The new design concept by US-based eco architectural designer Michael Jantzen, is another instance of his futuristic and eco-conscious vision. The structure will be completely powered by wind and sun, featuring a huge vertical axis wind turbine mounted on the top, along with an array of photovoltaic cells.
The wind turbine and photovoltaic cells will meet the electricity requirement of the Coffee House. A geo-thermal heat pump is also employed for warming and cooling the structure. The new retail coffeehouse will also feature an option for rainwater gathering and storage for use in and around the facility. All the gray water from the facility will be recycled. Toilets in this coffee house are designed to be either a composing type or water saving type.
The Solar Winds Coffee House will be constructed from sustainable materials appropriate for the region in which it is built. The central cylindrical portion of the structure houses a central counter and serving area, with tables and seating arranged around the perimeter. Restrooms and storage closets will also be featured.
The central service area will be well-lit with a large skylight and natural ventilation system above it. Outside the structure, at the north facing deck shaded by a large undulating roof, additional tables and seating will be featured. This shade is made of seven large ribbon-like canopies. The shape of the undulating canopies is inspired by the idea of solar winds blowing over the structure to activate the wind turbine.
Michael Jantzen is an internationally known artist/ designer whose work has been featured in hundreds of articles in books, magazines and newspapers from around the world. Some of his designs have been exhibited at the National Building Museum, the Canadian Center for Architecture, and at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
