Passive environmental control strategies employed within and on the façade of the tower include sunshades that are positioned according to their orientation – horizontal, vertical, and diagonal – thus, mitigating heat gain in the summer and permitting direct sunlight during winter months. Atypical of skyscraper curtain walls is the triple pane glazing utilized, instead of the standard dual pane seen on the majority of towers. A critical decision in choosing this type of glazing stemmed from SOM’s goal to meet Seoul Green Guideline criteria. Internally, the building incorporates a chilled beam system whereby, thermally active hydronics transfer heat and cooling instead of air. The resultant system surpasses traditional air driven systems both in efficiency and human occupant comfort.
louvers are positioned at varying angles to reduce glass and provide
shading in the summer and to allow direct sunlight to warm the
building’s
interiors during the cold winter months. the exterior wall
utilizes three layers of glass instead of the typical two to decrease
energy loss through the facade.
an integrated active chilled beam system
transfers heating and cooling energy using water instead of air,
resulting in less consumption and
greater environmental comfort.
the diagonal megaframe structure defines the form and reduces
the amount of steel by 25 percent over a conventionally framed building.
the prismatic profile cuts wind forces by mitigating the effects of a
whirlwind on the leeway side of the edifice.
the tower is supported with
four massive piers at the corners allowing the lobby to be entirely free
of columns and to be visually connected to the
urban plaza across from
the yongsan train station.
exudes a modern take on structural expressionism
Rising to 343 meters, the diagonal structure serves more than visual stimuli. Somewhat similar to Norman Foster’s Hearst Tower in New York, the diagonal megaframe reduces the amount of steel required by over 25% when compared to conventionally framed buildings. In addition the non-linear vertical surface mitigates wind loading and vortices. Primary structural support is achieved via 4 piers at the corners of the building – which in turn opens up the interior lobby and atrium.