Floating Nests
The Loft London Farm Tower
The Loft London Farm Tower
Finalist at AWR Competitions 2011 / Rom
Project Idea by Peter Stasek Architect
The Loft London Farm Tower in the form of animaginary gigantic tree in whose artificial crown two big loft formations are placed as floating nests. The vision of an unprecedented zest for life (joie de vivre) while, at the sametime, utilising the entire Metropolitan logistics.
The "floating nest concept" is based on a high exploitation of the air space above the respective plot of land in connection with a minimal impact on the available plot area. Even after the implementation of the project, the unrestricted panoramic view over the Thames of all neighbouring buildings will remain barrier-free to the greatest possible extent, since the air space below the treetop reaches a height of 35 metres.The treetop itself consists of three compact rings with a diameter of 100 metreseach, containing an mesh-type supporting structure clamped in-between on which natural vegetation can grow. These three rings are fixed on supporting columns witha height of 35 metres. Thus, the entire tree construction reaches a height of 135 metres in total. All rings are arranged at equal distances of 40 metres and are situated on a longitudinal axis parallel to the river Thames. In the area of the outdoor facility, there are only the supporting columns (abstracted boles) integrated in the entire open space design.
The "floating nest concept" is based on a high exploitation of the air space above the respective plot of land in connection with a minimal impact on the available plot area. Even after the implementation of the project, the unrestricted panoramic view over the Thames of all neighbouring buildings will remain barrier-free to the greatest possible extent, since the air space below the treetop reaches a height of 35 metres.The treetop itself consists of three compact rings with a diameter of 100 metreseach, containing an mesh-type supporting structure clamped in-between on which natural vegetation can grow. These three rings are fixed on supporting columns witha height of 35 metres. Thus, the entire tree construction reaches a height of 135 metres in total. All rings are arranged at equal distances of 40 metres and are situated on a longitudinal axis parallel to the river Thames. In the area of the outdoor facility, there are only the supporting columns (abstracted boles) integrated in the entire open space design.
These columns not only assume the supporting function for the treetop, but also the development function (preparation) oft he whole "floating nest community". Besides the staircases, the columns comprise all necessary supply units as well as two elevators, which are moving on their outer edge towards the treetop, following the outer edge of thering construction. This circulation around the floating nests outside the treetop in free space represents an additional adventure for each visitor (orresident). All elevator stations are connected with the floating nest levels bybridges.
Ecological awareness and sustainability of the whole "floating nest" concept will particularly be ensured by using geothermal energy for heating and cooling as well as by using thermal solar energy for LED lighting (including ultraviolet radiation) for the supply of all agricultural areas.
The main utilization of all nest levels is defined as a mixture of vertical farming and inhabitable loft areas. On the topfloors, there will be gastronomy and shops. A part of the underground parking lot, which is situated below the entire plot area, will be available for all residents and visitors of the floating nests.
The floating nests as two loosely connected loft formations are fixed with tie rods within the treetop realm in a floatingposition. Each “nest” consists of 16 levels, which are shaped in the form of gigantic green leafs. These leafs are staggered on top of each other. The irnatural leaf structure will be reflected in the floor segmentation as well as the wall configuration of the individual levels. In this way, the midrib of theleaves takes over the function of the longitudinal allotment corridor, the sideribs take over the function of the lateral space boundaries and side corridors respectively. All levels are developed by internal staircases, each of which is positioned on the ring axis. The levels are connected to the rings by glazed stair towers in the lower air space.
The artificial treetop not only assumes the supportingand development function for the floating nests, but will also be used as an important agricultural area for vertical farming. As a result, e.g. algae canbe produced (for biopetroleum) within predefined organically shaped net constructions. Supply and maintenance of these agricultural facilities will be ensured by moveable bridge constructions, which are placed on rails between the rings on their inner edges. An additional effect of this artificial treetop is the creation of an oasis-like environment embracing the floating nests below a transparent green screening. This enables every resident or visitor to enjoythe entire panoramic view across London’s city centre.
Floating Nests Loft Farming Tower by Peter Stasek is Bronze A' Design Award Winner in Architecture, Building and Structure Design Category, 2013 - 2014.
