Via Inhabitat: BIG Architects recently unveiled their origami-folded skyscraper for the Shenzhen Energy Company. The facade is folded accordion-style, and shades the office complex from direct sunlight with integrated solar thermal panels, while simultaneously allowing for indirect light into the interior.
The new international headquarters of Shenzhen Energy Company will be located in the center of Shenzhen, and the 200 meter tall structure is designed to withstand the tropical climate of the city. The winning proposal by BIG was selected by a jury of experts from Shenzhen Municipal Planning Bureau due to its innovative exterior design, which will drastically reduce the cooling load inside and at the same time provide power through solar energy.
On the southern faces, integrated solar thermal panels receive direct sunlight, which goes to power the air conditioning and provide dehumidification for the working spaces. These southern faces are also highly insulated, shielding the interior for direct heat gain. Meanwhile the northern faces receive indirect light, which bounces into the interior as natural daylight. Even when the sun is in the east or west, the sun’s rays will reflect off the solar walls and bounce into the interior. BIG’s innovative exterior facade with integrated solar panels and indirect light will reduce energy consumption by 60%.