Sydney's University of Technology (UTS) Broadway Tower may be the first of several 1960s buildings to be revamped using Laboratory for Visionary Architecture's (LAVA) reskinning technique.
The speculative project, Tower Skin, is a transparent cocoon that functions as a micro climate, producing power with photovoltaic cells, capturing rain water and enhancing day lighting.
The ventilation is powered using available convective energy.
The tower will be enveloped with a lightweight, 3D composite mesh textile.
Optimum visual impact is achieved with minimal material effort as surface tension enables the membrane to stretch across roof elements and walls.
The Tower Skin will display information including campus events and performances in real time during the night.
One of the key elements of the project is sustainability. Water will be collected from the atmosphere and existing solar power facilities used to offset power needs.
Other sustainability features include localised user control of temperature and air, and solar-powered lighting. Offsite manufacturing of computer-designed and generated parts translates into economical fabrication and installation time.
