Milroy Perera Associates, in collaboration with Mäga Engineering, has unveiled plans for the world's tallest residential vertical garden in Rajagiriya, Sri Lanka. The Clearpoint tower will house 164 apartments spread across 46 floors within 10 kkilometers from the centre of Columbo. Overlooking the tributaries of the Diyawanna Lake in Kotte, planted viewing terraces will encircle the entire structure fed by "inbuilt self-sustaining watering systems."
According to the architects, Clearpoint will "be pioneering sustainable residences in Sri Lanka, with the aim of taking urban living forward while still maintaining a balance with nature and the surrounding environment, the main focus of the apartments being to create a sentiment of ground level living. Measures will be in place to reduce energy and water consumption, including the use of solar energy for communal spaces."
Windows and Terraces
"One of the main reasons for heat gain within an apartment is the fact that all apartments in Sri Lanka have windows which are directly exposed to sunlight. To counter this effect, we have consciously designed our entire building with windows that do not receive direct sunlight. We achieve this by extending ordinary balconies into large format terraces. This, while providing the practical benefit of shade, will also provide the occupants with extra external entertainment space."
Sustainable Air Conditioning
"Since the apartments will gain no heat due to direct exposure to sunlight, it was possible to reduce the size of the air conditioners, thus requiring less energy to cool the apartments. In addition, all apartments are cross ventilated for the purpose of cooling the inside naturally."
Planted Terraces and Drip Irrigation
"Planting on the terraces give the building its unique look but there is a more practical reason for the planting. Plants have a natural tendency to absorb sound, both internally and externally. Plants provide shade, cooling the terraces and buffering radiant heat (heat that can reflect off the occupant’s terrace if the tiles heat up). Oxygen produced during the daytime means cleaner air, while leaves act as a natural filter for dust which otherwise enters your apartment. There is also provision for the occupants to grow their own plants."
"An automated drip irrigation system has been incorporated throughout the building so that the gardens are maintained without the occupants having to water the plants. There will be a drip system instead of a sprinkler system which will save water."
Solar Panels
"Solar panels installed on the roof will provide enough energy to power the common amenities such as public and lobby lights, elevators, the grey water recycling system, the sewage recycling system and other public utilities. Any excess power will be sold to the electricity grid using a net metering system."
Grey Water Recycling System
"One of the main uses of water in apartments is for flushing. In an effort to reduce the water usage, water will be collected from the apartment showers and bathroom sinks, running it through a recycling system which will process the water to be less than 10 BOD (Bio Oxygen Demand). The recycled water is mixed with rain water and sent through to the bathroom flushes and is also used in the drip irrigation system."
The building is expected to be completed by late 2015.
References: Clearpoint Residencies
