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A Towering Observation Point with Expansive Open Spaces Surrounded by Community Amenities

Authors:
Alexandrea Volungus, Gavin Reeb
A Towering Observation Point with Expansive Open Spaces Surrounded by Community Amenities

Project in-detail

The 450-meter tower offers a panoramic observation deck and a 12-meter-tall open workspace that accommodates 10,000 employees, seamlessly integrating vibrant community amenities within a pedestrian-friendly environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
450-meter height provides extensive views of San Francisco Bay.
02
The main workspace is designed as a single 12-meter-tall open area.
03
Integration of retail and dining options supports community engagement.
04
A pedestrian-friendly street promotes social interaction among users.
05
Offers capacity for up to 10,000 employees in a collaborative environment.

SILICON presents a thoughtful response to the needs of Silicon Valley’s creative workforce, blending vertical and horizontal design elements. Situated along the salt ponds at the southern edge of San Francisco Bay, the project redefines the office environment through its tall structure and spacious layouts. It combines a prominent tower with an expansive open space, focusing on collaboration and innovation within a corporate setting.

Landmark Tower

The central feature of SILICON is a tower that reaches 450 meters in height, serving as both a visual landmark and an observation point. With its significant height, the tower offers views that extend across the bay, making it a recognizable part of the skyline. This vertical element contrasts with typical sprawling office campuses in the region, showcasing a modern perspective on high-occupancy workplaces.

Flexible Workspace

At the heart of the design is a 12-meter-tall open workspace that maximizes natural light and flexibility. This layout is designed to accommodate up to 10,000 employees, allowing for different configurations that can adapt to various organizational styles. The focus on openness promotes collaboration, enabling creative teams to work effectively in a shared environment.

Mixed-Use Amenities

Complementing the main tower is a three-story structure that houses ground-level restaurants, cafes, and shops, adding to the community atmosphere. The upper floors are reserved for smaller startups and companies, encouraging interactions between established and emerging businesses. This arrangement promotes an environment where ideas can flow freely, fostering innovation and connections among different users.

Pedestrian Thoroughfare

Linking the two buildings is a pedestrian-friendly street that extends for half a kilometer. Designed to encourage movement and social interaction, this thoroughfare serves as a vital connection within the development. It embodies the essence of Silicon Valley's collaborative spirit, making it not just a workplace but a space where people can come together.

The design features large glass windows that bring in natural light and create visual connections with the outside. This ensures a welcoming atmosphere while enhancing the quality of the work environment. Elements like these contribute to an experience that is centered on openness and connection, crucial for today's workplace culture.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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