‘Breathing’ Building in Shenzhen Prioritizes Tenant Comfort, Well-Being

  • Posted on

A 158-meter-tall, 33-story tower, located on the edge of a public park at the center of one of Shenzhen, China’s key business districts, is now open. The high-rise was commissioned by Shenzhen Rural Commercial Bank, and responds to the region’s tropical climate through a series of biophilic and sustainable design solutions. The tower’s façade is defined by an external diagrid, which serves as both the building’s structure, as well as an important solar shading element. At its base, the diagrid widens to create framed openings and views to the surrounding park and South China Sea, a short walk from the … Read more

Filed under: Around the World, eNewsTagged with: , , ,

XL Construction Completes ‘Mass Timber’ School Construction Project

  • Posted on

XL Construction, in collaboration with Aedis Architects and Daedalus Structural Engineering, has completed its first TimberQuest “mass timber” school construction project for Sacred Heart Schools, Atherton, in Atherton, California. The project, which was built with a quick turnaround of 11 weeks during the summer of 2021, is approximately 4,000 square feet in size and contains four 1,000-square-foot classrooms, each with a restroom. Features include extensive natural lighting with exposed timber walls and ceilings. The Sacred Heart classrooms exceed California’s Building Energy Efficiency Standards Title 24 by between 35-60% and has solar and net-zero capabilities. The new classrooms now serve Sacred … Read more

Filed under: ProjectsTagged with: , ,

National Institute of Building Sciences Appoints Stephen T. Ayers Interim CEO

  • Posted on

The National Institute of Building Sciences board of directors announced that The Honorable Stephen T. Ayers, FAIA, NAC, CCM, LEED AP, the 11th Architect of the Capitol and president of The Ayers Group, LLC, has accepted the position of interim CEO of NIBS. Ayers’ appointment follows the departure of CEO Lakisha A. Woods, CAE. Ayers previously served as chair of the NIBS board from 2017 to 2018. He also served as chair of the Construction Management Association of America and the Construction Users Roundtable. On Feb. 24, 2010, President Barack Obama nominated Ayers to serve as the 11th Architect of … Read more

Filed under: Movers & ShakersTagged with: , , ,

Central Business Tower High-Rise in Frankfurt Receives Green Light

  • Posted on

It’s launch time in Frankfurt, Germany’s financial district for the central business tower on Neue Mainzer Strasse. This paves the way for construction of a new high-rise designed by KSP Engel and to be built by general contractor Ed. Züblin AG. The 205-meter-high building consists of two parts that face each other, albeit at a slight angle, and are linked by a connecting seam. With striking setbacks for the protruding flanks, a slender, delicately segmented twin tower arises with a total of 52 floors above ground and five beneath. Depending on the vantage point, the building’s look changes dramatically. The … Read more

Filed under: Around the World, eNewsTagged with: , , , ,

Topping Out Ceremony of Studio City Phase 2 Marks Construction Milestone

  • Posted on

Melco Resorts & Entertainment recently held a topping out ceremony and unveiled the design concept for the anticipated Studio City Phase 2. Located in the Cotai district of Macau adjacent to the Lotus Bridge crossing with Mainland China, the Hollywood-inspired Studio City resort has welcomed guests and visitors to the city since 2015. Designed by Zaha Hadid Architects and built by China State Construction International Holdings, the USD $1.3-billion Studio City Phase 2 complex further complements the integrated resort’s existing Phase 1, which features a modern interpretation of the rich detailing, bold geometries and craftsmanship of the Art Deco period. … Read more

Filed under: Around the World, eNewsTagged with: , , ,