Ecological
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Although they sound like they are different terms for the same thing, geothermal energy and ground source heat pumps are two different systems, with little in common other than that they are making use of what lies below the surface of the Earth. They do it in very different ways, however. A geothermal energy system uses heat from below the surface of the earth as an energy source, much like solar panels capture sunlight and convert it into useful energy (electricity or hot water).
Geothermal Energy and Ground Source Heat Pumps
One Per Cent: Giant desert greenhouse inspired by camel's nostrils
Duncan Graham-Rowe, contributor (Image: Sahara Forest Project) A unique greenhouse that is irrigated using seawater will be built in the desert by the end of this year The $5.3 million Sahara Forest Project , just outside Doha in the Qatari desert, will borrow tricks from nature to extract the salt and create conditions that are ripe for plant growth, all without any external energy or resources.
Eco Architecture: Food City – A self-sufficient metropolis planned for Dubai
Eco Architecture: Food City – A self-sufficient metropolis planned for Dubai Eco Factor: Off-the-grid sustainable complex plan for Dubai. Where on Earth do you see the craziest architectural dreams coming to life?
daniel andersson: icebergs - floating cottages
first image 'iceberg' exterior view observing the structure of icebergs, austrian architect daniel anderson has created a floating summer cottage design for ålands hotell . the minimalist exterior is an attempt to remain unintrusive to the wild surroundings. the 60m2 structure is partially submerged in the water with its roof top offering surfaces in which to lie and take in the scenery. large windows seek to give a spacious feeling to the interior rooms and views of the surrounding panorama. the project is currently in the concept phase. ' an iceberg only shows the tip above the water surface, the rest stays hidden below. these floating summer cottages in sheltered bays and lakes around åland islands, finland investigate this concept. ' - DA interior view ' what if we take inspiration from icebergs when designing water homes?This impressive new skyscraper is just a concept but it may soon be added to Taichung, Taiwan's skyline. Designed by Vincent Callebaut, the Biotic Arch would be a revolutionary and creative skyscraper that would also be one of the most environmentally friendly buildings to date. The Biotic Arch would acquire electricity from a mix of bio, solar, and wind energies. The Arch also takes in excessive carbon thanks to its living facade and vertical gardens. This would help the Taichung Government reach their overall reduction policies, not to mention, help with their proximity to China and their carbon footprint.
Sustainable Skyscraper Absorbs Carbon Dioxide
Arcosanti
Coordinates : Arcosanti is an experimental town that began construction in 1970 in central Arizona , 70 mi (110 km) north of Phoenix , at an elevation of 3,732 feet (1,130 meters). Architect Paolo Soleri , using a concept he calls arcology , started the town to demonstrate how urban conditions could be improved while minimizing the destructive impact on the earth.
BoingBoing points to a 1960 publication from the Douglas Fir Plywood Association, Second Homes for Leisure Living , calling it " a rather glorious bit of propaganda for super-modernist plywood living." But it is a lot more than that. It is another world. Fifty years ago they could write: With everyone enjoying longer vacations....more free time...better highways making remote retreat areas more accessible.... the mass exodus to the mountains, desert or seashore is easy to understand and-even better- fun to participate in. But the extraordinary thing is the modesty of the plans, the small, multiple use spaces.
Plywood Designs from '60s Have Lessons For Today
Photo by Burb.tv Designer Neville Mars has designed a charging station that keeps your car both cool and charged. Called the Solar Forest , the panels actually follow the sun throughout the day for maximum efficiency. And that canopy provides some much needed shade for the cars below, hopefully while keeping the overlap to a minimum.The tree trunks are like a giant power strips for electric vehicles.
Solar Forest Keeps Cars Cool And Juiced
