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Exoskeleton Structure Featuring Titanium Dioxide and Vertical Gardens for Sustainable Urban Living

Authors:
Alexander Herrera-rojas, Katarzyna Ziółkowska
Exoskeleton Structure Featuring Titanium Dioxide and Vertical Gardens for Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

An exoskeleton constructed with exposed steel and enhanced by titanium dioxide integrates vertical gardens to facilitate sustainable urban living in a mixed-use development that promotes environmental consciousness and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Exposed steel exoskeleton provides structural support while showcasing architectural aesthetics.
02
Titanium dioxide incorporated into the facade actively purifies air and reduces pollutants.
03
Vertical gardens enhance biodiversity and improve air quality within the urban environment.
04
Twisted floor plates promote natural ventilation without mechanical systems.
05
Rooftop Sky Terrace offers public access and panoramic views of the surrounding area.

## Overview
PuriHIVE London is a mixed-use development situated in London, designed to advance the principles of sustainability within urban architecture. This project integrates residential, commercial, and public spaces within a single structure, responding to contemporary challenges of environmental impact and space utilization. The design intent is to create a functional and environmentally responsible building that interacts harmoniously with its urban context.

### Environmental Integration
The architectural design emphasizes ecological responsibility through its strategic use of natural elements and sustainable materials. It incorporates features such as Sky Gardens, which enhance air quality and contribute to local biodiversity. The building orientation is optimized to capture prevailing winds, facilitating natural ventilation and reducing energy demands. Key components include:

- **Sustainable Materials**: The use of titanium dioxide in the glass facade provides air purification benefits, while exposed steel elements ensure structural integrity and adhere to modern construction techniques.
- **Green Walls**: Integrated living walls not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also improve air quality and promote biodiversity within the urban environment.

### Structural and Functional Design
PuriHIVE exhibits an innovative structural approach characterized by its central core and twisting floor plates. This design enhances both vertical stability and ventilation without reliance on mechanical systems. Significant design elements include:

- **Dynamic Floor Plates**: Each floor plate is uniquely twisted to optimize interior layouts and facilitate natural airflow.
- **Diverse Functional Spaces**: The building comprises residential units, executive and open office spaces, a public Sky Terrace, and retail areas at the base. This multi-functional layout promotes community interaction and supports local commerce.

The project exemplifies a thoughtful integration of innovative strategies aimed at enhancing urban livability, sustainability, and user experience while focusing on practical architectural solutions.

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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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