Japan Sustainable Building Database

Mirror duct for natural light

Natural light for the underground staff canteen is captured through openings above ground, carried through high efficient light duct, and delivered from the side, marking a bright and clean dining space. This system uses one of the largest mirror ducts in Japan, with a lateral light emitting surface measuring 3m in height by 24.9m in length. As well as being used as a place of relaxation for office workers, this facility also stands as a symbol of environmental consideration.

"Hight-tech curtain wall": double-glazing with advanced active control systems

 

A "hi-tech curtain wall", which serves as the face of the building, is a perimeter system for automatic control of heat, light and wind in accordance with weather conditions. A combination of energy saving and comfort is assured by these "all-in-one" window surrounds, with active devices ("horizontal and vertical louvers + Low-ε glass + air barrier" for controlling thermal load, "electric-powered blinds all with different slat angles" for controlling light, and an "electric-powered ventilation device" that takes in natural wind) incorporated in the outer skin.