Some accentuated features or highlights are so powerful that their impact is felt beyond the city and the region. One example is the Elithis Tower in Strasbourg. According to the owners, it is the first ‘energy positive’ high-rise in the world.
The nearly 57-metre-tall tower is changing 21st century building culture in France, technically and socially. This is because although the building has 63 apartments of various sizes at very affordable rents and focuses on a social mix, it is also outstanding due to its remarkable architecture, particularly sustainable energy concept and smart building technology. The decisive factor is the tower’s geometry and its facade. Its sides are angled; its footprint is polygonal. The orientation of all facade surfaces are dictated by the best option from an energy standpoint. The north side facing the old town is narrow, diagonally pointed to minimise the surface exposed to the wind. This facade is clad with vertical, matt reflective ALUCOBOND® naturAL tray panels, giving the tower an understated look and one which changes in response to the colour of the sky. The other facades meet at elongated corners to maximise the length of the sides and catch as much sun as possible. Their external cladding consists of glass elements, which also act as partial sun protection, is interspersed with 790 m² of PV modules. Black ALUCOBOND® tray panels complement the dark PV modules. The entire building features a dark to light colour gradient, a shift from solid to dematerialised, and a silhouette changing from understated to dominant. With additional PV modules on the roof, the building’s energy balance is close to zero. The residents can also use software to control all the smart home technology, heating, ventilation, lighting, blinds and electricity. They can access data about their individual energy consumption and the associated costs, and have hands-on control over it. Both technology and architecture focus on the user and the human factor. The top floor, at a height of 50 metres, is designed as a terrace for residents. The best place is therefore reserved for the community. A highlight and appropriate emphasis for our modern world, not just for Strasbourg.
Paul Herbert, Sales Manager 07584 680262
Project data:
Project: Tour Elithis, Strasbourg, France
Architect: XTU Architects
Fabricator: Atalu
Installer: Soprema
Façade System: Tray Panels on bolts
Year of Construction: 2018
Product: ALUCOBOND® A2 naturAL Brushed + solid Black
Photos: Elisabeth Leblanc