate is characterized by a lot of humidity and a lot of rain, which is planned for and incorporated into the design. Here are a few design elements of nArchitect's submission:
- using steel permeable screens to naturally ventilate and keep spaces/units cool
- rainwater collection techniques
- passive heating and cooling
- natural lighting
- using steel SIPs for structural integrity
They have really put a lot of thought into creating a structure that lives and breathes in harmony with its surroundings! The contest winners will be announced later in September.
++Living Steel Short List Entry [nArchitects page]
Great project for steel sips,
www.southernsips.com
Posted by: Chris Kavala | August 24, 2007 at 06:29 AM