High rise facade design reaches new heights
High rise facade and skyscraper design are reaching ever increasing heights of ingenuity. With Foster + Partners’ Tulip signed off by planners in London and the world’s tallest tower – the unprecedented 1km-high Jeddah Tower – underway in Saudi Arabia, we take a look at all the different inventive ways high rise facades are shaping urban skylines:
Pleated perforated metal: Soho Tower by Kengo Kuma
This high rise facade towers above the rest for its original design. Created by architects Kengo Kuma using strips of perforated aluminium, the pleated, rippled effect is a striking contrast to the surrounding cityscape. Inspired by the pleats and softness of a woman’s dress, the perforated metal facade was designed to gradually change according to the position, strength and colour of sunlight.
Images sourced from Kengo Kuma
Sparkling high rise facade: Harim Group HQ by Beck Group
The ‘S’ shaped slash in the facade of Harim Group’s HQ in Seoul isn’t just for style. Architects Beck Group designed the recess to create a low-pressure zone for natural ventilation of the offices. And what a statement it makes. Made using perforated polished stainless steel panels for maximum sunlight reflection, the recess is lit by sparkling LED lights at night resulting in a glittering feature facade at any time of day.
Images sourced from Beck Group
Bubble effect: Profiles office building by Belzberg Architects
This bubbly facade has this six-storey office block in Mexico city covered. Created by Belzberg Architects, the perforated carbon steel facade envelops not just the street-facing frontage but the sides too, making this building an eye-catching experience however you approach. The perforations were specifically placed to optimise light, ventilation and privacy, taking into account the impact of potential future development adjacent to the building. Curved lines in the facade are designed to give a tantalising glimpse inside, like a pulled-back perforated curtain.
Images sourced from Belzberg Architects
Environmental high rise facade: Phoenix Towers concept by Chetwoods
At 1km-high the proposed Phoenix Towers by Chetwoods will be the tallest pair of towers in the world. Part of an environmental ‘Supercity’ masterplan for Wuhan, central China’s capital and the ‘city of 1,000 lakes’, the concept commercial towers are designed to generate their own power whilst performing a number of environmental functions to benefit the region including water harvesting and recycling and waste recycling. The smaller of the two towers features a perforated facade for light and ventilation together with green walls and insect hotels.
Images sourced from Chetwoods
Metal facade manufacturing expertise
Arrow Metal manufactures custom perforated metal facades for buildings of all shapes and sizes. Talk to our expert team to explore how we can create your unique design using precision CAD technology and the metal materials, finishes and effects we can use. Call us on (02) 9748 2200 or send us an online enquiry.
Posted: July 23, 2019
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