post detail page top

Designed to Minimise Embodied Energy – Altius, Kolkata, West Bengal

By: Vishakha Nirwal, Design2Occupancy Services LLP

Altius is a multi-storied residential apartment building in Kolkata (West Bengal) developed by Harmony Vinimay Pvt. Ltd. The Project is located right in the heart of Kolkata’s old city. The project consists of total 28 floors. Expected residential occupants will be around 662 in 116 dwelling units. The project is Gold rated under IGBC Green Homes Building Rating system with 76 points. Designing a comfortable indoor environment is a challenge as Altius, the luxury apartment will be occupied for 8760 hours throughout the year in all seasons. To achieve the utmost comfort levels in the building, an innovative façade has been designed for which no extra energy is required to operate after completion of construction.

Shading the east and west façade of a building is difficult because of the low sun altitude. The site has supported in planning the orientation of the building as the façade is maximum exposed to north and south direction. The primitive idea to design the façade was to use the combination of simple horizontal and vertical lines. Façade facing west is partially covered by perforated jaali to reduce the heat gain from the direct solar radiation.

The innovative yet simple façade is constructed by using materials having minimal embodied energy. The normal RCC slab is projected 600mm from the exterior wall and ACC blocks are used to construct vertical partitions. Façade designing also plays a critical role in the energy performance and interior functioning of the building. It controls the light penetration and regulates the heat. Projections on certain interval which breaks the building linear thermal mass and also obstruct the direct sun from outside. The white coloured projections are pleasing to have a view from the interior of the building and significantly reducing the heat absorption which collectively reduces the air conditioning load.

The thermal mass with the combination of projection of the exterior wall has been preferred in a way to avoid the heat transmission from the solar radiation. The gardens are planned with native and drought-tolerant species on the 3rd floor and terrace, which benefits the occupants. Terrace gardening reduces the indoor temperature by 6- 8 degrees and reducing the air conditioning cost. It reduces the overall heat absorption of buildings from the roof and insulates the building against heat and cold. A smartly planned garden with amenities like gymnasium, community hall, swimming pool, and entertainment zone gives a pleasant and healthy experience aesthetically. The water consumption is quite less than required, and harvested rainwater with treated STP would be used to maintain them throughout the year.

The regular airflow has been maintained outside the building by planning the 2 towers apart from each other and leaving a cutout in between of 23 stories. Non- obstructing airflow reduces the rise in ambient temperature, which reduces the urban heat island effect. The planning of the 3BHK, 4BHK and duplex has been planned to have cross ventilation in maximum regularly occupied spaces.

Basement parking is avoided and 3 floors of covered parking has been planned above the ground level. The open naturally cross ventilated parking floors saves the electricity consumption in comparison to the mechanically ventilated basement. Smartly planned parking provides more fresh air without consuming much energy. The developer is providing mechanically ventilated conditioning with VRV system to flats, that have several benefits over other conditioning systems. The system is designed to provide exactly the amount of cooling needed for the current conditions, which means it runs less frequently and at a lower capacity. Thus, this is a true green project, which is energy-efficient at the same time, versatile and aesthetically pleasing.

QUICK FACTS:

Project: 67, Christopher Road, Tangra,
Location: Kolkata, West Bengal 700046
Client: Harmony Vinimay Pvt. Ltd.
Architect: Maheswari & Associates, Kolkata
Other Consultants: Green Building Consultant | Design2Occupancy Services LLP
Project Manager: Harmony Vinimay Pvt. Ltd.
Materials used for Façade & Fenestration: RCC slab, ACC blocks, perforated mild steel jaali
Site Area: 7825 Sq m
Built-up Area: 29,650 Sq m
Commencement Date: November 2012
Completion Date: October 2019

R.C.C Slab is Projected 600mm from the Exterior Wall and ACC Bocks are used to Construct Vertical Partitions | Aerial View Of the Building