Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Breathing Roof and Vertical Gardens Enhance Community Interaction in Cross-Laminated Timber Structure

Authors:
Alice Liang, Jiahui Liang, Yinuo Tong, Jasmine Chan
Breathing Roof and Vertical Gardens Enhance Community Interaction in Cross-Laminated Timber Structure

Project in-detail

Elaborately constructed with a breathing roof and vertical gardens, the community-focused design seamlessly integrates cross-laminated timber and natural elements to create an engaging environment that supports hospitality and interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a breathing roof design that enhances natural airflow and temperature regulation.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles as a durable, fire-resistant cladding choice that integrates seamlessly with the environment.
03
Features vertical gardens that promote urban biodiversity and contribute to improved air quality.
04
Integrates cross-laminated timber panels to provide structural strength while reducing the building’s carbon footprint.
05
Offers flexible public and private spaces that foster community interaction while ensuring user comfort.
The Woodland Tower is a thoughtfully designed architectural project situated in Tanglin Halt Road, Singapore. This project represents a significant endeavor to integrate sustainable architecture with vibrant community spaces, underscoring the importance of interaction in contemporary urban life. The design aims to accommodate both public amenities and private spaces, creating a balanced environment that caters to the diverse needs of its users.

At its core, the Woodland Tower serves multiple functions, offering hotel accommodations, office spaces, and retail outlets, all while fostering a sense of community. The architectural layout demonstrates an intentional layering of spaces, where the lower levels are dedicated to public uses, such as restaurants and shops, promoting accessibility and inviting interactions among visitors. In contrast, the upper levels are reserved for private functions, providing a sense of privacy for hotel guests and office employees. This strategic organization of space facilitates a natural flow within the building, enhancing the experience for all who enter.

The design features several notable architectural elements. A key highlight is the innovative 'breathing roof,' which employs advanced materials and technology to regulate building temperature through ventilated systems. This feature exemplifies the project's commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency, addressing the climatic challenges of Singapore’s humid environment while enriching the aesthetic profile of the structure. Additionally, vertical landscaping integrated throughout the design introduces greenery to the urban setting, reinforcing the connection between nature and architecture.

The use of materials in the Woodland Tower further enhances its contextual relevance and aesthetic appeal. Timber is prominently featured, reflecting its local availability and environmental benefits. Glass, used extensively for facades, maximizes natural light and visibility, connecting the interior spaces to their exterior surroundings. Concrete provides the necessary stability and durability essential for the project, while metal accents add modernity and detail to various design aspects. Together, these materials create a cohesive architectural language that resonates with both functionality and style.

Unique design approaches characterize this architectural endeavor, with an emphasis on community engagement and ecological responsiveness. The inclusion of public gathering spaces within the building signifies a conscious effort to promote social interaction. The design effectively blurs the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, leading to areas where visitors can enjoy nature while engaging with the building itself. The circulation design within the project is another noteworthy consideration; elevators and stairwells are placed to prevent congestion, while open pathways guide occupants seamlessly through the different levels.

Overall, the Woodland Tower represents a modern approach to architecture that embraces the complexities of urban life while prioritizing sustainability and community interaction. Its innovative features and thoughtful material selections exemplify significant architectural ideas in a rapidly evolving urban landscape. For a deeper understanding of the project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and additional architectural designs, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for comprehensive insights into this compelling architectural initiative.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16544 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