Solus4 Designs a Sustainable Vertical Neighborhood for New York City

by , 06/22/11
filed under: Architecture

The building is made up of 50 full-floor apartments, each approximately 3,000 sq. ft., and all serviced by a high speed elevator system. The main floors of the building include various restaurants, supermarkets, cafes, and recreation centers like a gym, swimming pool, and even a museum.

The entire structural system is designed by LeMessurier Consultants, using specially positioned flat concrete slabs supported by columns and shear walls. The exterior of the building uses a hybrid doubled glazed skin, making the building one of the tallest to do so.

In terms of energy sustainability, the building incorporates photovoltaic panels extending from the concrete frame, which will provide a large portion of the building’s power demands, and could even generate a surplus. According to the architects, this may even serve as additional income for the residents, although there is no mention on how that would specifically work. Mini wind turbines will also generate energy using the vertical air movement within the building.

Similar to the Seward Park Co-op, the building also includes an electric car sharing program for its residents. Solus4 has decided to exclude parking facilities in exchange for this program, in order to promote alternative forms of transportation and the electric car in general. Which vehicles, or how many will be used in the building, has yet to be determined.

If realized, the ‘Vertical Neighborhood‘ would be an interesting addition to the city skyline. The concept is certainly refreshing, and its focus on promoting sustainability principles is exciting. Although the building will most likely be geared towards a more affluent resident, the building’s sustainable concepts and design can no doubt serve as a platform for other NYC buildings.


Via World Architecture News

Images © Solus4


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  2. lazyreader June 22, 2011 at 1:19 pm