The Pearl River Tower

Building at a Glance
Building Name :- Pearl River Tower
Location :- Guangzhou, China
01 OFFICE TOWER
Area :- 2.3 million ft² 02 CONFERENCE CENTER
Owner :-CNTC Guangdong
Tobacco Company
Architect :-Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
LLP (SOM)
Started :- 2006
Completed :-2013
SEA SPONGE Typology :- Office Building
Cost :-Estimated $12 million more
The building concept has then a building designed to
been derived from sea meet the minimum requirements
sponges of Standard 90.1
Distinctions :-Designed to be the most
71-story (309m) energy-efficient super-tall
tower in the world SITE/ROOF PLAN

Site Context
The office tower sits at the northeast corner of the
intersection of Jin Sui Road and West ZhuJiang
Boulevard in the developing Pearl River New Town
area of Guangzhou, China. Its generally rectangular
floorplate has been shifted slightly from Guangzhou's

4 Steps of Seeking Net Zero Building orthogonal grid in order to maximize its utilization of
prevailing wind, to strategically capture the sun's
The aim was to build a ‘Transformed, Integrated, High Performance, Environmentally Responsible energy through photovoltaic technologies, and to
BUILDING ORIENTATION ON SITE
Design’.The design included four independent steps: avoid solar radiation.
-Reduction
-Absorption Key design elements include:
-Reclamation •A precisely sculpted shape, integrated structure,
-Generation and integrated vertical axis wind turbines (VWAT)
that improve performance and help generate
A) Reduction electrical power for the building.
•The first step i.e. the reduction” strategies used in the Pearl River Tower include the following: TYPICAL FLOOR PLAN

•A high-performance building envelope that

increases thermal performance, controls solar loads
and optimizes the transmittance of daylight into
Internally ventilated
interior spaces.
high-performance active The use of a high-
double-wall facade with performance triple- •A radiant ceiling cooling system with direct
mechanized blinds glazed (E/W) facade outdoor air systems (DOAS) and indoor under-floor
ventilation. The system provides improved air
change effectiveness and indoor air quality.

•Daylight responsive controls, working in

conjunction with high-efficiency lighting systems,
reduce the amount of energy
consumed by artificial interior lighting.
PERFORMANCE OF BUILDING DESIGN IN TERMS OF
WIND ENERGY USE

Facade and Structural Analysis

Low energy. High-efficient lighting system using
radiant panel geometry to assist in the distribution of
light.
Radiant Cooling and dehumidification system

B) Absorption
•The second step in this high-performance design was to include several “absorption”
strategies. The absorption strategies used on the Pearl River Tower include:

- A wide-scale photovoltaic system The building design shows that the east and the west elevations are straight while the south
integrated to the building's external solar façade is concave and the north façade is convex.
shading system and glass outer skin (south The building has four large openings in the concave face, where mechanical floors and four 2m
facades only). wide 5m tall- wind turbines are placed
The rectangle-shaped central core, namely “super
- The use of fixed external shades and Steel End Bracing
core”, consists of reinforced concrete shear walls
Reinforced Concrete Core

integrated PV's (E/W facades) Composite Mega Column

with thickness varying between about 150cm at the
Steel Perimeter Column bottom and 70cm at the top through the height of the
Outrigger
Bell Truss
- Daylight harvesting using daylight building
responsive controls integrated with the The “super core” shear wall system is linked to the
automated blinds steel perimeter columns by a system of outrigger and
belt trusses at two mechanical equipment floors at
-Building integrated vertical axis wind levels 23-27 and levels 49-53, and composite corner
STRUCTURAL SYSTEM OF THE TOWER
turbines (VAWT’s) designed to use the mega columns linked by steel end bracing.
building's geometry to significantly SUN PATH DIAGRAMS GENERATED TO STUDY
enhance turbine performance. LOCATION OF PV PANELS ON THE
BUILDING FAÇADE
D) GENERATION
C) Reclamation
Hydrogen Fuel Cells
•The Third step i.e. the reclamation means to harvest the energy that is already resident inside
the building and use it over and over again by optimization. The generation strategy is an important component to the “net zero” energy strategy.
Having the ability to generate power more efficiently than what the city's grid is capable of.
allows for a “net” reduction in the green house gasses associated with the building's
Wind Optimization normal operation. 1} Hydrogen fuel is channeled through field flow
plates to the anode or one side of the fuel cell,
while oxygen from the air is channeled to the
cathode on the other side of the cell HYDROGEN FUEL CELLS
FOR STORING 30-50% OF
Hydrogen Gas Backing Layers THE ENERGY
-The use of vertical-axis wind Hydrogen Flow
Field
Air
(Oxygen)
Oxygen Flow

turbines to 2} At the anode, a

platinum catalyst
Field

causes the hydrogen 3] The Polymer Electrolyte

generate electricity. to split into positive

hydrogen ions (protons)
Membrane (PEM) allows
only the positively charged
and negatively charges ions to pass through it to
-Exterior of the building has electrons the cathode. The negatively
charged electrons must
travel along an external
four large openings, 6 by 6.8 circuit to the cathode,
creating an electrical current
Water
meters wide, on either side of Unused
Hydrogen Gas
Anode Cathode

the core at the mechanical PEM

4} At the cathode,the electrons

levels. and positively charged hydrogen
ions combine with oxygen to form
water,which flows out the cell
PREVAILING WINDS DIRECTIONAL STUDY
50 LINKED WIND TURBINE INSTALLED
GUANGZHOU IS USUALLY A MILD 9 MPH
IN BASEMENT

CONCLUSION The Pearl River Tower achieves net-zero

design through the four pillars: absorption,
58% REDUCTION reduction, reclamation, and generation.
Features like aerodynamic design,
advanced filters, efficient ductwork, and
renewable energy systems enable a 58%
energy reduction, setting a benchmark for
sustainable skyscrapers.
COOLING PUMPS FANS LIGHTING

BASELINE CASE DESIGN CASE Padmashree Dr. D.Y. Patil College Of Architecture,Akurdi,Pune
WIND TURBINE CONCEPT Funnel shaped areas in
Vertical Wind Turbine
Creates large pockets of negative pressure on the leeward side facade to enhance wind speed Date Sign Name :Riya Stamp
through vortex shredding Class:Fifth year C Batch
Guided By: Ar. Shrikant Parsewar
01 Academic Year: 2024-25
 THE EDGE,AMSTERDAM

Basic Form

CARVE

EXPAND

OPTIMIZE

FINAL FORM

Building at a Glance CONCEPTUAL FORM DEVELOPMENT : Site Context

The Edge, showing the evolution of its form through five key The Edge is located in Amsterdam's
Building Name :- The Edge
steps: Zuidas district, a thriving financial and
Location :- Amsterdam
1. Carve: The process begins with a simple cube shape, which business hub well-connected by
Area :- 40000 m²
is then carved to create voids, opening up spaces for light and Amsterdam Zuid railway station and other
Client :- OVG Real Estate
ventilation. This forms the base for the building’s interior transit links. Surrounded by modern
Manufacturers :-Artitec Wallebroek
layout and structure. architecture, offices, and public amenities,
Architect :-PLP Architecture
2. Expand: The carved form is expanded to allow for greater the site supports the building’s sustainable
flexibility in space planning and functional use. This step is and innovative design, aligning with the
Completed :-2015
likely aimed at accommodating the dynamic needs of the city’s vision for green urban development.
Typology :- Office Building
office space and creating an open, collaborative environment.
Cost :-The Edge in Amsterdam cost
approximately €200 million to construct
3. Optimize: At this stage, the form is optimized for Building Context
environmental efficiency, considering factors such as sunlight, Rainwater Harvesting System
Distinctions :-Achieved a BREEAM Outstanding & Solar Panels
energy usage, and airflow. The building's shape is refined to Atrium
certification with a score of 98.36%
maximize its sustainability and user experience. Flexible workspaces
“Activity Based” Workspace
Building Orientation Orientation
Thermal Corridor
The Edge building in Amsterdam is designed with careful
orientation to optimize energy efficiency and sustainability. Ecological Corridor
The building is strategically positioned to maximize solar gain,
particularly through its south-facing facade. Optimized solar gain with south-facing
A 6000 m² solar array on the facade helps regulate solar facades and shading panels.
North-facing facades allow indirect
radiation and contributes to meeting the building’s energy Bridge
sunlight into workspaces. Offices
needs. The Atrium regulates temperature and
The building utilizes thermal energy storage by tapping into a air circulation.
Reception
nearby groundwater aquifer for heating and cooling. Use of sustainable materials, including
FSC-certified wood. Atrium
Water pumps manage thermal energy based on local climate Rainwater harvesting systems and Solar
Terrace
Restaurant
conditions, further improving energy performance. panels are installed on the roof for Basement
energy generation. Bridge
These passive design strategies minimize environmental
Ecological terrace for green space and
impact while enhancing energy efficiency. biodiversity.

KEY Elements IN Making the Sustainable Building

A) Passive and Active Design Features B) Energy Efficient Systems
Estimated water consumption
SOUTH NORTH Tap Water 78%
HT
Su
n li YL
IG Gray Water 22%
gh
t DA
Su
n li
gh
t HT
Y LI
G
Offices with Total floor area
DA

Rented floors 92.29%

Unrented Floors 7.71%

Photovoltaic Panel
on South Facade Chilled Ceiling & Conditioned Air Reuse

During Summers
During Winter
Aquifer Natural Energy
Key design elements include:
recharge

Throughout the Edge, two types of tubes are wired in a vast Solar Panels: A 6000 m² solar array integrated into the building’s facade
network: one that holds data (ethernet cables) and one that holds for energy generation.
water. Hidden behind each ceiling tile is this network of thin blue Thermal Energy Storage: Uses nearby groundwater aquifers for heating
piping that transports water to and from the building’s and cooling via thermal energy storage systems.
underground water storage, providing radiant heating and cooling. Smart Building Technology: Advanced sensors and automation for
energy optimization and user comfort.
In the summer, the building circulates warm water down over 400 Natural Light Maximization: Large windows and strategic orientation to
feet into the aquifer below, where it is insulated until winter. maximize daylight and reduce artificial lighting needs.
During the colder months, this stored water is retrieved for heating Sustainable Materials: Use of eco-friendly materials and design solutions
purposes. to minimize environmental impact.
Flexible Workspace Design: Open-plan offices and adaptable spaces
Usage of Sunlight that promote collaboration and flexibility.
Green Roofs and Outdoor Spaces: Rooftop gardens and terraces
enhance green space and contribute to biodiversity.
Energy-efficient Systems: High-performance insulation, LED lighting,
and energy-efficient HVAC systems to reduce energy consumption.

Striking checkerboard design

of solar panels and windows
on Southern Facade

Consumes 70%
less electricity than a typical
office building.

Thick load-bearing concrete to regulate the

building’s temperature & deeply recessed
windows to minimise the need for shades, even
with direct sunlight

The goal is to capture the

maximum amount of solar
energy at the edges, and the
facades are oriented to
achieve this maximum

Padmashree Dr. D.Y. Patil College Of Architecture,Akurdi,Pune

Date Sign Name :Riya Stamp

Class:Fifth year C Batch
Guided By: Ar. Shrikant Parsewar
02 Academic Year: 2024-25
 THE KOHINOOR SQUARE,MUMBAI

Inspired by the Kohinoor diamond, the

tower's faceted design and shimmering
façade symbolize brilliance, luxury, and
timeless elegance.

Building at a Glance Site Context

Located at a prime junction in Dadar West, Mumbai, Kohinoor Square occupies
Building Name :- The Kohinoor Square the former Kohinoor Mills site, adjacent to the bustling Senapati Bapat Marg
Location :-Dadar,Mumbai and the Western Railway Line. The site is strategically positioned in a densely
Area :- 4.91 acres populated urban fabric, surrounded by a mix of commercial, residential, and
Client :-Kohinoor CTNL Infrastructure Co. Pvt. Ltd 203 M retail developments. Its proximity to Shivaji Park, key transport hubs like Dadar
Architect :-SSA Architects and GKK Works 142 M
Railway Station, and arterial roads ensures excellent connectivity across
Mumbai. The site benefits from a vibrant cultural and economic context, making
Completed :-Tower A – Apr 2020, Tower B – Dec 2021 it a pivotal landmark in one of the city's busiest districts.
Typology :- Commercial,Mixed use Building
Cost :-INR 21 Billion Climate & Solar Analysis
Distinctions :-Achieved Indian Green Building Council Tropical Wet and Dry climate with
(IGBC) Gold Rating moderately hot weather with high
humidity.
The coastal nature and tropical location
Commercial
BUILDING HEIGHT ensure the temperature will not fluctuate
Retail much throughout the year.
HEIGHT: 203M (MAIN BUILDING) &142M (RESIDENTIAL
F&B The mean Average is 27.3 degree
BUILDING)
Service Floor Celsius.
FLOOR COUNT:- 52+GROUND FLOORS (5 MECHANICAL
Parking FLOORS)
Refuge Floor MAIN BUIDING: 35 FLOORS(4 MECHANICAL FLOORS)
Building Massing
Residence RESIDENCE BUILDING. The first five floors of the main building is used as a high-end shopping mall
Amenities and the remaining 47 floors of the main tower are utilized for commercial
offices and five star hotel.
The main tower is crowned by the five star hotel on the top floor with a
helipad.
HEIGHT: 203M (MAIN BUILDING) &142M (RESIDENTIAL BUILDING)
The first 13 floors of the residential building are used for multi-level parking
FLOOR COUNT:- 52+GROUND FLOORS (5 MECHANICAL FLOORS)
and garage for both towers.
MAIN BUIDING: 35 FLOORS(4 MECHANICAL FLOORS) RESIDENCE
The remaining 19 floors are the residential flats.
BUILDING.
The multi-level parking has a capacity of about 2000 cars with super
efficient driveway and personalized access controls.
Vertical zonning

Area Distribution

Sustainable Design Interventions Mechanical System Water

HVAC
1. Rain Water Harvesting Kohinoor square has a well-designed HVAC
Power
2. Sky Gardens System for its ventilation purposes
1 Gray Water
3. High-Performance Facade
4. High-Efficiency Ventilation System 5
2
5. Daylight Harvesting and Dumping Controls
6. Black and Gray water Reuse system 8
7. Environmental Preferable Material 7

8. Green Roof
9. Energy Centre 3 10
10. Native Adaptive Landscape 9 Structural System
11. Onsite Waste Water Treatment Plant 13
6 The structure comprises of a concrete core and post tensioned
12. Recyclable collection and sorting 12
concrete slab and spandrel beams.The average centre to
13. Natural Ventilation Provision
centre distance between the columns is 9.5 m.The column is of
.
1.8 m x 1.8 m.
*Low Flow Faucets, Dual Flush Toilets, Gray Water system , Storm water &
The Tube system concept is used for the building framework to
Rain water Management are installed.
resist the lateral loads.
High Performance Facade System This assembly of columns and beams forms a rigid frame that
amounts to a dense and strong structural wall along with the
The Facade consists of faceted unitized aluminum curtain walls
exterior of the building. 9.5 m
with provisions for a high-performance double glass facade.
Diamond edges of the building have aluminum flashing with
LED Lighting.
Foundation System
The combined pile raft foundation system is used. It is a Superstructure
All the glasses are articulated & can sustain design wind load
pressure of 4.5 to 5.0 KPA geotechnical composite construction that combines the bearing
The type of glass used were Spandrel Glass as DGU of 30 mm effect of both foundation elements raft and piles.
( 6 mm HS + 18 mm air gap + 6 mm HS) and vision glass VLT -
36 %, SHGC Between 0.23,U value of 1.5 W/M2.K (BTU 0.26). Piles
As per architectural intent, a Grey appearance of glass was
used.
The Building design makes it environmentally friendly, using
technologies such as floor-to-ceiling insulated glazing to
Padmashree Dr. D.Y. Patil College Of Architecture,Akurdi,Pune
contain heat and maximize natural light and automated daylight
Date Sign Name :Riya Stamp
system
Class:Fifth year C Batch
Guided By: Ar. Shrikant Parsewar
02 Academic Year: 2024-25