Eco-housing Development in Nanjing, China

Designed by BDP,  Eco-housing Development is located in Nanjing, China. The external expression of the building has significant elements that are integral to the green design philosophy. Apartments have full height louvered triple glazing on the balconies to the south east elevation. These balconies offer a changeable and dynamic representation of the passive design philosophy, allowing free flowing... 

Tags: Appropriate technology, Architecture, Balcony, Building engineering, China, Construction, Engineering, Environment, Heating ventilating and air conditioning, Louver, Nanjing, Natural ventilation, Rainwater harvesting, sustainable building, Windows

The Bertschi School, Living Science Building in Capitol Hill, United States

The Bertschi School, Living Science Building designed by KMD Architects is located in Capitol Hill, United States.  The building collects rainwater and distributes it through an exposed river and a series of pipes in the classroom for educational purposes. The water is collected in separate potable and irrigation cisterns. From there, it can be treated through filters and ultraviolet light to potable... 

Tags: Appropriate technology, Bertschi School, composting, Drinking water, Environment, Environmental engineering, food, Greywater, Irrigation, Living Science Building, Rain garden, Stormwater, Sustainability, Toilet, United States, Water, Water pollution

5** Spa Hotel in Andalusia, Spain

Located in Andalusia, Spain, 5** Spa Hotel was designed by Amin Taha. Through a competitive interview process of an international shortlist of architects that included Thomas Heatherwick and David Adjaye, Amin Taha were selected to conduct a masterplan for this Residential Hotel Resort. The brief called for a 5** Spa hotel and 200 homes that together would create an all year round retreat community. The... 

Tags: 5** Spa Hotel, Amin Taha, Andalusia, Appropriate technology, Architecture, Construction, David Adjaye, Engineering, Heating ventilating and air conditioning, Low-energy building, Rainwater tank, Solar chimney, Spa hotel, Spain, steep site, Sustainability, sustainable building, Thomas Heatherwick

Molly’s Cabin in Pointe Au Baril, Canada

Molly’s Cabin designed by AGATHOM Co, is located in Pointe Au Baril, Canada.  Eight miles from the nearest marina, on a 2.8 acre island is a private seasonal retreat. The aim of the project was to balance comfort with the bare necessities so that its inhabitants live lightly on the land and fully engage in their surroundings. The 1000 sq ft cabin consists of a bedroom, a living room with a library... 

Tags: AGATHOM Co, Aircraft cabin, Appropriate technology, Architecture, Cabin, Canada, composting, Composting toilet, Fireplaces, Pointe Au Baril, Rooms, Rumford fireplace, Sustainability, sustainable building, Technology, Toilets

Yannell Residence in Chicago, United States

Located in Chicago, United States,Yannell Residence was designed by Farr Associates. As Chicago’s first Net Zero Energy building – producing 40% more energy than it consumes – it demonstrates that beautiful, sustainable, energy-positive housing can be integrated seamlessly into existing housing stock in northern climates. The floor plan features two narrow wings, maximizing solar penetration... 

Tags: America, Appropriate technology, Building engineering, Chicago, Cistern, Construction, DIY culture, energy, Energy conservation, energy systems, energy transmission, energy-positive housing, Environment, Environmental Issues, Farr Associates, Flush toilet, Greywater, greywater/ rainwater systems, Irrigation, mechanical energy usage, National Wildlife Federation, Net Zero Energy building, Passive solar building design, Sustainability, sustainable building, sustainable design, United States, Water, Water conservation