Paris-based firm Vincent Callebaut Architectures (VCA) has just unveiled a new multi-use complex in Cairo, Egypt. The complex, named Gate Residence, is inspired by the structure of coral reefs.
The Gate project will ensure a fine balance between high quality of life and respect of the environment.
The complex is a hyper-connected ecosystem designed to raise awareness about sustainable architecture to combat global warming and maintain an eco-friendly global environment.
Cairo’s Gate Residence complex features a solar roof, green rooftop terraces, sky villas, health club and spa, a fitness center, business center, restaurants, and medical and retail centers. Designed to obtain LEED Gold Plus standing, this 1000 apartment complex will also have a vertical system of gardens and solar heating tubes.
Green architectural features integrated within the project:
- Nine Windcatchers stand as huge trees in the middle of each green patio. These windcatchers are inspired by the technology of wind catching towers or ‘Malqaf’ originally developed in Ancient Egypt.
- Passive geothermal cooling and heating system integrated with the vertical shafts provide an efficient and eco-friendly method for heating and cooling internal space.
- The new solar photovoltaic cells will cover the entire roof… Window glass will take advantage of the combined functions of power generation, lighting and temperature control.
- Solar water heating tubes are integrated within the design to deliver hot water to all the apartments throughout the year.
- The roof transforms into a big community garden covering the entire complex to improve the thermal inertia of the roof.
- Multi-sensors are used to detect the number of people in each room of each apartment to control temperature and light level. Residents can also control different zones within their living spaces with the help of a user interface.
The construction of this complex is expected to begin by March 2015 with completion slated for 2019.
