Open design
Visitors immediately notice the light-filled double-height C-shaped courtyard which forms an architectural “anchor” for the entire home. When the windows are open, the home’s overall design facilities cross-breezes and natural ventilation, therefore minimizing a reliance on air conditioning. The ground-floor living room, dining area, and kitchen are laid out in an open plan with no barriers to obstruct daylight. Double-height spaces vertically connect upstairs spaces, such as the family room on the second floor. This strategy of maintaining strong visual connections also guarantees clear exterior views from almost every room in the house, without sacrificing privacy.
Bring light in, turn the lights off!
It is the strategic use of natural daylighting that defines the true character of the Great Gulf Active House where little to no artificial lighting is required during the day. The Danish design team modelled extensive computer visualizations to avoid insufficient levels of natural daylight in nearly every space of the home.
Natural ventilation is a breeze
Centennial Park Residence is also an evolution in home automation with an emphasis on easy-to-use, hassle-free and reliable systems that can monitor aspects of the home. To reduce the energy required for air conditioning, Centennial Park Residence contains features that boost air quality while mitigating fan energy. Large operable windows and skylights facilitate a natural air flow to help keep the house cool during warmer months while ensuring effective ventilation throughout the year.
The fully programmable VELUX skylights are designed with an intuitively designed intelligent touchscreen remote control that can open and close the skylights as needed. In addition to maintaining their automatic and/or remote functioning for natural ventilation purposes, the skylights also have controls for an insect screen, and integrated rain sensors that automatically close them during inclement weather.
Putting it together
Visitors immediately notice the light-filled double-height C-shaped courtyard which forms an architectural “anchor” for the entire home. When the windows are open, the home’s overall design facilities cross-breezes and natural ventilation, therefore minimizing a reliance on air conditioning. The ground-floor living room, dining area, and kitchen are laid out in an open plan with no barriers to obstruct daylight. Double-height spaces vertically connect upstairs spaces, such as the family room on the second floor. This strategy of maintaining strong visual connections also guarantees clear exterior views from almost every room in the house, without sacrificing privacy.
Active House – Coordinated for living
Just as the latest models of electric vehicles are appealing because the technology and design are highly integrated, innovation and design strategies that support the Great Gulf Centennial Park Residence work holistically, triggering an emotional appreciation—and not just a scientific curiosity—for healthy and sustainable living. And similar to the latest generation of electric vehicles in which consumers want reliability, performance, and style in one complete package: A hassle-free product that respects the environment while improving their quality of life.