French Dream Towers

France-based studio XTU Architects bring their signature bio-façade technology into a developing area of Hangzhou, China through the French Dream Towers.

Defined by four twisting glass towers with spanning panels embellished with micro-algae, the French Dream Towers combines offices, co-working spaces, markets, restaurants, and a public park all into a 34,100 sqm floor area.

Water as one of the most prominent features of the city of Hangzhou meant that the organic and gracious motions of water shall be continued, updated, and highlighted throughout the design of the towers. Hence, a common base starts with a floating and undulating form, eventually emerging into four different towers that rise into a general torsion movement.

The first tower dedicated to gastronomy features a fusion of Haute and French cuisine with a bio-fresh and a panoramic bar. The second tower, a one-stop-shop for hospitality needs, includes a hotel, health care center, beauty salon, cosmetic shops, and a spa. Art enthusiasts may immediately head to the third tower – complete with an art gallery, digital art exhibitions, and even residences for artists. Finally, the fourth tower features the French Technology Hub with co-working spaces, digital clusters, start-up accelerators, and other offices.

The studio takes pride in its patent-pending bio-façade technology, a process that integrates the culture of micro-algae into building facades – something that XTU Architects have been doing for several years. This technology embraces symbiosis, solar energy, and natural ventilation throughout the building, by using its accumulated thermal energy to sustain the culture temperature of algae, all the while offering much better insulation on its façade.

Accumulating the greenhouse gases throughout the building is an array of trees populating the topmost portion of all its towers. These roof gardens can be reached by ascending the steps on two sides of the roof starting from the ground up. Aside from air purification, these roof gardens also serve as resting areas for both visitors and occupants – a worthwhile view that resulted from an aerial walk.

The allure of glass in building design and technology is truly impeccable, however, glass towers may deem problematic as they continuously allow heat to escape only to gain it back through solar glare. With the algae-ridden, bio-façade technology of French Dream Towers, the downside of glass louvers turned to its own advantage that generates shade, insulation, and renewable energy.