The sail tower
The sail tower is a new type of high rise building, incredibly thin, incredibly high, free of constraints, eco sustainable and gorgeous. It represents the high-rise building of the 22th century.
Higher and thinner than before : One of the key numbers on high rise building is the slenderness, the ratio between the high and the foot length, most of high-rises don't go beyond 10. By making high rise higher, architects and engineers increase the ground floor area and face a major problem: direct sunlight at the heart of the tower. The answer to that problem is a really thin building. The sail tower looks like a floating sheet in the sky. It structure is inspired by the Canton Tower, Guangzhou, China (610m height). The sail tower respects the slenderness of a traditional high rise, but has a major difference. Instead of having a « point » ground floor, it has a curve. The amplitude of the curve gives the same slenderness as a traditional high rise, but with a line thickness of 11m. The structure of this new tower will be made of steel and wood. The steel will be used for the primary structure. Steel tubular cross-section is the best answer for load bearing strucure. The floor is design in wood. Steel ropes between tubular cross-sections will avoid moments.
Panoramic view, daylighting and natural ventilation : The sail tower has a huge advantage over traditional towers: finesse. The sail tower has the thickness of a house. In a house, inhabitant can enjoy a 360° view and natural lighting all over the day. They can open the windows and breathe natural fresh air. They can also enjoy a garden, with grass, trees, and space to leisure.These things, very simple, are impossible in most skyscrapers but are possible in the sail tower.
Self-sufficient in electricity : To be self-sufficient in electricity, a building must generate electricity, but must also consume the least possible. Located in a temperate climate, in Europe, the sail tower must face south. In that way, it will receive a maximum sunlight during the winter (when the sun is low) and it will be protected from overheating by its balconies (sun shading) during the summer (when the sun is high). The orientation of the tower is very important, it will help to decreased heating requirements in winter and cooling requirements in summer. The finesse of the sail tower is also important for the electricity consumption. With a thickness of 11m, sunlight goes deeply in the apartment and no artificial light is needed. Wind turbines positioned above the gardens will generate electricity for the operation of the tower.
With the sail tower, the high rise will enter into a new area. It will become a high efficient light-tech object, design for the user and the respect of the earth.
Location
Paris, France
Client
Evolo
Architect
olijf.fr
Program
redefine skyscraper design
Surface
446.000 sqm for the taller skyscraper
Time-table
competition : january 2012
