Copenhagen’s Stunning Carbon-Neutral Sundial Structure

Just last week the University of Copenhagen and Christensen & Co Arkitekter A/S, broke ground on a stunning new Faculty of Science building, dubbed the Green Lighthouse. This carbon-neutral building makes excellent use of natural light and will feature solar panels, LED lighting, and scores of other sustainable strategies.

Christensen & Co won the competition last year to design the new energy saving facility because their “Green Lighthouse combines aesthetic with sustainability and a good indoor environment for the students.” The structure will hold administrative offices, meeting rooms, and student services and associations.

The building has also been dubbed the ‘Sundial’ due to its cylindrical shape and adjustable façade louvers. The passive solar design and louvers will allow for maximum absorption of sunlight throughout the day, which will be used to heat the building. In the summertime, when less heat is needed, excess energy will be collected in underground storage and released later in the day. Natural ventilation by means of skylights and windows will keep the building at a pleasant climate. Additionally, solar panels will be installed on the slanted roof to generate electricity for the building, while all the lighting will come from LEDs.

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