THE POWER OF ONE

When the greenhouse effect was discovered in the 1800s, it had no negative connotations. Two hundred years later and the case is very different. Much time, effort and money is being dedicated to finding ways in which to mitigate the adverse results of a greatly increased greenhouse effect.

Architectural firm studio 505 has collaborated with Umow Lai and developer Grocon in developing Australia's first carbon neutral building Pixel.

In 2008 Grocon approached studio 505 and Umow Lai with the plan to build a carbon-zero building that would act as a project office during the $1 billion urban renewal redevelopment of the Carlton Brewery site.

Carbon zero is a term that refers to a building's ability to offset the carbon generated over the life cycle of the building.

During the design process, an investigation was carried out into the building's capacity to be carbon neutral able to offset not only its own carbon emissions, but also those of the materials used in its construction over the course of its lifetime.

Integrated systems include a vacuum toilet system, green roof, wind turbines, tracking and fixed solar panels and anaerobic digestion of black waste.

Pixel also features passive cooling systems. On cool nights the windows will open automatically, enabling the warmer air inside the building to be purged.

The distinctive looking sunshade system on the exterior allows for the maximum amount of daylight into the office space, while protecting it from glare and solar gain.

Through rainwater collection and water recycling systems, Pixel has the ability to be disconnected from the mains supply, making it completely self-sufficient for water supply under ideal conditions.

Story by: Trendsideas