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Artificial Waterfall and Vertical Gardens in Urban Framework

Authors:
Ping man Ho, MARTHA ZAMBRANO, DANIEL BLANC
Artificial Waterfall and Vertical Gardens in Urban Framework

Project in-detail

An artificial waterfall flows through vertical gardens, creating a unique ecological feature that supports community interaction and office space within a high-rise environment in Hong Kong.
5 key facts about this project
01
An artificial waterfall cools the building's interior and enhances the microclimate.
02
Vertical gardens provide natural air filtration and recreational space for occupants.
03
Commercial spaces adapt seasonally to meet changing community needs.
04
Energy is generated through hydroelectric systems integrated into the waterfall.
05
The upper floors offer panoramic views and include a sky lounge for socializing.

The Hydro Skyscraper in Wan Chai, Hong Kong, addresses the challenges of urban density while providing much-needed green space in a bustling city. This structure combines residential and commercial areas within a high-rise format. The design focuses on sustainability, incorporating both natural features and advanced technology to create an environment that benefits its users and the wider community.

Design Concept

The architectural idea behind the Hydro Skyscraper is to integrate greenery throughout the building. Vertical gardens not only beautify the space but also improve air quality, making the urban environment more livable. These areas allow people to relax and interact, fostering a sense of community and connection within the dense city.



Unique Features

A notable aspect of the design is the artificial waterfall. It serves multiple purposes. Visually, it enhances the aesthetics of the building. Functionally, it helps regulate temperature and humidity inside. This feature links the design to the nearby harbor, emphasizing a connection to nature while integrating sustainable practices within an urban setting.



Material Use

The construction relies on concrete slabs, steel beams, and rigid insulation. Concrete offers the strength needed for a structure of this height, while steel provides flexibility and support. Rigid insulation is crucial for maintaining energy efficiency, ensuring comfortable temperatures in all seasons.



Community Integration

The Hydro Skyscraper encourages communal interaction through its adaptable commercial spaces. Seasonal markets and food stalls meet changing consumer needs, supporting local vendors. Office spaces on the upper floors provide great views of the city and include amenities like a sky lounge and an observatory deck that create inviting places to work and unwind.



The Hydro Skyscraper stands as a thoughtful blend of design and practicality, characterized by its distinctive artificial waterfall. This feature flows within lush greenery, providing a refreshing contrast to the urban landscape and inviting people to engage with both the building and each other.

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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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