fran silvestre arquitectos: eolica inhabitable wind sculpture

‘eolica’ by fran silvestre arquitectos, valencia, spain image © fran silvestre arquitectos

valencia-based fran silvestre arquitectos have completed an energy-collecting tower that looks as if it were sculpted by the wind itself. the inverted triangular plan consists of three concave surfaces that funnel wind energy into several tiers of turbines. its deep piling foundations secure it into the ground like roots, gathering geothermal energy. the concrete structure can be erected quickly thanks to speed climbing casings, and will contain three vertical circulation cores located at the extremities. perforated metal panels cover portions of the facade to allow wind and light to permeate the skin. as the surfaces curve along the tri-axial floor plan connecting the stairwells at different levels, horizontal planes are cut out which house public spaces such as the restaurant and observation deck on the 49th and 50th floors.

the ground level contains a massive roof plane which incorporates covered pedestrian access, information desk, conference rooms, a 100-seat auditorium, restrooms and a children’s library, all completely powered by the tower with no reliance on the grid. floors 3 to 36 hold vertical turbines behind the porous metal envelope.

promotional video video © fran silvestre arquitectos

image © fran silvestre arquitectos

different sections of the tower curve to connect to the other core image © fran silvestre arquitectos

image © fran silvestre arquitectos

cafe and observation point allows views over the entire city image © fran silvestre arquitectos

wind turbines behind a metal mesh image © fran silvestre arquitectos

image © fran silvestre arquitectos

site plan image © fran silvestre arquitectos

floor plan / level 0 image © fran silvestre arquitectos

floor plan / level 3-18 image © fran silvestre arquitectos

floor plan / level 19-36 image © fran silvestre arquitectos

floor plan / level 49

project info:

project team:fran silvestre (principal in charge)maría josé sáez (principal in charge)maria masiá (collaborator architect)adrián mora (collaborator architect)structural engineer: david gallardo | upv engineering: instituto tecnológico de la energía | ite interior design: alfaro hofmann fotography: fran silvestre arquitectos marketing & communication: adrián mora | architect inphographics: 3d visual effects location: valencia site area: 4000,00 m2 built area: 2200,00 m2 tower floor area: 225,00 m2 cost (p.e.m.): 7.000.000,00 EU