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Cooling Waterfall with Folded Stone Facade in Urban Office Setting

Author:
Juntai Huang
Cooling Waterfall with Folded Stone Facade in Urban Office Setting
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The integration of a cooling waterfall and a folded stone facade in a high-rise office building enhances urban sustainability while fostering interaction with nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a cooling waterfall to naturally regulate indoor temperatures.
02
Features a folded stone facade, enhancing aesthetic and environmental integration.
03
Utilizes a glass curtain wall to minimize water evaporation and maximize resource efficiency.
04
Integrates extensive greenery to improve air quality and promote occupant well-being.
05
Designed to foster interaction between urban occupants and natural elements.

The Waterfall skyscraper is located in downtown Singapore and is designed to blend urban life with nature. It serves both as a functional office space and a sanctuary away from the busy city. The building's design emphasizes sustainability and seeks to create a connection between people and their environment, offering a fresh perspective on high-rise living.

Architectural Concept

The design focuses on uniting urban architecture with the natural world. By using folded stone in its structure, the building creates a unique interior that brings occupants closer to nature. This approach changes how high-rises are perceived, moving away from just concrete buildings towards spaces that invite interaction and engagement with the surrounding environment.

Cooling Mechanisms

A prominent feature of the Waterfall skyscraper is a waterfall that helps keep the building cool. This natural element addresses the urban heat island effect, which often raises temperatures in densely populated areas. By relying on this water feature, the skyscraper reduces the need for traditional air conditioning, thus promoting energy efficiency and creating a more pleasant atmosphere indoors.

Sustainability Features

The skyscraper includes a glass curtain wall that plays a vital role in conserving resources. This outer layer helps prevent water from evaporating too quickly, enabling effective recycling and maintaining a comfortable internal climate. Additionally, the building incorporates greenery that aids in filtering air pollutants, which contributes to better air quality and supports a healthier environment for occupants.

Interior Spaces

Inside, the Waterfall skyscraper offers various spaces designed for comfort and productivity. The presence of natural elements throughout helps create a calming environment, contrasting with the fast pace of urban life. Each area is crafted to encourage focus and well-being, allowing those who work there to feel connected to nature while engaged in their daily activities.

With its innovative cooling solutions and thoughtful integration of natural components, the Waterfall skyscraper presents a vision for urban living. It invites the beauty of nature into a modern setting, enhancing the everyday experience for its users.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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