<p>Construction work on an unusual twisting tower, named Agora Garden, began recently in Taipei City, in the island republic of Taiwan. The trademark twist of the vertical garden-cum-luxury residential block, designed by Vincent Callebaut Architecte, was inspired by the double helix of the DNA molecule.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Over the tower’s 20 storeys its residential apartments twist through a 90-degree angle. It is aimed to create a series of ‘suspended open-air gardens’ which will apparently hang from the level above without eating into highly prized floor area. Inevitably, this arrangement greatly increases the building’s surface area, which will at least have some effect on the tower’s thermal performance. The designers claim that all construction materials and furnishings will be made of either recycled or recyclable materials. The tower will also include building-integrated photovoltaic power, placed in the pair of giant horizontal shades that sit at the top of the building. Rainwater harvesting, composting and ‘state-of-the-art nanotechnologies’ are other features of the building project. A light well will pass through the building, curving to adapt to the route of the core, which will inevitably increase the light absorption en route to lower levels. Blinds will be used to prevent heat gain, and double glazing will be used to prevent heat loss. <br /></p>
<p>Construction work on an unusual twisting tower, named Agora Garden, began recently in Taipei City, in the island republic of Taiwan. The trademark twist of the vertical garden-cum-luxury residential block, designed by Vincent Callebaut Architecte, was inspired by the double helix of the DNA molecule.<br /><br /></p>.<p>Over the tower’s 20 storeys its residential apartments twist through a 90-degree angle. It is aimed to create a series of ‘suspended open-air gardens’ which will apparently hang from the level above without eating into highly prized floor area. Inevitably, this arrangement greatly increases the building’s surface area, which will at least have some effect on the tower’s thermal performance. The designers claim that all construction materials and furnishings will be made of either recycled or recyclable materials. The tower will also include building-integrated photovoltaic power, placed in the pair of giant horizontal shades that sit at the top of the building. Rainwater harvesting, composting and ‘state-of-the-art nanotechnologies’ are other features of the building project. A light well will pass through the building, curving to adapt to the route of the core, which will inevitably increase the light absorption en route to lower levels. Blinds will be used to prevent heat gain, and double glazing will be used to prevent heat loss. <br /></p>
