Environmentally Energetic Solar Power Glass Facade

In recent years, several techniques for capture and use of solar energy have been developed. This technology is being bettered by the day, along with a growing awareness of the benefits of the use of solar energy.

Glass in architecture is one of the major driving forces of this change in the attitude towards the harnessing and use of solar energy. The latest development is the creation of a system called Integrated Concentrating (IC) Solar Facade System that tracks and utilizes solar energy from glass façades for generating electricity.

This advanced façade system was developed by the Center for Architecture Science and Ecology (CASE). The system is architecturally integrated into the facades and roof atria of buildings to provide optimum outside view and flood the interiors with daylight.

The system is made up of rows of pyramid-shaped glass receptors, which change their direction frequently to keep track of the sunlight. All the energy is stored in a small photovoltaic cell built in the center of each pyramid. The transparent design not only makes the system attractive, but also allows light to pass through the system more effectively for energy storage.

The IC Solar System facade produces electricity with a PV cell that captures much of the solar energy that is used for purposes such as heating water for domestic purposes, space heating (or, possibly, for distributed absorption refrigeration cooling) and reduction of solar heat gain by the building. The glass pyramid shape actually serves to magnify light and increase the natural lighting inside a building while decreasing the need for artificial light. The design and operation of the system permits direct partial views of the outside to the building's inhabitants.

Working Process:

The advanced feature is the miniaturized concentrator solar cell, which uses a lens with concentric grooves to focus collected light. Even though it is only the size of a postage stamp compared to the usual solar collector area that spans 4 x 4 feet, the cell is much more efficient in collecting and reusing solar energy. The lens focuses incoming sunlight onto the solar cell. Microchannels at the base of the module transfer energy in the form of heat and light to wires contained inside. Each vertical stack of lenses rolls and tilts like a track blind, keeping the surface of the lenses faced to incoming sunlight as the sun changes position in the sky throughout the day.

This modular design can also be attached to a range of existing building structures and also implemented into new designs. This system requires very less maintenance and is very useful for regions with hot climate.

Transparency with Glass in Architecture

Buildings that use glass on their facades allow for visibility from the inside and even the outside, depending on the nature of the glass used. What makes glass the material of choice for building exteriors is properties like transparency, allowing for maximum natural light flow, solar control and sheer elegance, among others.

1. Sipoo Upper Secondary School

Sipoo Upper Secondary School / IT College, designed by K2S Architects Ltd is located in the town of Sipoo, close to Helsinki, Finland. The L-shaped pavilion-like glass building forms the last corner of an existing school campus. The urban setting is dominated by two curved yards; a larger one towards the campus garden and a smaller court yard connected to the main road. The two curved transparent glass façades don't just open up the school towards the surrounding town, but also provide view from one classroom to another and strengthen the sense of community within the school.

The street side facade is broken up into smaller volumes to relate to the scale of the surrounding villas. A cast-on-site concrete stair topped by a large conical top light forms the focal point in the central lobby space. This space forms the heart of the building, both spatially and functionally. While performing the typical functions of entrance and staircase, it also acts as a space where students can meet up when not at class. A small mediatheaque and a café in the southern wing open up towards the central lobby. The class rooms are reduced in their material palette into industrial IT-workshops.

2. Shanghai, Exterior Office Building

Shanghai, Exterior Office Building in Atelier Deshaus is a three-story building encloses a green yard with a steel and glass framework. This building simply looks like a glass box. The first floor is elevated and only houses the reception and a restaurant. We took into consideration the views not only from the interior but also from the exterior. This building looks like a cube covered with a glass curtain wall. While clearly defining the private space in the interior, the transparent glass walls also create a visual communication to the landscapes inside and outside.

In this way, the ground floor spaces flow from the central garden to the exterior landscape and an uninterrupted view goes through the building. The inside volume is surfaced with a printed glass curtain wall. Glass with “broken ice” pattern is chosen for this building. It is adopted from a kind of traditional Chinese interior decoration. The patterns nicely represents that they keep the unity, even when putting the different pieces together.

3. Theatre Agora

Theatre Agora located at in the Dutch city of Lelystad Austria. This building is mostly glass and steel shaded by an outer façade of a glittering mesh more at the nights. The appearance is impacted by changes in light as well as by proximity and viewing angles. The muted pattern on the outer mesh is repetitive and meant to symbolize the sonority repetition brings to music.

4. Sport Architecture building Siauliai arena

Sport Architecture Building is glazed with luxury glass which imparts to the building a design sophisticated look. The architects wished for it to appear as a chameleon; therefore choosing holographic glass for the facade. The facade shades change with changing lighting: in bright sunlight it looks like a vivid playful rainbow, whereas cloudy or rainy settings give it a calm and solid view.

Glass on Building Exteriors

The architecture of a building is often determined by the need and purpose for which construction is undertaken, and the requirements of those who will occupy it. Buildings are no longer about brick, mortar and stone mixed in the right quantities and put together, but about comfort, safety, luxury and even style; and what better construction material to use than glass to impart all these characteristics to a building.

Let us look at how glass has transformed buildings today to oases of comfort and luxury.

The Nanjing Centre



The Nanjing Centre for Chinese and American Studies was designed by Perkins Eastman on the Nanjing University Campus. This truly elegant structure in glass is a 10,000 sq. m, 10-storey building. A joint venture with The Johns Hopkins University, it encompasses classrooms, lecture spaces, faculty residences and student lounges. The transparency and ample space within the facility is a sheer treat.

The building façade is a fusion of terracotta, limestone, and glass, making for consistency with the older campus buildings, and juxtaposing sturdiness with openness. Four-storey glass walls define both the courtyard on the campus-facing side of the building and a plaza on the public-facing side, giving visibility to the active circulation areas.

The structural glass panes are affixed with spider clips so that mullions do not block the view of the landscape and pool. The upper floors of the building feature banded windows in the faculty apartments, avoiding a typical dormitory or residential style so that the building aesthetic remains academic, and public and private spaces are clearly demarcated.

At one corner, a glass tower provides an extensive view of the city beyond the campus walls and, when lit at night, stands out as a visual beacon. The floor plates behind the glass wall have a shadow box detail which imparts a seamless appearance by concealing the joints between the floor plates and the walls. An auditorium located in an adjacent structure within the courtyard features a curving metal roof which folds down into the glass atrium to form a wall between the two buildings.

China Central Place



China Central Place, which is also known as the Hua Mao Center is located in Beijing’s central business district, China. China Central Place is an eye-catching 7 million ft² mixed use glass complex. It is part of a large integrated real estate development that includes apartments, an upscale mall and the Ritz Carlton. The design was created by the international architecture firm, Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates (KPF).

The architecture of China Central Place consists of diagonally faceted glass sheets whose appearance is softened at the lowest five stories by terra cotta screens. Within the site, the component buildings define two major public parks of over 2 hectares each. This complex created a lasting impression on the public. It provided people with a sheltered environment for work, residence, shopping, while enjoying enjoy the synergies of urban life without the stresses of congestion.

Surging Glass Concert Hall

Elbe Philharmonic Hall, constructed in the HafenCity quarter of Hamburg, Germany, is set to be among the tallest buildings of Hamburg. This glazed structure is essentially a concert hall built atop an old warehouse by name Kaispeicher A and is designed by architects Herzog & de Meuron. The entire complex, along the warehouse docks on the Elbe River, will sprawl over an area of more than 700,000ft². The construction is scheduled to be completed by 2012.

This new wonder in glass will top 110 meters in height and have a 667,000-square-foot roof upon completion. The space will represent the cultural core of HafenCity by virtue of being ‘the’ concert hall for classical music concerts, sophisticated entertainment music and also a further highlight in the largest inner city urban development area in Europe.

The hall also offers a 250 room five-star hotel, a wellness and conference zone and 47 owner-occupied apartments. The apartments will enjoy a spectacular eastward view down the Elbe. The roof of the larger auditorium will be constructed to look similar to a series of large glassy waves floating above the distinctive Kaispeicher.

The Façade

The glass façade, consisting in part of curved panels, some of them cut open, stands out as a gigantic, sparkling crystal that catches the changing reflections of the sky, water, and city. In the hotel, the air vents become wave-like hatches, while the balconies of the apartments – horseshoe-shaped recesses in the glass – guarantee spectacular views, protection from the wind and lateral ventilation of the connecting rooms all at once.

The concert auditorium, which faces inwards, shimmers with its amber-coloured foyer through the glass wall. A grid of white dots is on the facade to provide protection from the sun. The density of the grid will be individually calculated, with the aid of a computer, so that each room has adequate protection depending on its function and position.

Apartments

The Elbe Philharmonic Hall will be more than just a concert hall – it will form an entire residential and cultural complex. In the west, the residential section will tower 110m above the Elbe. The 47 apartments will offer impressive views out over the city and the port, and have a separate entrance. Plans include a five-star hotel with conference facilities on the east side.

Plaza

Escalators will deliver visitors through the Kaispeicher A and into an open plaza 37m up. The plaza is a freely accessible zone positioned like a radiant joint between the warehouse and the new building. From there, visitors will be able to enjoy a magnificent view over the port, the River Elbe and the city. The interior of the Plaza will be dominated by the curved ceiling with its varying geometrical shape. It will afford spectacular views of the city and the harbour.

Auditorium

The large concert auditorium, with approx. 2,150 seats, will take pride of place in the Elbe Philharmonic Hall. It does not follow the orthogonal concept of a so-called shoebox stage. The orchestra and conductor are situated in the centre and the audience seating sections rise up in interlocking irregular terraces to form a steep-sided cauldron. Light is reflected from the bright surfaces. The reflector in the sharply pointed ceiling is a striking feature. It ensures outstanding acoustics and is also part of the lighting system.

Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (CREDAI)

As the name suggests, the Confederation of Real Estate Developers' Associations of India (CREDAI) is the apex body of real estate developers in the country. CREDAI's primary objective is to disseminate information on the real estate industry, which is a prominent driver of the Indian economy today. CREDAI works towards creating a more organized, forward- looking and progressive real estate industry.

CREDAI is an autonomous body of over 3500 organized builders and developers from 18 states in the country. The CREDAI was formed not only to organize the real estate industry, but also to provide an ethical code of conduct that is mandatory for all the member builders and developers to follow.

CREDAI’s current vision is to provide affordable housing to the urban population and a ‘slum free India’ as desired by the current President, Mrs. Pratibha Patil.

Roles of CREDAI

• CREDAI’s foremost responsibility is to bring real estate developers on a common platform for interaction with other stakeholders in the industry, like government bodies, professionals and consultants. To this end, CREDAI organizes workshops, seminars, round tables and a large annual real estate conference, NATCON. For consultation, expert opinions and comments on various related subjects, CREDAI engages lawyers, accountants and analysts from time to time. CREDAI also commissions studies when needed.

• CREDAI supports its members in establishing reputations as professional organizations. CREDAI’s Code of Conduct provides clear guidelines for developers to serve customers in an ethical and transparent manner. Members strictly and voluntarily follow the CREDAI Code of Conduct, giving the community credibility and professionalism.Through events, workshops and grievance redressal cells for consumers, CREDAI promotes best practices and efficient construction practices among developers. Through these support functions and through active public relations, CREDAI is dedicated to the cause of improving the image of the real estate developer in the eyes of the consumer, the government and the media.

• CREDAI builds relationships between developers and the government through representations, debates and active participation in all meetings called by the government. CREDAI believes in strength through partnership and has developed a strong relationship with the government through sustained interactions with the Ministry of Urban Development, Ministry of Housing and Poverty Alleviation, the Planning Commission, Ministry of Environment and Forests, and others. CREDAI partners with the government to work on areas of common interest and specifically provides a balanced and integrated industry viewpoint on critical aspects like policy and regulation.

• CREDAI provides important services like raising issues relevant to developers in government and non-government forums, suggesting policy changes, making representations, and giving the developers a unified front. CREDAI also helps members connect with experts who can offer specific advice

In order to maintain integrity and transparency in the realty sector, CREDAI lays down certain rules that need to be followed. CREDAI also voices and represents any proactive policies of the real estate industry in India before the government and other concerned authorities.

Other functions of CREDAI include introduction of new techniques of construction, dissemination of statistical information, promotion of the interests of construction workers and their education, and so on. CREDAI also encourages research in the construction and property development arena. It also facilitates easy financing as it is closely associated with many housing finance institutions and banks.

CREDAI holds a national convention once a year besides several city, state & regional level conferences and technical seminars. Several exhibitions are also organized in major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Kolkata along with major world trade centres like Dubai (UAE), Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, London (UK), USA and other places.

Achievements

Environmental Impact Assessment

Over the past few years, CREDAI has worked constantly to reduce the adverse effects of notifications on real estate projects. CREDAI’s efforts have gone a long way in changing things for the better. The government proposed an amendment to the notification in January 2009 and the draft for the same has been placed in the official gazette.

Service Tax on Commercial Rentals

In April 2009, the Delhi High Court struck down the levy on commercial rentals as unconstitutional as the renting of immovable property involved the rendering of no service. The levy had come into force in 2007 and saw massive protests across the country, with CREDAI relentlessly pushing for a rational decision.

The judgment has brought great relief to corporate organizations at this time, when several are facing problems of lowered profits and liquidity.

Special Residential Zones

CREDAI has proposed the concept of Special Residential Zones or SRZs (along the lines of SEZs) as a solution to the housing crisis.

Urban Land Ceiling

CREDAI worked for the abolishment of urban land ceiling and even the last remaining bastions of ULCRA have now abolished it.

Stamp Duty Rationalisation

CREDAI suggested that stamp duty be brought down and several state governments have complied.

Real Estate Financing

CREDAI has submitted a proposal addressing several issues, including the track record of developers, their fiscal practices and loan repaying capacity. CREDAI is pushing for provisions that allow term loans to be rescheduled as well as rollover of existing loans for construction loans. Also, CREDAI has requested for margin money contribution by home loan buyers to be brought down to 15% instead of the present 30%.

CREDAI is also in talks with the government to accord priority status to the housing sector and to help remove the disparity in risk weights so that real estate gets easier access to bank loans.

Other Policy Reforms

CREDAI has also suggested that the states be given incentives to adopt the Urban Reforms Incentives Fund (URIF).

Other Suggestions to the Government

Some other areas where CREDAI is actively engaged in dialogue with the government are:

1. Encourage affordable housing
2. Increase investment in housing construction, maybe through changed ECB and FDI
3. Facilitate land availability
4. Stimulate housing demand by permitting foreign ownership, and giving incentives to buy homes

Two of the coherent members of CREDAI are:

• CREDAI Bengal (formerly City Developers' Forum -- CDF): CREDAI Bengal was founded in 1989.
• CREDAI NCR: CREDAI NCR includes over 80% of the organized real estate builders and developers of Delhi and NCR.

1. CREDAI Bengal

CREDAI Bengal is the apex body of the organised real estate developers/builders across West Bengal. It represents developers/builders across West Bengal by communicating with government authorities for the formulation of proactive policies for this profession. It also encourages developers/builders to increase their efficiency in development/construction activities by introducing the latest technologies.

Vision

Vision of CREDAI Bengal is to be the channel of change; to make the lives of new generations safe, healthy and enjoyable.

Principles behind the Ventures of CREDAI Bengal:

• Identification of the needs of the community in terms of quality housing, social activities, education, entertainment and healthcare where adequate facilities are not available.
• Planning and execution of projects which will be models of sustainable, environment-friendly technology.
• Extending the channel for upliftment of the neighbourhood by bringing affordable modern amenities through economic and green projects.

Purpose

Their purpose is to provide community facilities where there is a need for upgrading of amenities to help meet the aspirations of modern citizens in respect of their living environment.

Intent

The intent of CREDAI Bengal is to bring design and proficiency to upgrade and holistically enhance lifestyles.

2. CREDAI NCR

CREDAI NCR covers more than four-fifths of real estate development businesses in Delhi and other parts of the NCR. Its establishment over the past seven years has brought stability to the industry and its achievements in the local, state and national levels has helped the industry grow at a rate of about 30 percent over the last few years.

CREDAI NCR has emerged as a leading platform for addressing problems of the Real Estate Promoters and Developers of the NCR including those from Delhi and uniting them under one roof. ABL, Aerens Jai House, AEZ, Aeren RJ Group, Ansals, Alpha Buildtech, Ashiana, DLF, Clarion, Unitech, Uppal, Jaypee Greens, JMD, Aerens GoldSouk International, Kamal Enterprises, Majestic, Omaxe, Parsvnath, Raheja's, Shipra, Suncity, Unity Buildwell, Vatika, Vipul, JLLM, Ambit Corporate and Hines are some of the esteemed members of CREDAI NCR.

Main Objectives

• To encourage fraternity, feelings of co-operation and mutual help among the Members of CREDAI NCR.
• To encourage adoption and promotion of fair business practices.
• To promote and protect the general interest of the Members and to maintain liaison with the Government to formulate right policies relating to the trade, industry and profession of real estate development.
• To initiate organized action in the area of building construction and management for increasing efficiency, productivity and quality through modernization and technology advancement.
• To collect and disseminate data, statistics and information on building construction and related subjects of interest to members.
• To formulate expert opinions on matters related to government policies, and to organise meetings, seminars, conferences, exhibitions etc.
• To provide all possible expert advice, guidance and assistance to Members and to make all possible efforts to be a True Friend to the members of CREDAI NCR.
• To provide a platform to interact and promote a concept / product directly to the major players/decision makers of the Real Estate Industry.
• To help an interested party become a part of the voice of the builders and developers industry.
• To provide entitlement to interested parties for discount programs and special benefits.

Scope & Vision

CREDAI NCR & CREDAI can gain mileage both in terms of business and publicity by pursuing pre-defined objectives. Government of India has stated that construction industry is pegged at 10% growth and is seriously considering the following for the benefit of Real Estate Industry

• Rationalization of Stamp duty at 2% and nil for development agreement
• Housing for 2 million in this plan period
• Making land available easily for developers from Govt. Agencies
• Speeding up of Housing Reforms at GOM level
• Interest Relaxation in Capital gains
• Encouragement of FDI up to 50% in this Sector
• IRDA permission to invest 15% of insurance company funds in this sector
• Bringing in "Escrow" a/c system for all HDFC lending like that of infrastructure sector
• Setting up of Equity Fund for Developers both for short & retail funding either through national lending institute or mutual funds
• Establishing Urban Reforms Incentive Fund, City Challenge Fund, Pooled Finance Development Fund - all from Govt. of India