A CASE STUDY
IN SOLAR
EFFICIENCY
In designing Infinity Towers, there was
a huge opportunity to boost solar
efficiency and reduce the need for
heating and cooling.
The challenge was how best to achieve this
goal and increase the energy efficiency of
each apartment.
Marcelo Solar of Peckvonhartel explains the importance of
maximising energy efficiency.
Q— Why is solar access
important to an apartment?
A— It provides residents with
a more consistent thermal
environment, which isn't totally
reliant on air conditioning and
heating. It also allows people to
use natural ventilation more often.
Q— What does this mean for
the future of Infinity Towers?
A— The long-term objective
is that people's energy usage
and the costs of operating their
utilities are lowered, so that they
benefit both financially and in
terms of comfort.
Q— How has this been
achieved in Infinity Towers?
A— The design utilises curvature
as the key element of the
perimeter. We've created open
space and looked at utilizing
glazed balconies. We have also
orientated the towers directly
to Yerrabi Pond. The result is a
minimum EER of 6 and an
average of 7.5.
—
Marcelo Solar
Architect, Peckvonhartel
"We have angled the towers to maximise
solar-passive design."