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Curvilinear Design Enhanced by Vertical Gardens and Sustainable Materials

Author:
Jeffrey Todd Keiter
Curvilinear Design Enhanced by Vertical Gardens and Sustainable Materials

Project in-detail

Combining curvilinear forms with vertical gardens and a thoughtful selection of sustainable materials, this skyscraper redefines urban living by integrating extensive greenery into a multifunctional residential and commercial space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Curvilinear form enhances natural light penetration and airflow throughout the structure.
02
Vertical gardens are integrated at multiple levels, promoting urban biodiversity.
03
Sustainable materials include cross-laminated timber panels for structural support and insulation.
04
Charred wooden shingles contribute to fire resistance while providing a unique aesthetic.
05
Rainwater harvesting systems are incorporated to support the building's green spaces.

## Overview

Located at 1 Vanderbilt Avenue in New York City, the Landschaft Supertall Landscape Skyscraper embodies a progressive approach to urban architecture by incorporating greenery within a vertical urban framework. The design seeks to integrate natural elements into daily life, enhancing both environmental quality and accessibility in a densely populated area. The term "Landschaft," derived from German, emphasizes the connection between land and landscape, reflecting the building's intent to harmonize the urban environment with nature.

### Architectural Strategy

The skyscraper features a spiral form complemented by expansive terraces designed to accommodate various plant species. Its design promotes fluid transitions between interior and exterior spaces, utilizing rounded shapes that contrast with typical structural linearity. The combination of glass for transparency, concrete for structural stability, and strategically positioned greenery enhances both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the building. Key materials contribute to the overall design, ensuring that the ecological integration not only serves visual appeal but also provides insulation and improves air quality.

### Plant Diversity and Landscaping

A hallmark of the Landschaft skyscraper is its deliberate incorporation of diverse plant species, including Tulip Poplar, Dawn Redwood, and various ferns, arranged to foster biodiversity and establish an ecosystem within the urban environment. The elevated terraces and solid planting beds form a layered landscape that encourages human interaction as well as wildlife habitation. This integration plays a crucial role in the project’s sustainability initiatives, promoting an urban ecosystem that enhances air quality and overall well-being for its residents. Features such as green roofs and rainwater harvesting systems further address urban sustainability challenges, reinforcing the project’s commitment to ecological responsibility.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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