Green design is the future of Architecture. It’s about time we rethink ‘housing’ in a sustainable manner. A fine example of green architecture is “COR” building in Miami, Florida in the US. The building is a beautifully designed and eco-friendly mixed-use condominium.

COR is a 25-story building complex incorporating mixed-use residential and commercial space. It is the first green condominium in Miami bringing together architecture, green design and ecology. The building is powered by wind turbines, photovoltaic panels and solar hot water generation which are incorporated in the design and gives it a futuristic look.

It is a collaboration between Chad Oppenheim Architecture + Design, energy consultant Buro Happold, and structural engineer Ysreal Seinuk. The $40 million building contains 113 comfortable residential spaces ranging from $400,000 to $2 million having recycled glass tile flooring and bamboo-lined hallways. It also contains office space of 20,100 square feet and a retail space of 5,400 square feet.

COR is easy to spot from a distance due to the building’s efficiently designed exoskeleton which provides a unique look to it. The shell is more than just an eye-catcher, it gives structure to the building and provides thermal mass for insulation, natural shade, terraces enclosure. The wind turbines are also incorporated into the exoskeleton.

Designing Green

Our conventional housing systems are not efficient for the rapid spurt in the human population. More forest areas would be destroyed and energy supply will fall short if we continue to live like this. Green architecture is not only the solution to save mankind, it is capable of improving current living standards.

Green design is an integral part of sustainable development. It is an approach to improve lifestyle in harmony with the environment. A green building is more than just a garden on the roof. It takes into account some of the most intricate as well as most simple designs, carefully constructed and engineered techniques coupled with detailed planning.

By designing houses and buildings using recycled and eco-friendly materials, reducing energy consumption and applying sustainable construction practices, we can improve building’s performances and reduce environmental impact.

Poor design is only going to alleviate climate change and global warming. If we are getting smart, our living spaces need to be smart too!