The Crystal Hall

The Crystal Hall, a big but small home, is an essay on light, nature & history. It integrates sustainability, reuses material, and uses disadvantaged local talent. It has the world's first residential windmill towers, proprietary use of two layers of high-performance recycled glass with a rainforest of non-invasive vegetation species within, thermal insulation technology & rainwater utilization — thus creating a glocal (global + local) building. Glass —which can be recycled endlessly without loss of quality or clarity, recreates bioclimatic conditions that help tackle climate change while using modern materials that are culturally, emotionally and ecologically conscious. Despite its use of state-of-the-art technology, the total cost of $22 per square foot makes it one of the least expensive buildings of its genre anywhere. This is paleomodern (paleo = first) architecture – modern but inspired by history, incorporating the Golden Mean and Square proportions, variety, balance, repetition, emphasis, movement, harmony, pattern and contrast. The building follows a zero-waste policy and is a perfect example of socially responsible architecture. Everything was handmade - providing employment to the poorest indigenous people of color while preserving the skillsets of neighbouring artisans. Materials chosen were eco-friendly, long-lasting, and in keeping with the architectural theme. The main materials were recycled glass and brick, both of which were sourced within a 10-kilometer radius. It has become an ecological magnet for wildlife like peacock, mongoose, snakes and sometimes even a deer or two.