Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Cooling Waterfall with Folded Stone Facade in Urban Office Setting

Author:
Juntai Huang
Cooling Waterfall with Folded Stone Facade in Urban Office Setting
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
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.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Kingspan MICROHOME 2026: Building Less to Create More

`
Competition organisers

The Kingspan MICROHOME 2026 competition invites architects and designers worldwide to rethink small-scale living by creating an off-grid, modular micro dwelling under 25 m². Now in its 11th edition, the contest emphasizes sustainable, innovative, and human-centered design that demonstrates how compact living can have a big impact.

With a €100,000 prize fund, entries will be evaluated for originality, efficiency, and their response to contemporary environmental and social challenges. The competition is open to everyone, with submissions allowed individually or in teams of up to four. Registration closes on 30 September 2026, and winners will be announced on 15 December 2026.

By celebrating creativity within strict limits, MICROHOME 2026 continues to push the boundaries of compact architecture and sustainable living.

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 9 December 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 September 2026
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 12 November 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 3 December 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a 50,000€ prize

50,000€ Prize / 2027 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 4 February 2027

Media, partners and clients

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 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in