The Botanic Center apartment block in Brussels, named after the nearby botanical gardens, is plant-centric in name only, but that could all change if a proposal from Vincent Callebaut, a Belgian proponent of sustainable architecture, moves forward.
According to NewAtlas.com, Callebaut’s concept, called the Botanic Center Bloom, would leave the original 1970s-era concrete structure in place, but calls for the installation of 274 planter beds into the existing façade. These beds would then be filled with around 10,000 plants, all specially chosen by botanists.
These plants would be drip-fed and require maintenance about twice a year. Additionally, the windows and other fittings would need to be upgraded. These changes would likely result in about 50 tons of CO2 being captured every year and increased thermal performance for the building as a whole.
The addition of the plants would offer a significant change to the current building, but another large change would be even more eye-catching. A new structure, dubbed the Chrysalis, would be built from timber and steel on top of the building to serve as retail, residential, commercial, or mixed-use space.
On top of the Chrysalis are a large solar panel array and 42 wind turbines that will produce an estimated 128,340 KWh/year. The project is currently in the design phase with no information as to its likelihood of progressing.
Rendering courtesy of Vincent Callebaut Architectures
Rendering courtesy of Vincent Callebaut Architectures
Rendering courtesy of Vincent Callebaut Architectures
Rendering courtesy of Vincent Callebaut Architectures
Related Stories
Green | Jun 16, 2017
Could this become London’s greenest building?
Curl la Tourelle Head Architecture wants to create a school powered by the River Thames.
Green | Jun 15, 2017
45-meter spiraling tower lets you walk above the trees
A 600-meter treetop path culminates with a 45-meter-tall spiraling observation deck.
Wood | Jun 13, 2017
The first timber high-rise in the U.S. set for construction in Portland
The building’s design, building materials, and commercial tenants are all focused on the key aspect of sustainability.
Building Team Awards | Jun 13, 2017
Secluded sanctuary: Alnoba leadership training center
Leadership training center becomes New England’s first Passive House building.
Wood | Jun 6, 2017
Shigeru Ban-designed residential structure poised to become world’s tallest hybrid timber building
The wood, concrete, and glass building will rise approximately 233 feet when finished.
| May 30, 2017
Accelerate Live! talk: Health-generating buildings, Marcene Kinney, Angela Mazzi, GBBN Architects
Architects Marcene Kinney and Angela Mazzi share design hacks pinpointing specific aspects of the built environment that affect behavior, well-being, and performance.
Multifamily Housing | May 22, 2017
Zaha Hadid Architects residential development takes a page from a classic Bradbury tale
The buildings are on an elevated platform and the surrounding walkways are suspended so as not to disturb the surrounding ecosystems.
Sustainability | May 16, 2017
1.5 million recycled plastic bottles were used to build this nine-story structure in Taipei
The building is made of Polli-Brick, a building material that comes from 100% recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate Polymer.
Green | May 2, 2017
Green buildings don't have to cost more
What impact does sustainable design have on owners with a finite construction budget or developers who won’t own the building after construction?
Sustainability | Apr 20, 2017
The American Institute of Architects select the 2017 COTE Top Ten Awards
In its 21st year, the Top Ten Awards highlight projects that exemplify the integration of great design and great performance.
