Tech News Update

Here at Rates to Go we’re all about saving the planet and are more than supportive of eco-friendly architecture. Even still, every once in a while we come across a picture of an “eco-friendly” building that makes us stop and go “hmmm.” What on earth were the architects thinking when they designed these exteriors?

The Inflatable Diamond Grid Eco-Pavilion

Take, for example, the inflatable diamond grid eco-pavilion. This astounding creation was designed in response to a competition requesting an eco-friendly yet mobile space in which Yorkshire Forward could perform. The design was a collaboration of several talented architects.

Believe it or not, the entire stadium takes small more than an hour to inflate, will show no sign of wrinkling after transport, and can be modified depending on the size of the crowd that is anticipated. The building generates its own electricity and its self-sustaining design should make it opportune for even the most remote destinations.

The Bright Solar Skyscraper

In Shenzhen, the China Insurance Group ran a contest in which architects were questioned to design a skyscraper for their new headquarters. The winning design came from Coop Himmelb(I)au, an Autralian firm.

When completed, the tower will rise 49stories above the city’s skyline and include photovoltaic cells designed with a number of incredible features in mind. These cells will increase wind resistance, aid in naturally ventilating the building, provide shade from the sunlight, and contribute to the show of external banners.

When the building is finished it will have a section for business offices, a section for conferences and meetings, and a section for public businesses and events. The surrounding area will be complete with gardens and the entire site will be be equipped with solar and wind energy.

StatoilHydro’s Eco Friendly Office

Over in Norway we’ll soon see an eco friendly office building for one of Norway’s largest oil companies – StatoilHydro. The design won first place in a competition and the building is scheduled for completion in 2012.

The new building will result in the merger of two distinct offices, making not only an eco-friendly environment but eliminating waste associated with traveling between two offices, unnecessary courier services, and miscommunication. When viewed from above, the building is in the shape of a star, with five distinct wings lying over top of each other in a criss-crossed pattern.

This unique building will be equipped with a specialized heating and cooling system that significantly reduces the amount of power needed to energize such a large building.

Bunny Lane

Designer Adam Kalkin designed this weird yet attractive home within a home, formally known as Bunny Lane. Located in New Jersey, the exterior of the building is a gigantic shed with roll-up doors and three tales of rooms that are kept to one end.

Inside the shed you’ll find a complete two-tale home. Outside the home is a separate living room and if you roll up the shed doors you’ll delight in sitting in a breezeway on what can only be described as a porch that looks like an overly furnished living room. The family living in the house can spend time in the interior house or in one of the nine rooms included as part of the shed itself.
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The Flying Hostel

Not sure where you’re going to stay on your next trip to Stockholm? Why not find your way to the 747-200 – a hostel which despite its appearance will never leave the ground.

This is the ultimate in recycling. Instead of turning this retired jumbo jet into a heap of rotting metal, it was salvaged and turned into a low-cost hostel. It remains in the Stockholm-Arlanda airport, is fully furnished, and is a fantastic way to relax after a long trip. If you’re near the airport stop by to check it out – the airplane/hostel is open to visitors.

One Man’s Garbage is another Man’s Shelter

Max Wallack had an ingenious thought when it came to making an entry for the PBS Design Squad Trash to Treasure competition. He took ancient plastic, packing peanuts, and wire and made a homeless shelter. It’s lightweight, can be easily assembled, and can keep the occupant insulated from the elements outside. Oh yea – and Max? He’s only 12 years ancient.

The Sliding House

An unassuming client contacted the Rijke Marsh Morgan design firm who then contracted with dRMM Architecture – he wanted a unique retirement home that resembled a country timber barn. What he got was a house made of glass with a wooden exterior that slides off and on.

Someone deserves a raise for designing this building. The cool thing is that the ability to cover and uncover the house will make it simpler to both heat and cool throughout the year, resulting in stunning energy savings.

Taiwan’s Green-Roofed Skyscrapers

NBBJ Architects, based out of Los Angeles, partnered with Fei & Cheng Associates to develop a series of three eco-friendly office towers to be constructed in Taiwan. Ground has already been broken and the three green buildings are expected to include incredible systems for heating, cooling, and efficient energy consumption.

NBBJ made sure that the location of the each tower would optimize its abilities to take advantage of natural daylight. Each building will also have a rooftop garden that will aid in interior insulation as well. The building is scheduled to open in 2012.

The Oil Rig Eco Resort

Last, but certainly not least, is an anomaly we can only describe as ironic. The Morris design team proposed to turn one of the many oil rigs on the Gulf of Mexico into a self-sustaining eco-friendly resort hotel. The unique position in the middle of the ocean would make it a prime destination – you know – if it weren’t an oil rig.

The design was submitted as part of the John Hardy Group and Hospitality Design Magazine international design competition. The focus of the competition was on finding ways to innovate the hospitality industry. What an brilliant way to turn some of 4,000 (yup, you read that right) oil rigs into autonomous luxury destinations. Because of the locations, each would have to make its own renewable energy source. We doubt we’ll see a structure like this any time soon, but we can dream.

So what do you reckon? Would you stay in any of these eco-friendly houses, hotels, or buildings? We can’t wait to see the end results, especially for the ones already under construction!