Manchester’s Tower of Light an Icon of Sustainable Energy
30/6/23
Ten years of innovation and research have gone into Manchester's striking Tower of Light, the largest built shell lace structure to date. A symbol of the city's commitment to sustainability, the 40 metre tall tower saves Manchester 1,600 tonnes of carbon emissions per year.
Award Winning Design
The winner of the 2022 Building Beauty Award, the nine storey Tower of Light supports and encloses the flues for a new low-carbon energy centre. Created by pioneering architects Tonkin Liu in collaboration with engineering specialists Arup, the design takes inspiration from nature. The eye-catching shell lace design uses six and eight millimetre thick flat steel sheets, laser cut and welded to create a lightweight but exceptionally strong structure. The Wall of Energy which encompasses the energy centre is a 63 metre long, 4- 6 metre height street facade. The Tower of Light has garnered significant positive attention winning multiple awards, including the Structural Design Awards and Public Realm Civic Trust Award in 2022.
A Sustainability Icon
From design to construction, sustainability has been at the heart of the Tower of Light. The energy centre it encompasses serves heating to several local landmarks, including Bridgewater Hall, the central library and convention centre, and Manchester Town Hall. The centre produces enough energy to supply a two-kilometre area, making it a highly efficient source of heat and power. The heat from the power generating CHP engine creates hot water distributed via insulated district pipework across the city. The Energy Centre contains a highly efficient 3.3MWe CHP engine with two backup 12MW gas boilers. Further low/zero carbon energy technologies can be incorporated into the centre in the future - including green gas, hydrogen fuel and heat pumps.
Located in part of Manchester's historic district, the tower also uses minimal energy - with natural light playing an environmental and aesthetic role. During the day polished reflectors reflect sunlight into the tower chambers, filling the building with natural, moving light. At night a pre-programmed sequence of LED lights illuminates the building. During events of cultural significance, the low energy lights will use different colours to create a landmark illumination that meets Manchester's low-carbon ambition and Climate Change Action Plan.
Modern Methods of Construction
The structure was fabricated by Shawton Engineering, with the intricate welding completed by highly experienced operatives. Darwen Terracotta, one of the most well known terracotta companies in the UK, created the ceramic tiles for the tower. Advanced digital modelling, analysis and precision fabrication were used throughout to achieve the highly intricate and detailed design. Located in an area that has undergone significant redevelopment over recent years, the Tower of Light is designed as a symbol of the city's goal of becoming zero carbon by 2038.
For more information: www.tonkinliu.co.uk