2024 - Project Zenith

“The time when something is strongest and most successful”
— Oxford Languages

Zenith, as an astronomical term, defines the highest point of a celestial body over an observer. It signifies our sun at its brightest, most powerful, bearing the most potential for growth. For us, achieving the zenith means reaching the apex of innovation, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. Taking advantage of the position of the sun—at its zenith and beyond—we propose a new way of introducing daylight into the innermost parts of a complex, using the latest innovation, aerogel bricks.

Achieving sufficient natural light within dwellings is a significant challenge for every architect and designer, especially in compact large multifamily residential buildings. These buildings increase energy efficiency by reducing heat losses, but a common issue is bringing daylight to the center. By implementing Zenith, we solve this problem while maintaining the desired energy efficiency.

In apartment blocks like these, bedrooms are commonly enclosed by four walls or placed deep inside the building, receiving little to no daylight. Our concept introduces a pleasant glimpse of natural light, without compromising on privacy. A touch of daylight seeping through the curtains will support the resident’s circadian rhythm, reducing the need to rely on other technologies, even on the lowest floors.

Aerogel bricks are capable of handling compressive strength and moderately slowing down heat transfer. Our design benefits from this unique combination. The bricks are strong enough to have load-bearing properties, allowing us to be more creative. In this case, the bricks are used to create light shafts between apartments and common areas. The translucent bricks provide natural light, while diffusion of the light ensures enough privacy both ways. Furthermore, the diffused light scattered by the silica aerogel gently illuminates the spaces, without risking disturbance from glare.

Concrete bricks with a reflective surface are used to redirect the natural light from the hallways, which often serve a temporary function, towards areas that are more frequently used, such as the bedrooms and kitchens. By implementing an alternating pattern of aerogel bricks and concrete bricks with a reflective surface inside the shaft, we ensure a balanced distribution of light within the dwelling.