In December 2011, China’s Broad Sustainable Building Company built a “T30” 30-story hotel prototype in 15 days. Despite the time constraint, Broad managed to lower construction waste and to increase the building’s sustainability.
The main reason construction is so rapid is because much of the building is assembled in factories before being shipped to the construction grounds. According to Julia Jiang, VP of Broad Group, “93% of the hotel is in our factory… down to lights and the kitchen sink.” Overall, this process takes 45 days, but there are benefits. A “Lego” approach reduces outdoor pollution and safety hazards- there is no welding or cutting. The construction pollution generated is 1% that of a standard hotel project.
The inside is sustainable, too. The T30 is energy efficient due to the addition of four pane windows and 6-inch (15 cm) exterior thermal insulation. Jang says these measures will “reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 2,000 metric tons a year based on savings in electricity.” There are no sacrifices on the customers’ part, either: the heat recovery powers the triple filter air purifier. Broad has also made the hotel magnitude 9 resistant to earthquakes, more proof of its commitment to safety.
This is the 12th Broad project to be completed in Lego fashion. In the future, BSBC hopes to build a low-carbon community. The $1.6 billion (USD) project would accommodate up to 100,000 people and include public service and commercial buildings. “Anyway, many buildings are coming,” assures Jiang.