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Golden Facade and Wind-Responsive Design in a Mixed-Use High-Rise Featuring Sustainable Wood Elements

Author:
Lukas Somodi
Golden Facade and Wind-Responsive Design in a Mixed-Use High-Rise Featuring Sustainable Wood Elements
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Incorporating a triple glazed façade and innovative wind energy systems, the mixed-use high-rise seamlessly integrates sustainable wood elements to foster community interaction and urban connectivity.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a double-layer façade system that harnesses wind energy for electricity.
02
Features sky gardens on multiple levels to promote urban biodiversity and occupant well-being.
03
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
04
Employs aerodynamic fins on the façade to reduce wind forces and improve stability.
05
Integrates natural ventilation strategies to optimize airflow and minimize energy consumption.

"Sky Connection" is an architectural project located in Doha, Qatar, characterized by its innovative approach to mixed-use development. This skyscraper integrates office spaces, residential units, and communal areas within a single cohesive structure, promoting a multifunctional urban environment. The design addresses the unique climatic conditions of the region while responding to the urban context surrounding it.

The building's primary function is to serve as a central hub for both business and community interaction. The architectural design facilitates seamless transitions between various spaces, enhancing accessibility and user experience. The lower levels are dedicated to retail and communal amenities, while higher floors accommodate office and residential functions. The structure is equipped with sustainable features, embodying modern principles of energy efficiency and ecological responsibility.

The project incorporates a triple glazed façade, significantly improving thermal performance and visual comfort. This outer layer is complemented by a sustainable double-layer façade system designed to harness wind energy, showcasing a commitment to integrating renewable sources within the architectural framework. The application of aerodynamic elements on the façade not only addresses structural stability but also offers an appealing visual dynamic that differentiates "Sky Connection" from other high-rise developments.

The design of "Sky Connection" emphasizes the incorporation of green spaces, with sky gardens situated at various levels, providing residents and users with opportunities for relaxation amidst urban life. This biophilic approach enhances occupant well-being and actively contributes to urban biodiversity. The inclusion of wooden materials and green roofs demonstrates a thoughtful consideration of texture and sustainability in urban design.

In terms of technological integration, "Sky Connection" utilizes natural ventilation systems to facilitate airflow within the building, minimizing reliance on mechanical heating and cooling. The design employs strategies to optimize the Venturi effect, further enhancing energy efficiency throughout the structure.

The unique design approaches taken in this project, such as the combination of multifunctional spaces and sustainable technologies, set "Sky Connection" apart from typical skyscraper designs. Architectural plans detail these innovative elements, illustrating how each design decision contributes to the overall concept of connectivity and sustainability in a high-rise context.

For those interested in a comprehensive understanding of "Sky Connection," it is recommended to review the architectural plans, sections, and designs that provide insight into its multifaceted approach and contemporary architectural ideas. Explore the presentation for a deeper look at how this project redefines urban living in Doha.

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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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