Page 98 - BAF Architect Lookbook Digital Version - Ho Gia Phat Vietnam

ZERO

C ARBON

BUILDING

Envisioned in 2010 as Hong Kong’s first
zero-emission building, ZCB, is so efficient it

returns surplus electricity to the local power
grid. However, the humid, subtropical climate
presents unique challenges – temperatures
range from pleasant in winter to stiflingly

hot and humid in summer. ZCB has no need
for mechanical heating, but it requires an
ingenious ventilation and cooling solution.

Installing a typical, inefficient air conditioner
would have caused ZCB to be unable to meet
the designers’ goal of striking a balance with

nature.

ZCB is designed for optimum ventilation,

but ventilation alone isn’t enough to keep
occupants cool in summer. Designers
incorporated several active cooling features,
including a floor cooling system and a

chilled-beam convective air conditioner.
ZCB also installed Big Ass Fans – 11 Essence,
one Powerfoil X3.0 and six Haiku fans – to

further improve ventilation and localized
cooling. The system is much more efficient
than typical air conditioning, helping ZCB

maintain its status as the premier eco-
building in Hong Kong.