Sustainable Urban Grove at Central Wharf Plaza(2)

Except to maximize the use of the plaza with as little input as possible, the plaza also realizes its approach to sustainability by saving energy and protecting plantation via innovative construction and technology.

In the underground part of the design, the roots of plantation is located in the same space with the public utilities (perforated pipe, existing utilities network, etc.) In consequence, close collaboration among urban designers, architects, soil engineers and soil biologists is quite in need to guarantee the growth of plantation and at the same time maintain the public utilities.

As a result, the pavement with great water permeability is constructed. Pipes collecting rainwater transport extra runoff and air to the roots of trees through structural soil. The use of structural soil could not only filter permeating water, but replace the construction of deep foundation as well. Moreover, both drilled mini-pile and suspended grade beams are applied to support columns as well as walls, so that the reduction of physical obstacles above ground would contribute much to the flexibility of the plaza.

All the construction above is realized by innovative design and collaboration among stakeholders. It is regarded as a role model in both sustainable and high-performance design.  On the one hand, the healthy growth of plantation is guaranteed. On the other hand, large open space for diverse public activities is provided.

Reference: http://www.gooood.hk/_d275616127.htm