UP is a multilayered investigative study of an urban tower condition, operated under the logics of the hexagon, through a process of developmental delineation studies formed and translated from two-dimensional studies, that entered into a three-dimensional rationale, and then developed into an accentuated folded landscape.

DESIGN CONCEPT:

The folding landscapes of the public space and residential tower offer a bold and playful character of extending the groundplan into a multi-storey tower, and integrated within an urban context as an urban park within the sky. This folding landscape is achieved by a systematically articulated folding system that is structurally economic thereby increasing useable floor area, overcoming traditional tectonic and structural hierarchies.

The folding landscape of the public space offers a lively place for social activity and interaction, while bringing nature closer to the user and within each level of space.

The dips and dives of the multi-level open public space allows for various public and community programs, while the geometries continually develop spaces of openness and privacy that humanizes the scale of the project. The manner in which the public space and tower folds and intertwines into and out of itself and through site, poetically mimics the rolling landscape of the seaside, while integrating natural greenery into the urban spectrum.

In essence, the multifaceted façade of the tower offers beautiful views for the residences, while discreetly processes, collects, and recycles natural rain through the roof and piping system that is integrated within the design of the folding slabs as an effective social generator.

ENERGY CONCEPT:

The folding system is an integrated piping system that processes, collects, and recycles the rainwater and grey water within the building, and reuses the water for heating and non-potable water use. This discreet sustainable and self-generating system allows the building to maintain itself without a secondary water supplier, and thus can effectively maintain social awareness without being outwardly green.

The use of Bio-Glass as a material, combined with the form of the window curvature, is a dualistic approach to maximize the thermal absorbance of sun light and balances the performance between reflectivity and materiality. In effect, it neutralizes the heat in the summer and maximizes the warmth for the winters.

MATERIAL CONSIDERATION:

The window and structural frame of the building is intended to be constructed with Bio-Luminum frames and Bio-Glass window panels. The Bio-Luminum tiles are made from salvaged parts from retired airplanes and are an excellent long-lasting and high-strength material. Bio-Glass is engineered from recycled glass with no additives or colorants. Both materials will contribute towards LEED certification.

While the overall structure of the building is composed of fibrous concrete, the networks or matrices of fibers and fibrils intertwine and cling together with the power of the hydrogen bond mixture of 60% Portland Cement 40% recycled synthetic-fiber (nylon, glass, steel or polypropylene) reinforcement. The technical development of synthetic-fiber reinforcement avoids the increased labor costs and difficulty in placement that are associated with welded-wire fabric (WWF).

Synthetic-fiber reinforcement prevents cracks in concrete, which controls crack width — cracks actually need to occur before the WWF goes to work. Small-diameter recycled synthetic fibers (nylon, glass, steel or polypropylene) added to concrete reduces shrinkage cracking by more than 80% according to independent lab tests. Reducing cracks improves concrete impermeability, increases its toughness and long-term weatherability, and can reduce callbacks in concrete slab floors, decks, driveways, and walks. According to fiber manufacturers, the placement, curing, or finish characteristics of the concrete are not affected by the addition of fibrous reinforcement.

Design Team:
Kadri Kerge, Wendy W Fok

Project Team:
Jenny Chow, Sue Y Biolsi

Assistants:
Vasilis Raptis, Viktorie Sen

Project Date:
Phase I: January 2010
Phase II: May 2010

PUBLISHED:
MARK Mag (Print), Oct/Nov 2010
B-1 Magazine (Print), July 2010
CONCEPT Mag (Print), July 2010

designboom (digital), 16 June 2010

360ru (digital), June 2010

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