Master Focus «Architecture & Energy» – Project by Werner Weibel

The project is based on the idea of taking advantage of the omnipresent wind currents in Algiers and designing a building that, on the one hand, creates living space and, on the other, autonomously produces energy. The project is thus intended to form an antithesis to the creation of wind farms outsourced from the cities.

The location of the construction site on the steep slope of Mont Plaisant, offers an exceptional view of the Bay of Algiers as well as the hilly landscape surrounding the city. The elaborated structure is additionally exposed to the wind due to its height, in order to maximize the energy production in the form of vertical rotor wind turbines. The funnel-like ground plan conception leads to a further increase of the energy yield by using the Bernoulli effect. The building appears to the outside in two different ways. The funnel-like sides exposed to the wind are designed as plane, wind-conducting facades. The sides facing away from the wind, projecting and receding, protect the balconies, allowing their use despite the high wind speeds.

Floor plan Entrance

Floor plan Gateway

Floor plan floor unit

The two-storey balcony and living space is found as a leitmotif in each apartment. In a way, these act as a link for an adaptive living situation. It is possible to use about 50% of the apartments in two different forms. On the one hand, as a 7-room apartment for a large family, and on the other hand, as two 3-room units on top of each other, which share the large, two-story living space and balcony. This allows, for example, multi-generational living or creates the opportunity for two young couples or families to share an apartment. In combination with the other, diverse apartment sizes (2.5 to 8.5 room apartments), a wide variety of living scenarios are made possible for future residents.

Living room

Exposition / view

Kitchen upper floors

Wind speed / storage