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Floating Glass Structure Emphasizing Bioclimatic Design in Madrid

Author:
Antonio Ríos
Floating Glass Structure Emphasizing Bioclimatic Design in Madrid

Project in-detail

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 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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