We share some amazing (and innovative) eco-friendly buildings from around the world - from the world’s first vertical forest in Italy to a stunning mountain hut that generates 90% of its own power in the Swiss Alps.
Bosco Verticale, Milan
The world’s first vertical forest is being erected in the centre of Milan - the first of a pioneering new green architecture model that makes the most of limited urban land, while providing an improved atmosphere within cities. Plus, it creates an attractive and eco-friendly living space.
Each apartment hosts a small forest on its balcony - which filters out dust particles and brings down inside temperatures. And it only adds five per cent to construction costs.
The first Bosco Verticale will be two residential towers in the centre of Milan, hosting 900 trees, as well as shrubs and floral plants. On flat land, each Bosco Verticale equals 10,000 square metres of forest. The towers are 110 and 76 metres high, respectively.
Monte Rosa Hut, Switzerland
This stunning Swiss Alps building is now a tourist attraction - with its silvery aluminum shell, it is ‘reminiscent of a mountain crystal’. It operates as a restaurant and lodgings.
That shell isn’t just for show, though - thanks to thermal solar collectors and a photovoltaic system built into the southern facade, the hut is self-sufficient for over 90 percent of its energy needs.
Cor, Miami
Construction of the ambitious Cor project in Miami has been delayed due to the financial crisis, but the plans are impressive, and architecture experts are watching eagerly for when it is finished.
Four-foot tall and 24 stories high, it will be both aesthetically striking and impressively sustainable.
‘Everything is supported by cutting-edge sustainable technology like recycled tile floors, bamboo-lined halls, energy-efficient appliances and plumbing, and a grey-water processing system,’ writes Eluxe.
The rooftop garden (pictured) is designed for low water use - and the walls around it house wind turbines that will produce enough electricity to light the building’s interior common areas.
Sky Garden Home, Singapore
This gorgeous house is built on Sentosa Island, Singapore. The grass roofs, which cover each level of the house, lower internal temperatures and create a lush garden feel.