View allAll Photos Tagged sustainablearchitecture
non-pedigreed architecture in vals, swiss
"We firmly believe that in order for a building to be sustainable, it must be loved; it must touch the soul. "
David Arkin
Standing proudly on stilts above the earth, the Melanau Tall House is a powerful symbol of Sarawak’s rich cultural heritage. Built by the Melanau people — one of the earliest settlers along the coastal regions of Borneo — this towering structure reflects their unique way of life, deep respect for nature, and skilled craftsmanship.
Traditionally raised up to 40 feet high, the house served both practical and spiritual purposes. The height protected its occupants from floods, wild animals, and even raiding enemies. Beneath its timber frame, families stored boats and tools, while the upper levels were living spaces shared by extended families.
Made entirely of local hardwood and sago palm, the house is a testament to the Melanau’s intimate connection with their environment. Every detail — from the carved totem pole at the front to the carefully placed windows — holds meaning, blending function with cultural expression.
Today, the Melanau Tall House stands not only as a home, but as a living museum — a reminder of a resilient people and their deep-rooted traditions that continue to shape the identity of Borneo.
I wanted to share this unique and interesting place with you. : )
Just northwest of Taos, there a development of sustainable homes, called Earthships and it may look like something from a sci-fi movie, but it's self-sufficient housing, built with natural and recycled materials, with energy conservation in mind - designed to produce water, electricity, and food for its own use.
There is a 2nd shot in the first comment.
KASHAN, Isfahan province, Iran — Beautiful Iranian desert architectural elements in rooftops of Kashan palaces, including vented domes and badgirs or wind catching towers for air conditioning using the desert wind and underground cold water storage.
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©2019 German Vogel - All rights reserved - No usage allowed in any form without the written consent of the photographer.
Fordingbridge designed and built this 120sqm sustainable flexible nursery building for Surestart.
Fordingbridge specialise in creating practical, energy and cost effective buildings which are intrinsically sustainable and are available at an affordable price.
Our buildings can be adapted to suit a wide variety of uses, from single school classroom buildings for nursery, primary and secondary education to large retail buildings and visitor centres.
We use a tried and tested building construction system using pre made elements which are then assembled on site. This minimises construction time and limits disruption to you and your project.
The building has an Integral canopy which provides an all-weather shaded play area and creates protection from solar gain.
The frame is a curved sustainably sourced FSC accredited Glulam timber-frame and Thermowood timber cladding provides an attractive finish.
The building is constructed with low maintenance highly insulated composite walls and roof to reduce heat loss from the building.
For more information about the building and our other projects please visit www.fordingbridge.co.uk/portfolio/?Surestart-childrens-ce...
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A striking long-exposure shot of the iconic Sluishuis building in Amsterdam’s IJburg district. This architectural masterpiece, designed by BIG (Bjarke Ingels Group) and Barcode Architects, blends geometric precision with modern urban elegance. Captured at sunset, the structure’s sharp angles, glass balconies, and the serene reflection on the IJ waterway highlight the fusion of nature and cutting-edge design. A symbol of contemporary Dutch architecture and sustainable living.
Fordingbridge have recently had the pleasure of creating the new headquarters for The Greenpower Education Trust, an organisation that promotes engineering as a rewarding career to anyone aged 9-25, while also focusing on sustainability, teamwork and the community.The centre was designed as an inspiring learning environment for participants and industry professionals as well as acting as an innovative test bed for low emission technologies.
The Centre has been designed with sustainbility at its core, using passive design and realistic low carbon technologies, carefully formulated by the team from Fordingbridge, Passivent and Emission-Zero
If you would like to know more information about the building please visit www.fordingbridge.co.uk
Fordingbridge have recently had the pleasure of creating the new headquarters for The Greenpower Education Trust, an organisation that promotes engineering as a rewarding career to anyone aged 9-25, while also focusing on sustainability, teamwork and the community.The centre was designed as an inspiring learning environment for participants and industry professionals as well as acting as an innovative test bed for low emission technologies.
The Centre has been designed with sustainbility at its core, using passive design and realistic low carbon technologies, carefully formulated by the team from Fordingbridge, Passivent and Emission-Zero
If you would like to know more information about the building please visit www.fordingbridge.co.uk
For more information on this building and it's sustainable features please visit www.fordingbridge.co.uk/portfolio/?Grovelands-Early-Years
SHANGHAI, China — The spiraling curves of the imposing glass facade of the super-tall Shanghai Tower.
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©2019 German Vogel - All rights reserved - No usage allowed in any form without the written consent of the photographer.
KASHAN, Isfahan province, Iran - Beautiful Iranian desert architectural elements in rooftops of Kashan palaces, including vented domes and badgirs or wind catching towers for air conditioning using the desert wind and underground cold water storages.
Check out my albums:
---------------------------------
• All my photos in Explore
• Curated stream of my best photos
• My best selling photos
• All my photos used in book covers
Follow my photos in Facebook and Instagram
©2019 German Vogel - All rights reserved - No usage allowed in any form without the written consent of the photographer.
KASHAN, Isfahan, Iran — One of the hundreds of wind catching towers - or badgirs - adorning the skyline of many traditional cities of central Iran, from Kashan to Yazd, an old air conditioning system for houses complemented with underground water reservoirs.
Check out my albums:
---------------------------------
• All my photos in Explore
• Curated stream of my best photos
• My best selling photos
• All my photos used in book covers
Follow my photos in Facebook and Instagram
©2019 German Vogel - All rights reserved - No usage allowed in any form without the written consent of the photographer.
Black and white view of a futuristic solar panel structure in Budapest, Hungary, capturing clean energy innovation.
[Kandovan, East Azerbaiyan, Iran] The Kandovan rural ancient village near Tabriz, a unique still inhabited troglodyte mountain enclave of homes carved as refreshing caves into the rocks, with some colorful clothes hung up to dry.
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©2017 Germán Vogel - All rights reserved - No usage allowed in any form without the written consent of the photographer.
SHANGHAI, China — Looking up from the base of the 632 meters tall Shanghai Tower glass facade twisting as it rises towards the blue sky.
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©2018 Germán Vogel - All rights reserved - No usage allowed in any form without the written consent of the photographer.
[Isfahan, Kashan, Iran] The beautiful and elegant architecture of Kashan in central Iran, with a badgir (wind tower) and palace facade framed by the silhouettes of arches. The badgirs are an essential element of Iranian desert architecture designed to capture the breeze and exhaust warm air out, an ancient system of air conditioning.
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©2017 Germán Vogel - All rights reserved - No usage allowed in any form without the written consent of the photographer.
Hawk and Mesa Ranch
Pipes Canyon > Pioneertown > Mojave Desert > California
Photo credit: Lance Gerber
40 storey (245m) A Grade Office Building Downtown Singapore.
Architect: Toyo Ito + RSP.
Double skin façade and greenery on 55% of the perimeter of the office building maximises natural lighting and reduces heat gain.
CapitaGreen won the 2015 CTBUH Skyscraper Award for Best Tall Building in the Asia and Australasia Region
Discover the stunning Hearst Tower 🌆️ in New York! Designed by Norman Foster, this 46-story skyscraper combines a historic Art Deco base with a modern glass diagrid structure 🌈💡. It's not only visually striking but also a leader in sustainable architecture 🌿💚. Let's appreciate its innovative design and eco-friendly features!
Architect: Toyo Ito + RSP.
The rooftop garden features a 45m-high (150ft) windcatcher structure, designed to look like flower petals, that captures cool fresh air and channels it into the office floors cool the air and more savings.
Glass panels along the side of the Freedom Tower in New York. Shot in medium format on the Mamiya 7.
Read more about this shot here.
As a reminder, keep in mind that this picture is available only for non-commercial use and that visible attribution is required. If you'd like to use this photo outside these terms, please contact me ahead of time to arrange for a paid license.
Glass office building near downdown Seattle.
As a reminder, keep in mind that this picture is available only for non-commercial use and that visible attribution is required. If you'd like to use this photo outside these terms, please contact me ahead of time to arrange for a paid license.
The Senedd (English: Senate or Parliament; Welsh pronunciation: [ˈsɛnɛð]), also known as the National Assembly building,[1] houses the debating chamber and three committee rooms for the National Assembly for Wales in Cardiff. The 5,308 square metres (57,100 sq ft) Senedd building was opened by Queen Elizabeth II on 1 March 2006 and the total cost was £69.6 million, which included £49.7M in construction costs. The Senedd is part of the National Assembly estate that includes Tŷ Hywel and the Pierhead Building.
After two selection processes, the decision was taken that the debating chamber would be on a new site, called Site 1E, at Capital Waterside in Cardiff Bay. The Pritzker Prize-winning architect Richard Rogers won an international architectural design competition, managed by RIBA Competitions, to design the building. It was designed to be sustainable with use of renewable technologies and be energy efficient. The building was awarded an "Excellent" certification by the Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM), the highest ever awarded in Wales, and was nominated for the 2006 Stirling Prize.
The Senedd was constructed in two phases, the first in 2001 and the second from August 2003 until it was handed over to the National Assembly in February 2006. Between phases, the National Assembly changed contractors and the project's management structure, but retained Rogers as the scheme architect. The building was nearly six times over budget and four years and 10 months late, compared to the original estimates of the project in 1997. Total costs rose due to unforeseen security measures after the September 11 attacks, and because the National Assembly did not have an independent cost appraisal of the project until December 2000, three years after the original estimate. Phase 2 costs rose by less than 6% over budget, and that phase was six months late, due to information and communication technology (ICT) problems.
I already took a series of photographs of this place in 2009, but now I want to show you all the new developments at this marvellous place:
Ketan is an artist who set up his home here about 5 years ago. He creates wonderful building structures and art here, and he likes to have good people visiting and fellow artists making this place even better.
See more details on his website:http://www.stein-des-anstosses.de/
[Shanghai, China] Looking straight up from the feet of the Shanghai Tower sustainable building and its glass facade reflecting the blue tones of the clear sky, rising to the roof of Chinese high rise modern architecture.
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©2017 Germán Vogel - All rights reserved - No usage allowed in any form without the written consent of the photographer.
One of my favourite shots from my two days in the Olympic Park, this is the Serie Architects designed BMW Pavilion. A fast shutter speed has frozen the drops of water falling down the sides of the building, the clouds have been enhanced slightly with a Topaz Adjust Clarity filter but other than that it's pretty much a straight shot.
Amazingly twelve of my Olympic shots have made it into Flickr Explore over the last few weeks, it seems the Magic Donkey may be a fan of Contemporary Architecture afterall.
Click here to see more of my favourite shots : www.flickr.com/photos/darrellg/sets/72157631547690563
The information centre on the main level of the Centre for Alternative Technology (in the southern part of Meirionydd, Gwynedd, northwestern Wales, near Machynlleth, which is in Powys, Mid Wales), on a mostly sunny morning in early May.
Like the other structures at the Centre, it is designed as an example of environmentally sustainable, green architecture. In this case, the building recalls traditional Japanese houses.
According to the Centre's Website (consulted 1 March 2014), "CAT is an education and visitor centre demonstrating practical solutions for sustainability. We cover all aspects of green living: environmental building, eco-sanitation, woodland management, renewable energy, energy efficiency and organic growing." It was founded on the site of a former slate quarry in 1973 and has since expanded considerably from its original size and scope.
(My husband and I first visited it in 1989, then saw the extent of its growth when we returned in 2012.)
Slate blocks, chippings, and structures, such as the pool and fountain in this view, abound on the grounds of the Centre. This building included an information centre and display, a café, and a gift shop.
[Centre for Alternative Technology information building pool 2012 may 6 p; P1000256]
Uber’s global headquarters, located at 1725 3rd Street in San Francisco’s thriving Mission Bay district, reflects the company’s innovative spirit through its striking modern architecture. This cutting-edge building is a glass marvel, with its sleek reflective facade mirroring the city’s evolving skyline and emphasizing Uber's forward-thinking ethos. Designed with sustainability and productivity in mind, the building stands as a beacon of Silicon Valley's influence on San Francisco's urban landscape.
Architecturally, Uber HQ features a distinctive curvature along the top floors, adding a dynamic visual appeal to the glass-dominated design. The generous use of glass symbolizes transparency and connectivity, integral values in the tech industry. Inside, the structure offers open, collaborative workspaces designed to foster creativity and teamwork among Uber’s global workforce. The use of sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems underscores Uber’s commitment to environmental responsibility, as reflected in its corporate operations.
Positioned near Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors, Uber’s headquarters is part of the ongoing transformation of the Mission Bay neighborhood, now a hub for technology and innovation. The area’s close proximity to the waterfront and its access to public transportation make it an ideal location for Uber’s corporate base, allowing employees easy connectivity across the Bay Area.
Uber HQ’s architectural design, sustainability initiatives, and key location at the crossroads of San Francisco’s business and tech sectors make it a pivotal point in the city’s modern development, marking the ongoing evolution of this iconic city.
Please don't use this photo on websites, blogs or other media without my written permission. (c) Yago Veith - Flickr Interesting | www.yago1.com
[Tabriz, East Azerbaijan, Iran] Stairs and door into the air conditioned basement of a 19th century Kashan palace house, an example of an old sustainable building using wind towers and underground chambers for cooling during the hot Iranian summers.
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©2017 Germán Vogel - All rights reserved - No usage allowed in any form without the written consent of the photographer.
Hutchins Residence - Eagle Rock, California. Split Level climbs up backyard hill. The curved shape was defined by the required set back from the garage.
Designed in Vectorworks.
Contractor: Francisco Lopez Construction.
Desert getaway in sDesert getaway in secluded Pipes Canyon in Pioneertown, California www.hawkandmesa.com
Photo by Lance Gerber
Arterra, a striking residential development in San Francisco’s Mission Bay, is a prime example of modern urban living with a sustainable twist. Completed in 2009 by Arquitectonica, this LEED-certified green building offers an elegant blend of style and functionality, making it a standout in the city’s rapidly evolving skyline. The building’s architecture is characterized by its sleek, angular lines and expansive glass windows, which flood the interiors with natural light while offering panoramic views of the Bay Area.
Arterra’s design reflects a commitment to eco-friendly living, with energy-efficient systems, green roofs, and environmentally responsible materials used throughout the construction. The vibrant exterior, featuring a mix of blues, grays, and whites, mirrors the dynamic atmosphere of the surrounding Mission Bay neighborhood, a hub of innovation and creativity in San Francisco.
Residents of Arterra enjoy a range of high-end amenities, including a fitness center, rooftop terrace, and a landscaped courtyard, all designed to enhance urban living while minimizing the building’s environmental footprint. The proximity to key city attractions like Oracle Park, the Chase Center, and the UCSF Medical Center makes Arterra an ideal choice for those seeking convenience without compromising on luxury.
Whether you’re drawn by its sustainable design, modern aesthetic, or prime location, Arterra represents the future of urban living in San Francisco. Its thoughtful integration of environmental principles with cutting-edge architecture sets a new standard for residential developments in the city.
Mashrabiya is the Arabic term for a traditional latticed sunshade. But for the Al Bahr towers in Abu Dhabi, global architecture firm Aedas have created a super-size version fit for a skyscraper.
Each of the 25-storey towers are clad in a secondary skin made up of 1,000 Teflon-coated fibreglass mesh parasols secured by an aluminium frame. As the Sun passes, the parasols open and close, controlled by a master central computer.
Abu Dhabi's sunny weather is fairly predictable, but if a dust storm arises an anemometer will detect increased wind speeds and override the system.
The towers require less tinted glass than its neighbours, meaning less internal lighting and less energy use. Who said old-fashioned methods aren't efficient?
The Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, (CTBUH) Chicago, USA has awarded the Al Bahr Towers in Abu Dhabi (Head-quarters of Abu Dhabi Investment Council and Hilal Bank), the 2012 prestigious award for Innovation to the association of Diar Consult with the international team of Aedas Architects, Arup Engineering and Mace International Project Managers. This unique development is currently in the process of completion and handing-over.
For further details on the features, merits and previous recipients of this annual award, please click on the link below.
www.ctbuh.org/Awards/AllPastWinners/12_AlBahar/tabid/3362...
Mashrabiya is the Arabic term for a traditional latticed sunshade. But for the Al Bahr towers in Abu Dhabi, global architecture firm Aedas have created a super-size version fit for a skyscraper.
Each of the 25-storey towers are clad in a secondary skin made up of 1,000 Teflon-coated fibreglass mesh parasols secured by an aluminium frame. As the Sun passes, the parasols open and close, controlled by a master central computer.
Abu Dhabi's sunny weather is fairly predictable, but if a dust storm arises an anemometer will detect increased wind speeds and override the system.
The towers require less tinted glass than its neighbours, meaning less internal lighting and less energy use. Who said old-fashioned methods aren't efficient?
The Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, (CTBUH) Chicago, USA has awarded the Al Bahr Towers in Abu Dhabi (Head-quarters of Abu Dhabi Investment Council and Hilal Bank), the 2012 prestigious award for Innovation to the association of Diar Consult with the international team of Aedas Architects, Arup Engineering and Mace International Project Managers. This unique development is currently in the process of completion and handing-over.
For further details on the features, merits and previous recipients of this annual award, please click on the link below.
www.ctbuh.org/Awards/AllPastWinners/12_AlBahar/tabid/3362...
Akasaka Star Gate Plaza, located in Tokyo’s bustling Akasaka district, is a modern architectural marvel that embodies the sleek, minimalist design ethos characteristic of Japan’s contemporary urban landscape. This impressive high-rise stands as a symbol of Tokyo’s growth, blending cutting-edge design with functionality and sustainability. The building’s glass facade reflects the surrounding cityscape, creating a mesmerizing blend of architecture and environment. Designed to maximize natural light, the reflective surfaces and tall, seamless windows give the structure a sense of openness while maintaining an imposing urban presence.
The Akasaka area has long been known for its dynamic business and entertainment scenes, making Akasaka Star Gate Plaza a prime spot for companies and professionals seeking to be in the heart of the action. Inside, the building offers a mix of office spaces designed with flexibility and collaboration in mind, catering to Tokyo’s vibrant workforce. The plaza below the building features carefully planned landscaping, integrating green spaces into the urban environment to provide a refreshing contrast to the sleek, metallic exterior.
Akasaka Star Gate Plaza is not only an architectural highlight but also a part of Tokyo’s green building movement. With sustainable materials and energy-efficient features, the building showcases Japan’s commitment to environmentally conscious design. This site has become a favorite among photographers and architecture enthusiasts, who are drawn to its clean lines, mirror-like facade, and how it harmonizes with the surrounding skyline. Whether visiting for work or admiring Tokyo’s architectural achievements, Akasaka Star Gate Plaza is a stunning example of modern urban design in one of the world’s most advanced cities.