Pertamina, a state-owned energy company in Indonesia, has begun construction on its new company headquarters in Jakarta, a 99-storey “beacon of energy” that will serve as a new standard for sustainable development, said Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP, who recently released the design.
The US architectural and engineering firm noted that this is “the world’s first supertall tower for which energy is the primary design driver”.
The building maximises the benefits of the natural environment and its geographic location for its design features.
Looking like a silver bullet, the curved façade of the skyscraper was purposefully designed based on Jakarta’s proximity to the equator. This will mitigate solar heat gain all year round. Exterior sun shades, on the other hand, allow natural light in, saving energy by lessening the need for artificial light. It also enhances the working environment, said the firm.
At the outdoor covered walkway – aptly called the Energy Ribbon connecting public spaces such as an auditorium, gardens and mosque – the roof will also be installed with solar PV panels.
The highlight of the tower, though, is at the crown. Located at the tapering top of the building is a wind funnel to harness the prevailing increased winds at that height. The Pertamina Energy Tower will be 530 metres high, double that of Wisma 46, currently the tallest building in Indonesia.
There will also be a central energy plant in the tower, as well as a planned geothermal energy source.
The Pertamina Energy Tower is aiming for net zero energy use, reduced water demand and zero discharge as well.
Pertamina not only wants to change the Jakarta skyline, but also influence the environmental performance of buildings in the country. Skidmore noted that the tower is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 26 per cent and will generate renewable energy by 25 per cent by 2020.
Situated in the Rasuna Epicentrum area in Jakarta, the green building will be a sustainable complex that also promotes liveability. About 20,000 employees will congregate in the Pertamina Energy Tower and surrounding campus. This will be a “city within a city, blending together living, working, and playing, while serving as a model of sustainability, efficiency, and collaborative workplace design,” said the design firm.
