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Floating Glass Structure Emphasizing Bioclimatic Design in Madrid

Author:
Antonio Ríos
Floating Glass Structure Emphasizing Bioclimatic Design in Madrid
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A floating glass façade and bioclimatic design characterize a new office building in Madrid, providing both aesthetic appeal and environmental efficiency.
5 key facts about this project
01
Floating structure achieves a light visual impact.
02
Bioclimatic design optimizes energy efficiency through façade orientation.
03
Support systems eliminate the need for intrusive interior columns.
04
Double façade enhances climate control while adding visual depth.
05
Innovative integration of facilities within upper levels improves functionality.

The Legacy Tower stands prominently along Madrid's "Paseo de la Castellana," an area known for its historical connection to high-rise buildings. Designed primarily for office use, the tower presents a contemporary form that gives an impression of floating above its base. This concept enhances the presence of the structure in the city and facilitates flexible interior layouts.

Design Concept

The design focuses on reducing the number of columns inside the building. This choice allows for larger open spaces within, making the interior versatile for different uses. The innovative support systems deliver necessary strength while maintaining a light, airy look. Functionality and adaptability are central to the overall approach.

Bioclimatic Features

The façade utilizes bioclimatic principles, adapting to different solar exposures. By doing so, the design seeks to improve energy efficiency and comfort for people inside. Passive design techniques are incorporated, ensuring that the building aligns with modern sustainability practices while appealing to a broader user base.

Contextual Influences

Key influences for the Legacy Tower include three significant structures located nearby: the BBVA Tower, the Castelar Tower, and the Colon Towers. Each of these buildings contributes insights into effective structural solutions and the integration of facilities at higher levels. The Legacy Tower reinterprets these strategies, combining them with fresh ideas suited to its own identity.

Final Design Detail

A notable feature is the double façade that surrounds the tower. This layer creates a space between the inner and outer layers, helping to control the indoor climate. This design detail enhances energy performance and adds visual interest, reflecting the urban context in which the building resides.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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

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Competition organisers

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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