While many cities around the United States and around the world are beginning to impose rules and regulations for newly constructed buildings in terms of incorporating solar power systems and panels on the roof, a proposed building in Melbourne is taking things a step further. Sol Invictus Tower, a proposed 60-story, 520-unit residential skyscraper would include solar cells in its façade and store the captured energy in Tesla-like batteries, The Sydney Morning Herald reports.
Compared to putting solar panels on the roof alone, integrating them into the façade would increase the surface area capable of harnessing the sun’s energy by an enormous amount. The ultimate goal is to allow the building to be completely off the grid in terms of electricity; a bit of an ambitious goal, even according to the designers themselves, but one they are pursuing nonetheless.
The high-rise has been designed with a curved exterior meant to capture the sun’s movement from east to west throughout the day. The resulting design is one that is functional, but elegant in terms of aesthetics, as well.
In an effort to get the building to be as self-sufficient as possible in terms of its energy requirements, solar materials are being sourced from China, wind turbines will be fitted on the roof, double-glazed glass will be used, and low-energy LED lighting will be included throughout.
Overall, the façade is expected to include around 3000 sm of solar panels with an additional 300 sm of panels added to the roof. Currently, the design for Sol Invictus Tower would provide more than 50 percent of the tower’s base load power, but technological advances over the next two years, before construction beings, are expected to increase that percentage.
The apartment building will offer a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments in addition to public and private amenities such as a childcare center and a medical center.
ICR Property Group is the developer for the project.
Related Stories
High-rise Construction | Jun 23, 2015
The world's best new skyscrapers for 2015
One World Trade Center and Abu Dhabi's Burj Mohammed Bin Rashid Tower are among the four towers named Best Tall Buildings by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.
Office Buildings | Jun 17, 2015
Daniel Libeskind unveils 'talking towers' design for Rome development
The scheme will drastically change the Eternal City’s skyline: three angular towers that look like they’re “in conversation with one another.”
High-rise Construction | Jun 15, 2015
Cornell Tech breaks ground on world's first Passive House residential high-rise
To achieve Passive House standards, Cornell Tech Residential will incorporate a number of sustainability-focused design elements. The façade, constructed of a prefabricated metal panel system, acts as a thermally insulated blanket wrapping the building structure.
High-rise Construction | Jun 15, 2015
‘Stacked box’ skyscraper proposed for Vancouver
The scheme by German architect Ole Scheeren involves 48 stories with multiple volumes of rectangles protruding out of several floors toward different directions of the city.
Office Buildings | Jun 9, 2015
Bjarke Ingels unveils stepped design for final WTC tower
The towering "staircase" will rise from St. Paul’s chapel to the skyline, leaning against One World Trade Center.
Office Buildings | Jun 9, 2015
Hines planning $300 million office tower for Denver skyline
Designed by Pickard Chilton, the 640,000-sf tower is geared for large-scale tenants, with features like floor-to-ceiling glass, a 5,000-sf fitness center, a tenant lounge, and a series of outdoor terraces.
High-rise Construction | Jun 5, 2015
Japanese policymakers discuss mandate for toilets in elevators
This quirky-sounding building code is a safety measure for the earthquake-prone nation.
Wood | Jun 2, 2015
Michael Green Architecture designs world's tallest wood building for Paris competition
“Just as Gustave Eiffel shattered our conception of what was possible a century and a half ago, this project can push the envelope of wood innovation with France in the forefront," said architect Michael Green of the project.
High-rise Construction | May 6, 2015
Two new designs submitted for New York City Riverside Center
Both designs reference the cantilevers and other elements featured in architect Christian de Portzamparc’s original masterplan for the complex, which has now been scrapped.
High-rise Construction | May 6, 2015
Parks in the sky? Subterranean bike paths? Meet the livable city, designed in 3D
Today’s great cities must be resilient—and open—to many things, including the influx of humanity, writes Gensler co-CEO Andy Cohen.
