Net zero energy building by Arte Charpentier Architects

This Net zero energy building is design by Arte Charpentier Architects. For most sustainability-minded architects, a net zero energy building is the holy grail. But Elithis Tower, located in Dijon, France, has surpassed the net zero energy ideal to become the first energy positive office building, meaning it creates more power than it uses. Elithis Tower also houses 330 rooftop solar panels and a solar shield to remove excess heat while allowing natural light to filter in. With a price comparable to that of a traditionally-built structure, Elithis Tower is leading the way in affordable green building.

Beautiful Bamboo Construction by De Leon & Primmer Architecture Workshop

The Mason Lane Farm Operations Facility in North Carolina is just such an example. Designed by De Leon & Primmer Architecture Workshop out of Louisville, KY, the beautiful eco farm facility supports 2,000 acres of agriculture, recreation, wildlife habitat and conservation land as part of the University of North Carolina. Two barns were designed and constructed on a well planned site using sustainable materials like locally-sourced bamboo and prefab panels and trusses.

Two barns, “A” and “B” operate side by side but serve different purposes. Barn A acts as a work facility and is insulated to keep workers protected and warm, while Barn B is an open air shed, covered to protect equipment and store hay. The site of the barns was designed to maximize space while providing air circulation and accessibility for large farm equipment. Barn A is clad in corrugated metal and serves as the operations office and workspace for the farm. The interior is modern, simple, and architecturally pleasing, incorporating finish screws, metal ties and varying materials as design elements. Architecturally, the barn is symmetrically appealing and incredibly practical.

Vertical Village by Graft Lab

The architects at Graft Lab (also responsible for the unique and ethereal Bird Island) must have been taking good notes in their LEED classes because the Vertical Village incorporates the most basic mantras of energy-efficiency in hot climates: reducing solar gain and maximizing solar production. Each hockey-stick-shaped building within the village is self-shading on its north side and on the east-west axis to reduce long-angle sun penetration. A massive bed of solar collectors lies at the south end of the complex and has the ability to automatically position itself toward the sun to maximize solar-energy aggregation. Aside from its energy-harvesting features, the Vertical Village is also quite breathtaking to behold.