Flower inspires design for worlds most sustainable building

When complete the Wuhan Energy Flower, designed by Dutch company Grontmij in collaboration with Soeters Van Eldonk architects, will be the first building in the world to receive the BREEAM outstanding accreditation.
 
Construction of the building, a new research institute in new energy sources and sustainability, will begin in November. The Calla lily inspired the design.
 
The building will have zero carbon emissions and has zero energy ambitions. The main office building will be approximately 140 metres tall and will be surrounded by laboratories in the form of leaves.
 
It is designed so that it will be in its own shade in the hot Chinese summer. The roof of the flower consists mainly of solar panels for generating energy. Rainwater is collected in the bowl and used as water supply in the building.
 
The characteristic pistil consists of vertical wind turbines to generate wind energy while the edge of the bowl forms a sunroof designed for heating and cooling of the building.
 
It will use natural ventilation with the 120 meter central solar chimney is designed for natural air ventilation into the offices.
 
The building will become a major centre for research and development into new energy technologies as the public research platform of Wuhan University. It combines the concept of new energy application, advanced technology, with energy saving, low carbon, comfortable, intelligent, efficient, and unique artistic design, said a spokesman.
 
Wuhan, which has a population of over nine million, aims to become the most sustainable city development in China.
   
‘The Wuhan Energy Flower is a beautiful and inspirational design and one which signifies the zero carbon and zero energy ambitions of the building. Grontmij’s involvement in such a prestigious building in China is something to be proud of,’ said Gert Dral, Grontmij Group director of planning and design.
   
‘We took our inspiration from nature itself for this innovative building design. The collective influence of sun, wind and water are integrated into the design of the flower shaped building. Technical skill and creative imagination are perfectly combined in a sustainable way,’ said Jos van Eldonk, architect for the project.