Lowcarbon
An overview of projects, products and exclusive articles about lowcarbon
Project • By REAL Architects • Pavilions
The SEED
At the end of April 2026, West Bund Central Phase II, at the northern reach of Shanghai's Xuhui Waterfront cultural corridor, officially opened, with “THE SEED”, the world’s first double-curved twisted glulam dome, as the spiritual landmark of the neighborhood — opening its doors to the public. THE SEED sits at the geometric center of the terraced landscape of West Bund Central Phase II, and it forms a brand-new landscape anchor in Xuhui Waterfront's urban regeneration. The main structure features a dome woven from 96 spiraling, intertwined glulam timber members, evoking a seed sprouting upward through the soil. Inside, a pure space measuring approximately 17 meters in diameter and 12 meters in height accommodates a... More
News • News • 25 Jun 2026
Top Five Multi-Residence Buildings with Paris-Proof principles and Low-Carbon Design Strategies
As the building industry steps up to fight climate change, more residential buildings are being designed to meet performance levels compatible with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreements. This involves improving energy efficiency with better insulation and green energy, as well as choosing materials with a lower carbon footprint.
Despite varying grading systems across countries, the main objective remains the same: reducing daily energy use and construction emissions.
As we build more housing globally, these projects prove that hitting climate targets is actually doable. The following residential projects illustrate how these sustainable principles are being applied across scales, from single-family homes to large-scale housing develop... More
News • News • 21 Jun 2026
Top Five Homes Demonstrating Paris-Proof and Low-Carbon Design Strategies
Residential architecture is progressively implementing techniques that reduce carbon emissions as the built environment attempts to lessen its impact on climate change. From adaptive reuse and bio-based materials to passive design and renewable energy systems, architects are finding diverse ways to create homes that align with long-term climate goals.
While approaches vary depending on climate, location, and building type, the following homes demonstrate how low-carbon and Paris-Proof principles can be applied at a domestic scale, showing that sustainable living can be achieved through careful material choices, energy-conscious design, and strategies that support adaptability and longevity.
1. Chalet 19 Alpe Cermis, Italy
J... More
News • News • 2 Apr 2026
Top 5 Adaptive Reuse Buildings Aligning with Paris-Proof Carbon Targets
As the architecture and construction sectors work to reduce their climate impact, adaptive reuse is increasingly being recognized as one of the most effective ways to align buildings with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement. In technical terms, a Paris-Proof approach combines two core ambitions: reducing operational energy demand and emissions through better envelopes, efficient systems, electrification, and renewable energy, while also lowering embodied carbon by retaining existing structures, avoiding demolition, and limiting the use of new high-impact materials.
Located in different countries, the following projects show that adaptive reuse can support Paris-Proof ambitions through a combination of structural retention, low... More
Project • By Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios • Offices
Heart Of The City Sheffield
The Heart of the City is the centrepiece of Sheffield’s central redevelopment. Imagined by Sheffield City Council with strategic development partner Queensberry, it is where Sheffield’s heart truly beats.
The masterplan, designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios, brings together three interwoven elements: Elshaw House – a flagship office building; The Cambridge Street Collective – a social destination for gathering; and Leah’s Yard – studios housed within historic metalworkers' workshops. Each has its own distinct style – and a unique story to tell.
These sustainable new buildings respond thoughtfully to their historical context. Modern structures reference the city’s industrial past, while... More