Belgian architect Vincent Callebaut has done it again, designing a futuristic-looking urban complex that produces more energy than it consumes. Hyperions, as it is known, will be located in Jaypee Sports City, a planned suburb south of New Delhi. The project was named after a coast redwood tree in California that ranks as the world’s tallest.
Callebaut, who is known for his outlandish eco-architecture concepts (like this 3D-printed oceanscraper), designed the project alongside Indian agroecologist Amlankusum. Hyperions will consist of six 36-storey towers with residential and commercial spaces, to include student housing, business incubators, coworking spaces, multi-purpose rooms and greenhouses.
The residential towers, connected by footbridges, will be built using cross-laminated timber that is reinforced with steel and concrete substructures to resist earthquakes. The wood will come from a nearby and sustainable source — a Delhi forest that is carefully managed.
The goal of the ambitious project is “energy decentralization and food industrialization.” In order to meet these objectives, the designers will implement a number of green features such as geothermal heating and cooling, wind turbines, solar panels, food waste composting and rainwater harvesting.
The apartments will be outfitted with furniture made by local craftsmen using natural materials. All units boast lush balconies with hydroponic systems to encourage residents to grow their own produce. The architects foresee an annual output of four pounds per square foot of organic fruits and vegetables.
There will be numerous urban farms with diversified crops and livestock producing eggs and dairy. Other notable features include a rooftop community orchard, sports field, swimming pool and children’s playground.
Callebaut reported to The Daily Mail that Hyperions is expected to be delivered by 2020, stating that the project is “capable of resisting climate change thanks to its healthy economic and environmental ecosystems.” Check out more renderings of the concept below:
