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Floating Towers Reflecting Geological Energy

Authors:
Gota Tasaka, Hitomoi Matsudo, Lin Lin
Floating Towers Reflecting Geological Energy
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Inspired by the floating nature of basalt, three towers utilize a tensegrity structure to harmonize with geological forces while providing essential amenities for visitors and fostering community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Three towers symbolize the floating nature of basalt formed by tectonic activity.
02
The design incorporates a tensegrity structure for stability and flexibility.
03
A suspended viewing platform enhances visitor interaction with the landscape.
04
The project includes a visitor center with a café and office space.
05
Elements are organized as rocks, ten-segments, and bridges for cohesive integration.

Tensegrity Stone features three towers designed to connect the continents of Europe and North America. The design is inspired by geological processes, particularly the way basalt forms when magma erupts and solidifies. By capturing the energy of tectonic plates, the buildings interact with their natural surroundings and emphasize the geological history of the site.

Structural Composition

The main tower serves as the focal point of the project, symbolizing the way basalt can appear to float in the air. Built using a tensegrity system, the structure maintains both stability and flexibility. This system allows for a lightweight design that adapts to environmental conditions while visually representing concepts of weightlessness and elevation.

Functionality and Engagement

Along with the main tower, there is a parking tower that incorporates a visitor center. This facility includes a small office and a café, offering essential services for visitors. This thoughtful design encourages people to interact with the space, making it more than just a collection of buildings. It enhances the experience for users and fosters a sense of community.

Spatial Experience

Suspended above the towers, a viewing platform allows visitors to take in the landscape from a new perspective. This area encourages exploration and engagement with both the architecture and the environment. It creates an opportunity for users to develop a deeper connection to the spaces surrounding them.

Geological Integration

The project organizes its structural elements into various components: rocks, ten-segments, and bridges. This arrangement creates a fluid connection between different parts of the design. The aim is to harmonize the architecture with the surrounding terrain, allowing the buildings to reflect the appearance of natural geological features.

The careful combination of towers and viewing platform offers an experience that highlights the relationship between geological processes and built structures. The design invites contemplation of the natural world while showcasing an innovative approach to architectural expression.

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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.

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