DESIGN AND TECHNICAL ELECTIVE

REPORT ON

“CANTILEVER TREE BALCONIES IN HIGH RISE BUILDINGS”

Submitted by

Ms. VAISHNAVI NOMULA

FOURTH YEAR – B.ARCH

YEAR: 2020-2021

DR. D.Y PATIL COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE, AKURDI

 DECLARATION BY THE STUDENT

I the undersigned solemnly declare that the project report on CANTILEVER TREE

BALCONY IN HIGH RISE BUILDINGS is based on my own work carried out during the

course of our study under the supervision of my guide. I assert the statements made and

conclusions drawn are an outcome of my research work. I further certify that

I. The work contained in the report is original and has been done by me under the

general supervision of my supervisor.

II. The work has not been submitted to any other Institution for any other

degree/diploma/certificate in this university or any other University of India or

abroad.

III. We have followed the guidelines provided by the university in writing the report.

IV. Whenever we have used materials (data, theoretical analysis, and text) from other

sources, we have given due credit to them in the text of the report and giving their

details in the references.

Place: Pune

Date: 15/11/2020 Vaishnavi Nomula

 ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I would like to express my deepest appreciation to all those who provided me the possibility

to complete this report. A special gratitude I give to our fourth year project manager,

Ar. Ashirwad korde Sir, whose contribution in stimulating suggestions and encouragement,

helped me to coordinate my project especially in writing this report. Furthermore, I would

also like to acknowledge with much appreciation the crucial role of the staff who gave the

permission to use all required equipment and the necessary materials to complete the task. A

special thanks goes to my teammates, who help me to assemble the parts and gave suggestion

about the task. I have to appreciate the guidance given by other supervisor as well as the

panels especially in our project presentation that has improved our presentation skills thanks

to their comment and advices.

Vaishnavi Nomula
Contents
1 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................. 5
1.1 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................... 5
1.2 AIM AND OBJECTIVE ............................................................................................................... 6
1.3 NEED OF THE PROJECT ............................................................................................................ 6
1.4 ISSUE IDENTIFICATION ............................................................................................................ 7
1.5 METHEDOLOGY ....................................................................................................................... 8
1.6 LIMITATION ............................................................................................................................. 8
1.7 SCOPE ............................................................................................................................................ 9
2 CHAPTER 2: CASE STUDIES ............................................................................................................ 10
2.1 CASE STUDY ON BOSCO VERTICALE IN MILAN, ITALY. ........................................................ 10
2.2 CASE STUDY ON L’ARBRE BLANC IN MONTPELLIER, FRANCE. .............................................. 12
2.3 OFFICE BUILDING IN NICE, FRANCE ...................................................................................... 15
3 CHAPTER 3: DATA COLLECTION .................................................................................................... 18
3.1 Services used for vertical forest. ........................................................................................... 18
3.1.1 DRIP IRRIGATION........................................................................................................... 18
3.1.2 RAINWATER HARVESTING............................................................................................. 19
4 CHAPTER 4: SITE SELECTION ............................................................................................................ 20
5 CHAPTER 5: DESIGN PROPOSAL .................................................................................................... 21
6 CHAPTER6: CONCLUSION ................................................................................................................... 23
7. CHAPTER 7: REFERENCES .................................................................................................................. 24
Bibliography .......................................................................................................................................... 24
1 CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Cities are getting bigger and denser while buildings are getting bigger and taller.

There is a growing significance of environmental issues such as urban island effects

and reduction in energy consumption, which are relevant to dense urbanization. While

high-rise buildings as a typology have evolved to become predominant nowadays,

there are several challenges to meet.

Vegetation plays an important role in its special function as energy balance and

improves human health in urban areas as air quality improves and temperature is

better controlled. The benefits of vegetation in buildings are similar to ordinary

vegetation in cities. It has become an important new construction principle to increase

the liveability and sustainability of modern buildings both outdoor and indoor . In

densely populated regions, where green areas are scarce and open ground space is

limited, the concept of integrating nature into high-rise buildings represents an

innovative and sustainable opportunity for green infrastructure in cities. Innovation in

Green technology can protect building façades, which are under permanent

environmental influences such as sun and rain, and which may damage the façades

and reduce their service life.

1.2 AIM AND OBJECTIVE

To provide Cantilever tree balconies in high rise buildings of urban areas.

OBJECTIVES:

 To research and study about existing high-rise buildings having cantilever tree

balconies.

 To study more about what type of trees can be provided and their maintenance.

 To study about how can we create interesting façade using these balconies.

 To study about the watering process and services provided.

 To conserve trees as much as possible and considering them while constructing a

structure.

 To provide a calm and healthy space in urban life so that every individual will have a

greenery space around them.

1.3 NEED OF THE PROJECT

 Generally, in urban areas like Mumbai and Pune there is no greenery around us due to the

construction of high-rise buildings.

 Due to which environmental degradation is taking place as it is all inter-linked. Trees

control climate by moderating the effects of the sun, rain and wind. Leaves absorb and

filter the sun’s radiant energy, keeping things cool in summer.

 Trees also lower the air temperature and reduce the heat intensity of the greenhouse effect

by maintaining low levels of carbon dioxide.

 According to the USDA Forest Service, “Trees properly placed around buildings can

reduce air conditioning needs by 30% and save 20-50 percent in energy used for heating.”

 It helps in purifying air and helps in providing clean air even in urban cities such as
 Bombay, Bangalore, Delhi and many more which are facing pollution problems.

 It helps in Humidification of internal air.

1.4 ISSUE IDENTIFICATION

An actual problem caused in the urban areas is no greenery existing in its surroundings which

is caused because of the rapid development of construction causing deforestation and also

effecting the complete eco-system gradually.

By promoting Cantilever tree balconies in high rise buildings that will help even in façade

designing and also provides greenery and calm space.

It will act as a sign of eco-friendly construction by increasing the number of plants we grow

in every constructed building. A step towards eco-friendly living.

Figure 1 Yancheng Vertical Forest (Canografias)

 Figure 2 Dyskusje o uprawie konopi (Haszysz.com)

1.5 METHEDOLOGY

 Cantilevering tree balconies can be constructed by placing a generous number of trees

in the facade front area.

 This is achieved by constructing a projected balcony.

 These platforms will have the depth that is sufficient to support the root structure as

well as the required amount of soil.

 These may have soils up to the level of the safety railing. As now a day’s clients are

preferring more green architecture considering environmental conditions.

1.6 LIMITATION

 Need to maintain and water the shrubs and plants regularly.

 Proper drain system should be provided so that no leakage problem occurs.

 Only selective trees, shrubs and plants can be provided based on climatic conditions

and their maintenance.

 Need more attention for their maintenance during rainy seasons.

1.7 SCOPE

 It is considered as a sustainable development in the field of construction.

 Plants used for vertical greenery are more likely to be hardwood species to adjust

solar radiation during cooling and heating periods, as well as for aesthetic pleasure.

 It improves the quality of environment in urban areas.

 Helps in reducing energy consumption of a building, thus reducing carbon-dioxide

and global warming to help the climate change.

 It helps in creating the seamless transition between the indoor and outdoor.

 Also creates favorable microclimatic conditions.

 Green waste from the building can be used as a manure

 Studies have shown with proper design and selection strategies of plants in vertical

gardening systems, the energy performance of high-rise buildings can be improved.

2 CHAPTER 2: CASE STUDIES

2.1 CASE STUDY ON BOSCO VERTICALE IN MILAN, ITALY.

The Bosco Verticale in Milan, Italy, supports one of the most intensive living green facades

ever realized. The combination of its sophisticated plant section, the deployment of greenery

in all orientations, the structural design to accommodate the plants, and the maintenance,

safety, and the irrigation systems, represents one of the most innovative tall building projects

in recent memory.

The projects consist of two residential towers, 27 and 18 floors high respectively,

characterized by the presence of dense vegetation along their outer envelopes. There are

about 20,000 specimens, including about 700 trees up to six meters high, installed both

towers. All the plants take root in containers located on the external side of deep cantilevered

terraces, which are directly accessible from each residential apartment. Acting as an

extension of the exterior envelope of the towers, the plant represents a filter between the

interior of the towers and the urban environment. From inside, the plantings offer inhabitants

a special experience of their terraces, which are pleasantly shaded by luxuriant tree crowns

and a green filtered view to the city, in addition to an enhanced feeling of privacy. The

envelope of the project is an active interface to the environment, with special architectural

quality. The dynamism of plant life is also expressed in the combination of forms and colours

that derives from careful selection & distribution of different species and specimens, which

changes over the seasons and the years. The greenery of the plantings is emphasized and
underscored by the grey colour of the exterior walls, making the plants the protagonists visual

environmental, and ultimately societal impact.

Figure 3 Bosco Verticale (Wikipedia)

Figure 4 'Vertical forest' Skyscrapers coming to Milan (4goodnews.wordpress.com)

2.2 CASE STUDY ON L’ARBRE BLANC IN MONTPELLIER, FRANCE .

Inspired by nature, the tower L’Arbre Blanc or the White Tree is the culmination of bright

whiteness of the rocks of France and the flawlessness and enhancement of Japanese culture

The dimensions of the balconies – that branch off the building like a trunk - highlight the aim

to embrace the outdoors, as do the leaves of a tree that fold out in pursuit of the sunlight. The

lavish balconies also an answer the need to have environmental solutions closely tailored to

the ‘ecology of the south’. Creating an effective veil for the façade, they provide the

necessary shade and break up skew winds to help air circulate more harmoniously. The many

balconies and pergolas encourage the idea of outdoor living and allow a new type of

relationship between the residents and the environment.

“It is nature where we find the building blocks of intelligent life,” believes architect Manal

Rachdi.

The structure is inspired by that of a tree, with branches (balconies) hanging off the

apartments and shades that grow out of and protect its façade. The detailed attention paid to

its setting, and to the native ways of life, guided Fujimoto all through the design phase.The

numerous branches or balconies of L'Arbre Blanc incorporate the porches, whose cantilevers

are up to 7.5 meter-long, making it a technical innovation. The architects took a new

approach to tower living for this mixed-use development. From the initial phase, there was a

focus on public space, including extending a landscaped park along the Lez River and

opening the tower up to the public. The 17-storey building aims to be accessible to all the
people of Montpellier, and with people taking ownership of the tower, it will become an

object of pride for the residents of Montpellier, and a tourist attraction.

Figure 5 L'Arbre Blanc by sou Fujimoto (Wikipedia)

Figure 6 L'Arbre blanc by sou fujimoto (Pinterest)

Figure 7 L'Arbre blanc (Wikipedia)
2.3 OFFICE BUILDING IN NICE, FRANCE

 Architects: Nicolas Laisné & Dimitri Roussel

 Project: OFFICE BUILDING

 Location: Nice, France

 SURFACE AREA: 7000 sqm

 LOCATION: Nice, France

 STATUS: Winner

 Architects in charge: Julie Siol, Stella Buisan, Aglaé Boukouvalas, Leticia Martinez Velasco

 ENGINEER : GRONTMIJ (Nice, France)

 DESIGN AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING : LE SOMMER ENVIRONNEMENT (Paris,

France)

 LANDSCAPING : TAMGRAM Paysage (Marseille, France)

 PERSPECTIVE: Tamàs Fischer

The project started with a strong statement of intent: to re-think the way an office block is

traditionally organized. Circulation which usually occurs in the centre has been diverted to the

facades. In this way, the building is completely open to its environment. Thanks to the many

terraces, all building users will enjoy stunning vistas. Office workers can meet on these balconies for

informal meetings and to take in the views. In this way, working outdoors and making the most of

the Mediterranean climate will become second nature.

The architecture of the building intelligently caters for collective and personal needs, with a focus on

comfort and adapting to the local climate. Essential elements, such as vertical circulation, elevator

shafts, toilets and technical premises are efficiently distributed so as to free up the other surfaces. The

poles and girders system of construction creates open spaces: either large spaces which can house

entire companies or partitions.

The office block with terraces in the Nice Méridia ZAC (urban development zone) has been designed

to set the bar for bioclimatic office buildings.

Figure 8 Elevation of Office building (aasarchitecture)

Figure 9 Balcony views (aasarchitecture)

The facades serve as an interface between outside and inside, providing better control over the

building’s indoor climate. The South-facing facade has been designed with more prominent

overhanging elements to shade it from the sun; it includes a staircase and is covered in plants facing

the Merida courtyard. The facade at the heart of the island, facing West, has been designed with

deeper balconies (the light hitting these areas is more horizontal). The plants on this facade shade

building users from the view of residential buildings in the island opposite.

Figure 10 Sectional views (aasarchitecture)

Figure 11 Services according to different climatic conditions (aasarchitecture)

3 CHAPTER 3: DATA COLLECTION

3.1 Services used for vertical forest.

3.1.1 DRIP IRRIGATION

Drip irrigation is a type of micro-irrigation system that has the potential to save water and

nutrients by allowing water to drip slowly to the roots of plants, either from above

the soil surface or buried below the surface. The goal is to place water directly into the root

zone and minimize evaporation. Drip irrigation systems distribute water through a network

of valves, pipes, tubing, and emitters. Depending on how well designed, installed,

maintained, and operated it is, a drip irrigation system can be more efficient than other

types of irrigation systems, such as surface irrigation or sprinkler irrigation.

Figure 12 Drip Irrigation System (Pinterest)

.
3.1.2 RAINWATER HARVESTING

During heavy rains and rainy season the balcony area might get filled with the rain water

during this time the water will pass through the traps provide on the floor and get collected

in the basement where the water is stored and will get filtered again and used for the

irrigation system.

Figure 13 Rain Water Harvesting Methods (Pinterest)

 4 CHAPTER 4: SITE SELECTION

Figure 14 Location of the Selected Site (Maps)

The site is located near Bengaluru – Mumbai Highway opposite to the MCA Cricket Stadium, Pune,

Maharashtra.
5 CHAPTER 5: DESIGN PROPOSAL

PROPOSED FLOOR PLAN FOR THE HIGH-RISE BUILDING IN PUNE

SIDE VIEW OF HIGH-RISE BUILDING

 FRONT ELEVATION VIEW

SIDE VIEW OF TREE BALCONY

6 CHAPTER6: CONCLUSION

The space of modern cities is becoming more and more dense. In many parts of the world, many

metropolises experience urban phenomena called urban sprawl. Greenery systems in architectural

design are an important element of many modern projects in the world. They are a necessity when

developing large metropolitan cities, they compensate for the loss of biologically active areas, and

reduce the outflow of rainwater to the sewerage system and the cost of building exploitation.

This situation encourages the vertical propagation of greenery, which adds green areas without taking

up additional surface area. It is also important that the concrete frame of a building would be one of

many similar buildings if not for its original vertical garden. Buildings that have green balconies or

vegetation integrated with the façade are characterized by many beneficial factors. These benefits vary

depending on many things, such as: geographical location, climate, building geometry, plant orientation

and suspension systems. Finally, it can be stated that high-rise buildings designed as "vertical gardens"

use space and urban resources more effectively, and at the same time, with high economical costs, create

a more user friendly and habitable place. Ecological high-rise buildings with vertical gardens designed

by eminent architects such as Nicolas Laisné & Dimitri Roussel inspire other architects, designers and

developers and raise an important subject for considering the problem of sustainable construction in the

aspect of the use of green façades in the future.

However there is still a lack of knowledge of how to deploy tall growing plants such as trees along

high-rise building facades. From a botanical viewpoint, plant selection and planting strategies should

be done with care, relating to the naturally available species in the region, but also with respect to the

physiology and the root system. Considering plant characteristics and environmental conditions, a

recommendation on planting strategies is presented for future development of vertical green systems.
7. CHAPTER 7: REFERENCES

4goodnews.wordpress.com. (n.d.).

aasarchitecture. (n.d.).

Canografias. (n.d.).

Haszysz.com, F. (n.d.).

Maps, G. (n.d.).

Pinterest. (n.d.).

Wikipedia. (n.d.).

Bibliography
4goodnews.wordpress.com. (n.d.).

aasarchitecture. (n.d.).

Cano, D. (2016). Sustainable comfort, prefabricated complex forms and a house you can’t see for the
trees - Yancheng “Vertical Forest”. Yancheng.

Canografias. (n.d.).

Giacomello, E. (January 2015). Case study: Bosco verticale, milan: A new urban forest rises in Milan.
Milan, Italy.

Haszysz.com, F. (n.d.).

Maps, G. (n.d.).

Pinterest. (n.d.).

Siol, J. (2018). NL*A Paris has revealed the plans for its New Office Building in Nice. Nice, France.

Wang, X. (2020). Vertical greenery systems: from plants to trees with self-growing interconnections.
Springer Link.

Wikipedia. (n.d.).