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Balconies of Greenery Overlooking the Urban Forest

Author:
Awab Mohamed
Balconies of Greenery Overlooking the Urban Forest
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Multiple green balconies create a vertical landscape that enhances air quality and provides shade, while the accessible podium integrates a public park atmosphere, serving as a modern workspace.
5 key facts about this project
01
Multiple balconies with locally adapted vegetation enhance air quality and provide natural shade.
02
The podium serves as a public park, integrating green space for community use.
03
Greywater from restrooms irrigates the building's vegetation, promoting sustainable water use.
04
The design creates a microenvironment that supports local wildlife.
05
The tower's location near The Sunut Forest emphasizes the connection between urban living and nature.

The Silva Skyscraper is an architectural advancement located at the intersection of the White Nile and the Blue Nile, close to The Sunut Forest in Sudan. It functions mainly as a workspace, bringing together office environments and natural elements. The design concept centers on improving the well-being of workers through a stronger connection with nature, reflected in the name "SILVA," which means "forest" in Latin.

Vertical Landscape

The tower rises 29 stories, combining executive offices and general office spaces. A defining feature is its façade, which has balconies filled with vegetation that can thrive in the local environment. This greenery not only provides shade but also helps to clean the air and lessen the impact of dust storms, thereby creating a more enjoyable working space.

Public Realm

Beneath the tower, the podium serves as a large park that employees and the wider community can visit. Covering 70% of the area, this open plaza features retail shops and food outlets. It encourages people to gather and interact, fostering a lively public space that helps bridge the gap between work and leisure.

Sustainable Systems

The building also incorporates a sustainable irrigation system that uses greywater from the restrooms to water the vegetation on the balconies. This innovative strategy eliminates waste and demonstrates a commitment to using resources thoughtfully, aligning with the overall aim of connecting built spaces with nature.

User Experience

Through its design, the Silva Skyscraper offers an experience that blends work and nature. The thoughtful inclusion of greenery creates a small ecosystem that enhances the office environment. This setup promotes productivity, making it easier for workers to feel at ease and engaged throughout the day.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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