From energy efficiency to solar power and environmental certifications, we take a look at structures that were built with sustainability as a priority
London, England is no stranger to beautiful buildings, both heritage and modern. Located in Newham, East London, The Crystal is a striking piece of sustainable architecture—and an independent global hub for sustainable urban living and development.
Designed by architecture firm WilkonsonEyre, this stylish venue prides itself on setting the benchmark high for sustainable building design, achieving BREEAM accreditation and Platinum LEED accreditation—the most renowned standards for sustainable design. It was built as part of the Green Enterprise District policy that encompasses much of East London.
The Crystal forms a gateway to the Royal Docks, a unique waterfront and a growing home for business and culture. In addition to hosting the world’s largest exhibition on the future of cities, its many integrated active and passive design elements make it one of the most sustainable buildings in the world.
Designwise, WilkonsonEyre notes that “the all-glass building challenges conventional ideas on sustainability, championing the use of advanced technology to minimize energy use."
Ground source heat pumps supply virtually all of the building’s heating and most of its cooling. The system works by pumping water through a pipe that loops deep into the ground. There are 199 pipes at the Crystal totalling 17 kilometres in length and reaching as deep as 150 metres.
Two ground source heat pumps then create hot and cold water and pump it to underfloor pipes for heating or chilled beams for cooling. Cold water is passed through a ceiling-mounted beam so when rising hot air reaches the chilled beam, it cools and sinks, bringing chilled air to anyone below.
Thermal wheels help with energy recovery. Outgoing air passes over a ‘heat-absorbing disc’ which then rotates into the incoming air stream, warming the fresh air. Around 60 percent of outgoing heat or cooling energy is recovered. By using 100 percent natural heat sources, the Crystal also receives no heating bill.
Regarding lighting, the Crystal’s self-shading facades utilize ‘high-performance solar glass’ which allows around 70 percent of visible light through each window but only about 30 percent of the solar energy. Furthermore, almost every space in the building has access to natural daylight, resulting in minimal artificial light.
The lighting system in the Crystal uses a combination of 65 percent fluorescent lights and 35 percent LED lights along with an advanced control system produced by Siemens, which automatically adjusts every individual lamp to provide comfortable brightness levels without wasting electricity.
Rainwater is collected directly from the building’s roof and stored in a 30-cubic metre underground storage tank. The water is later treated using filtration and ultraviolet disinfection.
As London’s only Enterprise Zone and an Opportunity Area, the Royal Docks as a whole is embarking on an exciting new chapter, with over £8bn being invested in the area over the next 20 years. 