Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Charred Wooden Shingles and Biophilic Design Integrate Urban Living with Natural Spaces

Authors:
Mohammad qasim Iqbal, Adam Game
Charred Wooden Shingles and Biophilic Design Integrate Urban Living with Natural Spaces

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and biophilic elements, the design seamlessly integrates green spaces into a high-rise mixed-use development that enhances urban living and encourages community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates biophilic design elements to enhance residents' connection with nature.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for durability and aesthetic appeal while offering fire resistance.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels that reduce carbon footprint and promote sustainability.
04
Incorporates a bent A-frame design, optimizing structural efficiency and creating visually dynamic spaces.
05
Includes extensive communal gardens and green terraces to encourage community interaction and biodiversity.
The Kairos Tower project exemplifies a contemporary architectural response to the complexities of urban life, integrating design elements that foster community interaction and enhance the urban environment. Located in London, this architectural endeavor reflects a thoughtful approach to modern living, harmonizing the natural and built environments in a seamless way.

At its core, the Kairos Tower seeks to define a new concept of urban living by emphasizing the importance of time and human connection within a fast-paced city. It embodies the notion of “slowness,” prompting individuals to reconsider how they interact with their surroundings and each other. The design not only caters to residential needs but also incorporates spaces that facilitate social engagement, effectively bridging the gap between private living areas and communal spaces.

The structural composition of the Kairos Tower is divided into two primary components: the perimeter block and the central tower. The perimeter block serves as the frontline of public amenities, including marketplaces and green parks. This design choice enhances accessibility and allows residents and visitors to engage with these shared spaces, promoting a sense of belonging within the urban fabric. The central tower, characterized by its height and mixed-use functionality, offers residential units along with community-centric spaces. This duality of purpose reflects an innovative understanding of urban density and livability, creating an environment that caters to diverse needs.

A notable aspect of the Kairos Tower is its geometric design, which employs a combination of circular and square forms. This thoughtful approach not only contributes to the building's aesthetic appeal but also enhances its functionality. The facade features a blend of transparent and semi-transparent materials, promoting natural light and ventilation while maintaining a visual connection to the outdoor environment. The incorporation of visual elements such as natural stone cladding enriches the texture of the building, grounding it within its urban context and establishing a dialogue with both the site and the surrounding architecture.

The materials selected for the Kairos Tower play a pivotal role in its sustainable design philosophy. Reinforced concrete forms the structural backbone due to its inherent strength and durability, while glass facades allow for ample light, diminishing the need for artificial lighting during the day. A steel framework provides critical support for cantilevered features, embodying a modern architectural technique that facilitates dynamic spatial arrangements. The introduction of green roof systems is particularly valuable, contributing to environmental sustainability by enhancing flora and improving air quality in the urban setting.

The design incorporates unique biophilic elements, which facilitate sensory connections to nature, thereby improving the well-being of its occupants. Each residential unit is designed with terraces that not only provide private outdoor spaces but also support vertical gardens, encouraging residents to engage with nature. Community gardens and shared green areas further emphasize the importance of environmental stewardship, allowing users to cultivate plants while fostering interactions among neighbors.

Through its blend of innovative design and sustainable practices, the Kairos Tower project ultimately addresses the evolving narrative of urban living. It serves as a pivotal example of how architecture can enhance life within a city by prioritizing human experience, community engagement, and ecological responsibility.

For those interested in deeper insights into its architectural plans, sections, and unique design approaches, exploring the full project presentation can provide valuable information on how these elements cohesively come together to create a meaningful urban habitat. Embracing ideas of connectivity and sustainability, Kairos Tower presents a forward-thinking vision for contemporary architecture.
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