Inhabitat

Bird Island: Zero Energy Home in Kuala Lumpur

Bird Island is a stunning urban renewal project that is currently being developed in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Designed by Graft Lab architects for the YTL Green Home Competition, the project comprises a zero energy home made of sustainably-sourced silicone glass fabric. Its lightness and flexibility will allow it to sway organically with the breeze just like a treetop, and slots in the fabric will give visitors a unique peek into the sky as the wind ebbs and flows.

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The YTL Green Homes Competition challenged eight architects and designers from around the world to submit designs for six eco-friendly homes on Bird Island. Graft Lab’s proposal is an airy voluminous structure that utilizes a variety of energy-efficient building practices. The building consists of a lightweight bamboo frame wrapped in a tensile, environmentally-friendly fabric. The material reflects sunlight, keeping the interior cool and reducing the need for AC. Bird Island will also be outfitted with a grey water recycling system that channels water from sinks and showers back into the plumbing.

Graft states: “We have applied an integrated strategy of developing a zero-energy house that seamlessly dovetails the economic and environmental advantages of environmentally friendly living with the needs of a demanding and cosmopolitan clientele. The environmental and economic features of this way of living do not conflict with our client’s lifestyle; rather it furthers their ability to comfortably enjoy their time at home.”

As of yet, no construction date has been set.

+ Graft

+ Bird Island

Via Designboom

7 Responses to “Bird Island: Zero Energy Home in Kuala Lumpur”

jomegared Says:

January 29th, 2009 at 2:33 pm

This is a great project. Aesthetically. But it contradicts the true nature of environmental design which is not to build on undeveloped land. Just because an architect builds some green features into a design does not mean the design is green. All of the resources that go into a building project are damaging to the environment. A zero energy house is good for the environment. But keeping the, “demanding and cosmopolitan clientele,” out of the forest is probably the best design. When do these aspects outweigh the nature of the building itself? The greenest building possible is the one not built. Thoughts?

Sabb Says:

January 30th, 2009 at 5:39 am

Great Idea but it still looks so artificial. For me it stands out of the crowd – yes, no doubt – but I don´t really like it. It looks so clean and bright that it catches too much of the attention and nature get´s lost somehow

posedown Says:

January 30th, 2009 at 7:54 pm

Lovely drawings. Artificial isn’t necessarily a bad thing and the counterpoint is compelling. Building is over-caffeinated though. Probably better for selling jewelry than relaxing in the forest.

Helman700 Says:

January 31st, 2009 at 3:31 pm

I sure hope the interior walls that appear to be made of marble are exactly that, huge slabs of heavy stone – a faux finish would be so out of place in a green home.

zak Says:

February 1st, 2009 at 7:58 pm

i do not think that people, good design, and nature are incompatible. in fact, i think that places where people can live amongst fairly intact ecosystems go a long way to facilitate bioidentification. it’s more an issue of scale than of development. can architecture mediate the flow of habitat and shelter and create a living continuum of landscape and territorial occupation? i’d like to think so.
zak

jack0703 Says:

September 18th, 2009 at 8:49 am

These comments just go to show that we still appreciate the natural world we live in and what it gives us for free. And although we love new designs and the future of design we are only happy to see it practised in city areas sacrifices have already been made. We are protective of our natural enviroment so why do Architects and designers keep trying to change what can only be described as “Breathtaking”. No one likes a sore thumb and this building sticks out like one. However the concept and design are both inspiring and unique and surely thats the point. Maybe it would be better left on paper though!