Somehow I just get the feeling these days that Europe is heading towards a green and sustainable future faster than the rest of the planet and it just is seemingly leaving the planet behind in a blaze of green progressiveness that is spreading to every corner of the continent with ease. Maybe it is just the fact that Europe is a lot more blessed than the other continents in regards to both economic stability and ecological awareness. We all know that Germany is the world solar energy capital quite literally and even small places like Rimini and Tallinn are riding on the green wave. Now the already eco-active UK takes a stride forward in the same direction.
London-based Sheppard Robson architecture firm is bringing a new green office building to the shore of the River Thames at One Westminster Place in Southbank. With sustainability driving the design, the structure’s eye catching glass facade will reflect sunlight in a rainbow of colors creating a crystal like effect. The layers of glazing will also give occupants great views of the surrounding city, including Parliament Square and Westminster Bridge. Now that is just a wonderful addition to a structure that needs no new incentive to be filled up!
The building will be 345,000 square feet, 18 stories high and feature a central atrium that will open up the interior spaces to natural light. The glass features of the facade, as well as a 10,000 sq.ft. roof terrace, will optimize views of the historic setting. As the sun moves throughout the day, the reflections change with dramatic effects. It is like a giant prism in the sun and in this case it is the sun that moves around it giving it vibrant and vivacious look.
The layered glass facade helps control temperature by creating a buffer between the building’s exterior and the outside environment. The ’sandwiched’ air between glass layers is collected for energy. With excellent BREEAM rating, the British environmental standard for buildings, it is sure to fill up pretty fast.
Via: Inhabitat
