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Bird-Friendly Habitat Within a Modern Octagonal Structure

Authors:
Ruitao Wang, Zhi Liu, Mingxiu Wang, Ruiyang Chen
Bird-Friendly Habitat Within a Modern Octagonal Structure

Project in-detail

An octagonal building enhances urban biodiversity with specialized bird habitats and green spaces, providing a unique high-rise environment for community engagement and office use.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates bird-friendly habitats into a modern high-rise design.
02
Utilizes an octagonal structure to optimize space and light.
03
Features green areas that enhance local biodiversity.
04
Includes movable facades designed to reduce bird collisions.
05
Promotes community engagement with shared natural spaces.

The project "BIRTWEEN" is located along the south bank of the River Thames in London. It emphasizes the importance of blending urban living with natural ecosystems. The design serves both as a place for people to work and live, and as a habitat that supports local bird populations. The aim is to create a building that helps bridge the gap between city life and wildlife, responding to the environmental issues caused by urban development.

Design Concept and Structure

The structure takes an octagonal shape, which is not just for aesthetics but also improves the use of space. This layout allows different functional areas to be integrated efficiently. Important features of the building include an atrium that brings in natural light and encourages social interactions, along with a core tube that provides necessary support. Office spaces are designed with human needs in mind, ensuring comfort and functionality while also accommodating wildlife needs.

Ecological Integration

Ecological integration is central to the design of "BIRTWEEN." The building includes green areas strategically placed throughout the structure. These spaces play a crucial role in providing habitats for birds and contribute to the diversity of local wildlife. The design takes into account the migratory paths of birds, aiming to create a sanctuary within the busy urban setting. This focus on nature highlights the growing recognition of its importance in city planning.

Inspiration from Architectural Typologies

The design draws inspiration from various architectural typologies, such as the Pigeon Tower and Torre di Pisa. These references connect the new structure to historical examples that successfully balanced human needs and avian habitats. By adapting these ideas to a modern context, the building reflects both functionality and a respect for nature.

Innovative Design Features

"BIRTWEEN" includes innovative features aimed at protecting urban birds. For example, movable curtains can be used as facades to reduce the risk of bird collisions, enhancing safety without blocking views or light. This approach goes beyond traditional high-rise designs. It shows a commitment to creating safe environments for wildlife alongside human spaces.

The layout fosters a thoughtful connection between people and the environment, encouraging interactions that care for both urban life and the surrounding ecosystem.

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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

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