ETU To Cover Building in Solar Skin
EcoFriend
The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) is planning to refurbish its1950s-era building at the corner of Swanston and Queensberry streets inMelbourne, Australia by integrating an innovative solar skin totransform the architecture into a source of renewable energy.
Thethree-level concrete building will be completely covered in a “skin” ofmoving solar panels and solar-sensitive film to generate enough energyto power the entire building.
In addition to the solar skin, the building’s roof will featuresolar panels and wind turbines and access would be provided forelectricians keen to learn these emerging green technologies. A proposal for heat panels for solar hot water collection and wind-deflectionlouvers, light reflectors and shade controls has also been listed.
Moreover, an eco-neutral café would also be opened to the public onthe ground floor and a replica house space would demonstrate therenewable technologies available for domestic spaces. LED lights wouldbe installed throughout the upstairs office space and systems to control energy consumption will also be integrated.
Via: The Age
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