Innovative Swallows Nest cultural center in Taiwan aims for zero carbon emission

Editor's note: This is a sponsored article. All text and images were provided by the sponsor company.

The Swallows Nest cultural center in Taichung, Taiwan employs bioclimatic architectural elements and complex geometry with a goal of being a zero carbon emission structure. Designed by Vincent Callebaut, the eight-story building is twisted into the shape of a three-dimensional Möbius’ ring that is lifted off the ground on three super strong pillars.

Building-integrated photovoltaic panels generate energy, while low-E glass windows bring in natural light and provide thermal massing. Three vertical gardens climb up the pillars in the vegetated entrance area. The pillars are separated by slabs with glass-covered joints that allow visitors to see the cores from the ground floor to the roof, which supports a solar array.

(http://inhabitat.com/glittering-zero-carbon-swallows-nest-cultural-center-twists-off-the-ground-for-low-visual-impact/)