Urban Green Light: A Sustainable Facade Installation

Revolutionizing Metal-Sheet Housing in Taiwan

The inspiration for Urban Green Light came from the ubiquitous metal-sheet houses found on rooftops throughout Taiwan. These spaces, often used as living areas, lack proper standards and contribute to an unappealing urban landscape. Chuang and Lee sought to alleviate these issues by creating a design that not only improves the aesthetics but also enhances the living conditions.

The strength of Urban Green Light lies in its modular and flexible nature. The modules, made from recycled plastic bottles, incorporate small solar panels, planters, and LED lights as needed. This allows the system to serve as an extra layer of the building skin, providing shading for windows and preventing excessive heat from entering the building envelope. The design also incorporates a breathable skin concept, utilizing wind funnels to increase ventilation and optimize the micro-climate of the built environment.

Realizing the design involved staggering the module units together and supporting them with lightweight metal frames. This allows for easy installation on any building facade, regardless of shape. The use of recycled plastic bottles not only makes the design eco-friendly but also economically viable for wider implementation.

Each module of Urban Green Light measures approximately 11.5mm x 11.5mm x 10mm, making it a compact and versatile solution for urban environments. The system consists of three module types, each combining different elements such as wind funnels, solar panels, and planters to create a cohesive and functional design.

Developing Urban Green Light presented its fair share of challenges. The designers had to consider the low cost of metal-sheet housing in Taiwan and create an additional installation that utilized low-cost materials while providing multifunctional performance. Through extensive research and the use of Ecotect thermal analysis software, Chuang and Lee were able to optimize the design's performance and ensure its effectiveness in reducing heat gain and improving thermal comfort.

The Urban Green Light project was completed in approximately three months, starting in July 2016 in Taiwan. Its ease of setup allows for quick installation, with the process taking as little as three hours. The design not only reduces the heat gain of metal-sheet houses but also transforms their destructive appearances, contributing to a more sustainable and visually appealing urban landscape.

Recognized for its excellence, Urban Green Light was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2017. This prestigious accolade is given to well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The design's integration of industry best practices and competent technical characteristics showcases its commitment to creating a better world.