Toshima Ecomusee Town combines regional government offices and high-rise high-density residential storeys. The project is part of a renovation programme of a Toshima city building led by Toshima ward. It is the first case of renovating a public building and achieves “no expense” for the city building construction through highly efficient utilization of the premises. In detail, the city hall functions are gathered in the lower level of the building, and residential storeys at higher levels were sold (partially provided to the former landowners). Income from the residential part was allocated for the city hall area construction. The scheme was proposed by Nihon Sekkei and subsequently adopted. Toshima city building is located near one of the largest terminal stations “Ikebukuro”, so it is very convenient for Toshima residents and users of facilities. For the project Kengo Kuma designed the façade and his image sketch shows the building enveloped by a veil. The veil is both decorative and conveys a green city image. It is named “ECO VEIL”. (Arch. Masao Kuroki, Nihon Sekkei Inc.) PV systems are integrated into the ECO VEIL, the roof and the balconies of the upper residential areas. At the design stage, experience with PV panel installation and results were gathered broadly from within the company and outside the company, before the design was finalized. During the construction stage, after close and frequent meetings with Taisei (General Contractor) and Asahi building-wall (Façade Contractor), the final design and construction method were specified.

Source: Successful Building Integration of Photovoltaics – A Collection of International Projects