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Air Cleansing Tower with Hempcrete and Titanium Dioxide Strategies for Urban Health

Authors:
Alexander Herrera-rojas, Kasia Ziolkowska, Jorge luis Socha
Air Cleansing Tower with Hempcrete and Titanium Dioxide Strategies for Urban Health

Project in-detail

Incorporating a distinctive exoskeleton with hempcrete and titanium dioxide, the tower serves as an air cleansing facility in Hammersmith, addressing urban pollution while providing multifunctional residential and commercial spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a unique exoskeleton design for structural support and ventilation.
02
Incorporates titanium dioxide for active air purification in the facade.
03
Features vertical stack ventilation to enhance natural airflow throughout the building.
04
Includes Sky Gardens on multiple levels to promote biodiversity and green spaces.
05
Designed as a multifunctional facility combining residential, office, and retail spaces.

The PURIHIVE tower is located in Hammersmith, West London, and addresses the critical issue of air pollution in urban areas. Designed as an air cleansing structure, it aims to improve air quality while serving a range of functions, including residential, office, and retail spaces. The design emphasizes sustainability and aims to create a healthy environment that integrates well with the community.

Structural Design

The exoskeleton of the tower consists of triangular faceted panels. This distinctive design not only provides support but also allows for effective natural ventilation. By using vertical stack ventilation, the building takes advantage of natural air flow, making it more energy-efficient and comfortable for its occupants.

Material Selection

Key materials were chosen to support the project's environmental goals. Hempcrete is used for its excellent insulation, which enhances energy efficiency. Additionally, titanium dioxide is applied to the exoskeleton. This material helps purify the surrounding air by reacting with sunlight to break down pollutants. This aspect of the design directly contributes to cleaner air in the urban environment.

Programmatic Integration

PURIHIVE features a mix of spaces, with 51 levels dedicated to residential living, 17 levels for offices, and areas for food outlets. This multifunctional approach meets the needs of Hammersmith's growing population while encouraging community interaction. The design includes Sky Gardens at elevated levels, offering green spaces that allow residents and visitors to connect with nature amidst the urban setting.

Environmental Impact

Positioned between Heathrow Airport and central London, the tower plays an important role in the city’s network. Its diverse uses serve both local residents and newcomers, while also targeting the vital need for improved air quality. The incorporation of a green facade and expansive terraces significantly contributes to biodiversity, supporting ecological balance within the urban landscape.

At the top, the design features a series of terraces adorned with lush vegetation, providing both visual appeal and essential support for environmental sustainability.

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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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