Eco Factor: Sustainable architecture designed to generate on-site renewable energy.
The future of architecture rests in the green hands of designers who believe that sustainable architecture is the key to a better planet. HKS Inc has proposed a futuristic mixed-use development for Dallas, Texas, that will be a striking example of off-grid development that is self-sustaining.
The design is based on the study on Potential Texas Renewable Energy Systems that concluded that geothermal energy is a prime choice for renewable energy as Dallas sits atop a geothermal fault line making it easy to harness energy.
Additionally, the one million-square-foot complex will include a PV array covering an area of 11,000-square-feet. Together the renewable energy generators are expected to produce over 7.4 million KWh of electricity annually, which is significantly more than the predicted usage of 2.2 million KWh.
The team estimates that by selling the excess 5.2 million KWh of energy, the property owners can generate an annual income of about $416,000. The two-tower design will provide 500 residential units and 75,000 sq-ft of commercial and office space, while maximizing open spaces for natural light and ventilation.
