Upside down drop

Selected in 2007 by the American Institute of Architects as one of the top ten green projects, this sophisticated water purification plant designed by Steven Holl and landscape designer Michael Van Valkenburgh at New Haven (Connecticut) supplies drinking water to the central and southern part of the State as well as providing a public park and nature reserve.

Selected in 2007 by the American Institute of Architects as one of the top ten green projects, this sophisticated water purification plant designed by Steven Holl and landscape designer Michael Van Valkenburgh at New Haven (Connecticut) supplies drinking water to the central and southern part of the State as well as providing a public park and nature reserve.

The steel building – whose shape recalls an upside down drop of water – is softly integrated into the landscape and with the creation of a series of wet areas, it contributes to providing the ideal habitat for a number of species of migratory birds. Among the various measures taken to minimise the plant’s environmental impact are the skylights opened in the long green roof (3,200 square metres) that allow light to filter down to the water treatment plant located underground, the reuse of materials resulting from the demolition of the previous plant, and the building’s heating and cooling system. Elena Sommariva

http://www.stevenholl.com

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