The problem of ecology is becoming more and more acute in the world. Architects have started to solve this problem in a very elegant way: building residential complexes that can be partially or completely self-sufficient. As a rule, such complexes are beautiful landscaped parks in which modern buildings are inscribed.
The trend is worldwide and is no longer new, but there are still some striking examples. In this article, we will present the most spectacular projects.
1. Urban Forest, Brisbane, Australia
Urban Forest by Koichi Takada is a high-rise residential complex that is a vertical green skyscraper. It is expected to be the most environmentally friendly building in Australia!
To give the reader an idea of the scale, here are some figures
- Total area, including the park on the adjacent site - 55 thousand m2;
- 25,000 plants and 550 trees;
- 251 species of native plants used;
- 0% carbon dioxide emissions into the environment;
- 6 stars in the GreenStar rating - the highest rating.
The complex has 194 apartments, each with a green balcony. There is a rooftop swimming pool and residents have access to a neighbourhood park.
It is planned to build a tourist centre on the territory of the Urban Forest, where children and adults will be introduced to new ways of ecological architecture. The project is expected to be completed by 2027.
2. Masaar, Sharjah, UAE
Masaar is a huge multifunctional complex by Arada. It looks more like a large garden with luxury villas lurking in the shade. It will eventually be home to some 55,000 trees, including not only residential facilities but also restaurants, shops, tennis courts, sports grounds, a kindergarten, a skate park, and places for walking and recreation. The developer points out that the pedestrian and cycle paths will be more than 13 km long.
The villas, surrounded by greenery, are of an elite class and are very popular with investors. The number of bedrooms starts from 4 and the living area - from 400 m2. Owners will also have a parking space, swimming pool, private garden and a "smart home" system for convenient property management.
The final phase of the project is expected to be completed in 2025. However, most of the "neighbourhoods" of the Masaar complex are already ready and available to move in.
3. Siam Oriental Oasis, Pattaya, Thailand
Siam Oriental's Oasis is a great solution to several problems at once. It is a comfortable place to live, even for those who are always busy with work - and a great place to relax.
The development has everything you need to feel at home:
- Gated area with video surveillance and security;
- Low building (8 floors) and only 3 blocks, that's 337 apartments;
- Beautiful green areas - its own mini-park for strolling;
- A rooftop pool with beautiful views and a pool below;
- The beach is 1km away - that's a 15 minute walk;
- Gym and 2 saunas;
- Co-working space;
- Underground parking;
- Panoramic windows and balconies.
Not far from the complex is the necessary infrastructure and interesting attractions, including a good viewpoint. The project is aimed at attracting investors, but many locals are also keen to buy here (both studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments are available). The project is scheduled for completion in 2027.
4. Oasis Towers, Nanjing, China
Densely populated China, perhaps more than other countries, needs 'green projects' in the centres of its major cities. In Nanjing, for example, MVRDV is building the Oasis Towers - two 40-storey towers linked by a common space, the Oasis. These are green areas in the form of a park that will not only embellish the metropolis, but will also fulfil a number of important functions, including contributing to the treatment of wastewater.
The entire composition of the complex was "drawn" from nature - rocks and forests. The towers, for example, are positioned opposite each other to ensure good ventilation and protection from the heat in summer and the cold in winter. The first levels are specially enclosed by a "wall" to preserve the integrity of the park. It will be open to the public as soon as it is built, and the buildings will be used as a new financial centre.
5. Telosa, Southwestern United States
This is probably the most grandiose and extensive of all the projects in our top list. In fact, Telosa is not a residential complex or even a neighbourhood, but an entire city! It seems unrealistic, but the project has already been developed by the Bjarke Ingels Group. It is reported that the futuristic city will be built on empty land in the American desert.
Why build an entire city from scratch, and in the desert? The answer is simple: the "father" of the project, Mark Lohr, wants to create a place that will be able to function completely autonomously - even when the world is not doing the most pleasant things. The most important part of this vision is the use of completely renewable resources and state-of-the-art technology. Telosa will recycle and recover what has been used. This will ensure maximum sustainability and independence.
Marc Lohr will also implement a "philosophy of equality" in the city. His vision is that all Telosa residents will contribute equally and reap the benefits. He states that the "society of the future" will grow to 5 million people by 2050, and that is the number of citizens he plans to attract to live in Telosa.
6. OCEANIX Busan, Busan, South Korea
Another incredible project to build an entire city - not in the West, but in the East. The Koreans, with their philosophy of ergonomics and limited territories, will develop water spaces. That is why they have presented the world with the Oceanix project - a floating city that could also be the best urban solution when the world is hit by global warming and a serious rise in water levels.
The first experience of building a floating city is planned for Busan. It is expected to occupy an area of about 6 hectares and house 12,000 residents. The tallest building will be 25 metres and there will be several of them, each on a floating platform.
Of course, with such a design, much attention will be paid to the water space around the city. However, greenery will not be forgotten - the designers have already decided that the first levels and rooftops will have walkways and parks.
7. Ellinikon, Athens, Greece
The Ellinikon project is on a smaller scale - after all, it can be described as a 'new neighbourhood' rather than a city. Although the locals have already dubbed it "Little Athens" and have high expectations. No wonder: the project had been on hold for many years (the old airport was being rebuilt), but it has now been unblocked and is due to be completed by 2037. The first properties have already been completed and sold.
Ellinikon combines scale with sustainability: the complex is being built to use renewable energy sources and to consume and recycle resources wisely. The vast space will accommodate:
- Apartment blocks and private villas;
- Europe's largest coastal park;
- A casino resort and several hotels;
- two shopping centres;
- A sports centre;
- Schools, kindergartens and playgrounds;
- offices, banks, shops;
- a private beach and much more.
It is clear that Ellinikon is being created not only as a space to attract tourists - but also as a residential area for families with children and busy people. This guarantees its economic functionality and demand among locals, not just investors.
8. NEO Limassol, Limassol, Cyprus
Cyprus is not lagging behind other countries in combining the beautiful architecture of new buildings with green spaces - and integrating them into the environment in an environmentally friendly way. A striking example of this is the NEO Limassol complex on the coast of Limassol: a modern, luxury development that looks like a real oasis.
But that is exactly what the area inside the complex is called - an enclosed courtyard with its own park, swimming pools and recreational areas (restaurants, boutiques, bars, etc.). The tallest building is 39 storeys high, giving all residents a unique view of the sea. The other three buildings are designed so that each apartment has optimal light and panoramic views of the surrounding area.
NEO residents will enjoy a high standard of accommodation and leisure facilities:
- Spa and fitness facilities,
- Tennis court;
- Several swimming pools;
- Restaurants;
- 6-star hotel level apartment services;
- Marina and private beach club;
- Cinema room;
- 24 hour security, concierge and lobby;
- Underground car parking.
However, NEO is not the only complex that can be described as an 'oasis' in Cyprus. The list could include, from the largest to the smallest, YOO Limassol and Trilogy. These complexes also have magnificent architecture and modern levels of comfort, but are characterised by a clever approach to creating a single green space for living and recreation.
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