Originally published December 29 2005
New building in Cornwall a shining example of innovative solar-minded architecture
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
In Cornwall, England, the Eden Project has unveiled a new sustainable building called The Core, of which the architecture and complex roof structure, dominated by photovoltaic solar panels, are based on the Fibonacci series.
One of the most unusual sustainable buildings in the world, designed on nature's architecture and generating energy from daylight, was launched last week in a light show at the Eden Project in Cornwall.
True to the Eden Project's principles, the new education and research facility, named The Core, is a superb example of sustainability using building-integrated photovoltaics (PV).
Described by Tim Smit, Eden CEO, as "the finest modern building in the world," The Core is the most geometrically complex roof structure into which the UK-based solar installation company Solarcentury has ever installed solar panels.
The building's architecture follows the Fibonacci series -- a unique pattern at the heart of nature that generates, for example, the spirals in snail's shells or the pattern of seeds in the head of a sunflower.
When viewed from above the panel's spiral outward in a ring around the heart of the building, forming the shape of a flower with eleven individual petals.
Dan Davies, Director of Engineering, explained some of the problems Solarcentury overcame during the construction project: "The Core's orientation was not ideal for solar energy generation due to partially north facing roof angles and potential shading problems from surrounding roof lights.
Despite the challenge of The Core's intricate design, the PV was fully installed within the project's build program.
Since connection to the grid, in mid-August 2005, the PV system has generated more than 5000 kWh of energy, enough electricity to power two three-bedroom homes for an entire year.
Major sponsors include the Millennium Commission Lottery, South West Regional Development Agency, and European Regional Development Fund, via Objective One.
"With education as its prime purpose the new Core building will also fly the flag for Cornwall's knowledge-based economy aims, opening the eyes and minds of the thousands of young people who will use it every year," said David Whalley, Leader of Cornwall County Council.
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