Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Dynamic Exoskeleton with Algae Bioreactors in a Multi-Functional Urban Skyscraper

Author:
Albert Yu
Dynamic Exoskeleton with Algae Bioreactors in a Multi-Functional Urban Skyscraper

Project in-detail

A dynamic exoskeleton and integrated algae bioreactors enhance environmental sustainability within a multifunctional skyscraper that seamlessly combines workspace, retail, and cultural experiences.
5 key facts about this project
01
A dynamic exoskeleton adapts to environmental conditions for enhanced structural integrity.
02
Integrated algae bioreactors contribute to energy generation and improved air quality.
03
Sky gardens and observatories provide accessible green spaces throughout the building.
04
Innovative greywater recycling systems promote water conservation within the skyscraper.
05
The reverse parabolic shape optimizes natural lighting while maintaining aesthetic appeal.

## Overview

Worktopia is a multifaceted skyscraper located in Bonifacio Global City, designed to address contemporary workplace challenges by integrating living, working, and recreational spaces. The project aims to redefine urban office environments by balancing productivity with well-being, thereby creating a vibrant ecosystem for its users.

## Ecosphere of Workers

The design embodies the concept of an "Ecosphere of Workers," which transitions away from the conventional office model to a more cohesive "live, work, play" approach. This framework promotes human interaction, community building, and the incorporation of natural elements within the urban landscape. By fostering a biophilic workspace, the design encourages innovation and collaboration, allowing individuals to thrive personally and professionally.

## Structural Design and Resilience

The building features a reverse parabolic shape, combining aesthetic appeal with structural integrity against natural forces. This form aids in weight distribution and stress management, allowing for flexible interior configurations. A dynamic exoskeleton enhances resilience by adapting to environmental conditions, ensuring optimal performance during varying loads and seismic activities. Strategically placed sky gardens and observatories provide users with connections to nature and panoramic city views, serving both aesthetic and functional purposes.

## Materiality and Sustainability

The selection of materials plays a critical role in achieving the project's objectives. Extensive use of glass for façades maximizes natural light and transparency, while wood elements create inviting interior spaces that reflect a natural aesthetic. Structural steel provides the necessary strength for the high-rise design. Sustainability is further emphasized through roof gardens, vertical planters, and the incorporation of algae bioreactors for energy production. Additionally, sustainability features include greywater recycling systems and triple low-emissivity technology in windows that enhance energy efficiency.

## Functional Organization

Effective spatial organization spans 45 floors, incorporating distinct zones for various activities. The ground level features a public plaza that connects diverse urban activities, while the second level hosts retail spaces for visitor and employee access to amenities. Cultural engagement is promoted through museum and art gallery spaces located on the higher levels. Executive office areas are designed with flexibility to accommodate businesses of varying scales, and the sky garden level fosters social interaction in a verdant environment.

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

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

`

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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
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

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy