The 10th edition of the PLGBC Green Building Symposium under the theme "Climate Emergency" was accompanied by the announcement of the results of the PLGBC Green Building Awards 2020 competition. The idea behind the competition, organized by the Polish Green Building Association, and the awards granted in it, is to promote modern solutions for sustainable construction.
Thecompetition, intended for companies in the construction and real estate industry, is the only initiative of its kind that recognizes the best green building projects in Poland. This year's edition covered buildings and interiors designed and constructed in Poland, as well as construction materials, finishes, installations and building equipment available in Poland over the past two years. Students could also submit their projects.
The statues were prepared by Horizone Studio
© PLGBC
The jury, composed of Prof. Ewa Kuryłowicz, Katarzyna Dulko-Gaszyna, Ewelina Jaskulska, Anna Baczkowska, Ph. Anna Bać, Danuta Barańska, Justyna Biernacka, Aleksandra Latocha, Alicja Leszczyńska, Jakub Lewkowicz, Jerzy Wójcik, Dominika Zielińska evaluated the submitted works both in terms of values related to ecological construction and sustainable development, as well as architectural and aesthetic qualities. Attention was also paid to innovative solutions. Statues for the winners of the PLGBC Green Building Awards 2020 competition, as last year, were designed and prepared by Horizone Studio.
Category 1 - Best completed
certified ecological building
© PLGBC
Winner: SPARK
project: Kuryłowicz & Associates
investor: Skanska Property Poland
As we read in Jerzy Wojcik's justification:
Building B of the Spark complex is an example of an extremely successful combination of care for the environment and the needs of users and consideration of the voice of the local community. The LEED certification obtained and the WELL pre-certification confirm the high standard of the building in terms of sustainable construction. Contributing to this were water and energy conservation and landscaping designed with environmental sensitivity, resulting in the building being awarded LEED v2009 certification at the highest possible Platinum level. In addition, thanks to community consultation, the space around the building takes into account the expectations of local residents and features a public plaza, an amphitheater and an open outdoor workspace. Spark B is also adapted to users with different needs and has been certified as a "Barrier-Free Facility."
honorable mention: BUSINESS GARDEN POZNAŃ
project: Arcade Polska
investor: Vastint Poland
The jury noted the scale of the development, which includes five buildings, as well as the high-quality public space created from a combination of greenery, and pedestrian space, alluding in its character to a garden. As part of the scoring, the energy efficiency of the facilities was particularly highly rated. The complex also stood out for its extraordinary attention to the promotion of sustainable transportation, with 640 parking spaces for bicycles on the site, as well as infrastructure to make it easier for tenants to use this mode of transportation.
Category 2 - Best green building without certification (or pre-certified)
© PLGBC
award-winner: Żółty Słonik kindergarten in Suwałki
design: XY studio
investor: Fabryki Mebli Forte
As Aleksandra Latocha's justification reads:
It is extremely important that the teaching of ecology empirically includes the youngest. This element is fully met by the project of the kindergarten "Yellow Elephant". It stole the hearts of the jury with the fact that in almost every element one can see full concern for the small users. Examples include shaded terraces for playing in the backyard or materials that are safe for children (in terms of composition and functionality). Another element worthy of mention is the presence of places where toddlers can interact with nature: a greenhouse, gardens or a wind farm. The project is focused on the efficient use of sunlight. The proposed solutions are simple, but perfectly thought out. What's more, the kindergarten functions as a facility next to the workplace, so that children's transportation is simultaneous with parents' transportation to the workplace. The visual layer ensures the development of children's creativity and unorthodox thinking. The jurors said that they themselves would be happy to send their children to such a kindergarten as "Yellow Elephant."
honorable mention: Zacisze Leśne House
project: trabendo.
investor: private
The Zacisze Forest House won the jury's praise for its comprehensive approach to the topic of sustainable construction, aesthetics and functionality, as well as its inclusiveness to the various needs of a multi-generational family. What distinguishes the building most is its conditioning for self-sufficiency in two scopes, crucial for Poland: energy and water.
