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Cloud-Like Structure Featuring Transparent Façades and Synthetic Materials for Urban Living

Authors:
Peihao Jin, Hangpang Fan
Cloud-Like Structure Featuring Transparent Façades and Synthetic Materials for Urban Living

Project in-detail

Combining a cloud-like form with transparent façades and synthetic materials, the design redefines urban living through an engaging mixed-use environment that fosters community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cloud-like structure utilizes innovative synthetic materials to mimic the softness of clouds.
02
Extensive use of transparent façades enhances natural light and urban visibility.
03
Integrated urban oasis incorporates public recreational spaces within the design.
04
Vertical circulation is redefined with interwoven pathways to facilitate movement.
05
Panoramic views are maximized through strategic placements of living and communal areas.
The Cloud Tower is an architectural project situated in Dongmen, Shenzhen, China. This design encompasses a mixed-use skyscraper intended to address the challenges of urban density and to promote efficiency in circulation through its innovative structural approach. The design encapsulates an integration of private and public spaces, allowing residents to experience an urban environment that emphasizes functionality and community interaction.

The primary concept of the Cloud Tower is to create a seamless blend of natural forms and urban architecture. The distinctive cloud-like structure is designed to evoke a sense of fluidity while providing essential spaces for living, working, and recreation. The project caters to the growing demand for multifunctional urban spaces that support the complex needs of modern city life.

Innovative Structural Design and Materiality

The Cloud Tower distinguishes itself through its unique structural organization and the use of modern materials. The foundational framework employs reinforced concrete for enhanced durability, while the exterior utilizes extensive glass façades that maximize natural light and provide panoramic views of the surrounding cityscape. Steel elements are incorporated to support the complex geometries, allowing for greater design flexibility.

The cloud-like morphology is achieved through synthetic materials that mimic the softness of natural clouds, thereby reducing the building's visual weight while ensuring weather resistance. The interplay of these materials not only contributes to the aesthetic qualities but also enhances the building's performance in terms of energy efficiency and maintenance.

Spatial Organization and Community Engagement

A distinctive feature of the Cloud Tower is its innovative spatial organization, which redefines conventional vertical circulation. By integrating multiple levels of interwoven pathways, the design facilitates an alternative approach to movement within the skyscraper. This allows for a more immersive experience, as residents are encouraged to interact with the space in a less traditional manner.

Public areas are designed to foster community engagement, integrating parks and recreational spaces that encourage social interaction among residents and pedestrians alike. The integration of living spaces with leisure areas promotes a balanced urban lifestyle, contributing to the overall appeal of the development. The architectural layout is strategic, creating fluid transition zones that guide movement while enhancing accessibility.

Explore the potential of the Cloud Tower further by reviewing architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs for in-depth insights into its innovative ideas and functional attributes. A comprehensive exploration of this project will shed light on its potential impact on contemporary urban architecture in densely populated environments.
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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
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