Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Bifurcated Tower Integrating Natural Ventilation and Community Education

Authors:
Anastasia Shkarupa, Anna Terekhina, Nikita Starostin, Anna Rostovskya
Bifurcated Tower Integrating Natural Ventilation and Community Education

Project in-detail

A bifurcated tower structure enhances natural ventilation while seamlessly integrating community education and a nature reserve to address urban biodiversity needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Bifurcated tower structure enhances spatial dynamics.
02
Central circulation system promotes accessibility and interaction.
03
Dedicated areas for educational programs on biodiversity.
04
Natural ventilation design reduces reliance on mechanical systems.
05
Integration of public and research functions within a single facility.

The project is a vertical nature reserve located in central Cape Town, South Africa. It sits near the main boulevard and port area, aiming to tackle the important issue of animal extinction within an urban environment. The design features a bifurcated tower structure. This approach emphasizes height while creating different functional areas that blend ecological conservation with community involvement.

Spatial Organization

The building supports endangered species through specific areas dedicated to a nature reserve and an educational center. These spaces help raise awareness about biodiversity and conservation efforts. There are also offices and research facilities included, which allow for in-depth studies and animal care.



Functional Areas

The total area of the project is 153,500 square meters, not counting the basement. It includes 61,300 square meters for offices and research spaces, and 50,800 square meters for animal care. Additionally, 20,500 square meters is allocated for food and retail, with an 8,900 square meter grand lobby entrance. For convenience, a basement offers 32,000 square meters for parking. The building also has 12,000 square meters set aside for auxiliary spaces.



Design Considerations

Natural ventilation is a key focus in the design, which improves the indoor environment and reduces the need for mechanical cooling. The varying heights of the structure provide visual interest and create a dynamic skyline. It features a protective shell that helps limit direct sunlight, enhancing energy efficiency and comfort for visitors inside.



Ecological Integration

The design responds to urban challenges related to biodiversity. It connects public areas with research functions, showing how nature can coexist with city life. A central circulation system links different spaces within the building, facilitating movement and encouraging interaction among visitors. This design detail brings together the community and the mission of conservation as a fundamental part of the experience.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy