Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Green Spaces Above Urban Life with Dual-Skin Façade and Beekeeping Integration

Author:
Krysta Griego
Green Spaces Above Urban Life with Dual-Skin Façade and Beekeeping Integration

Project in-detail

With a dual-skin façade that enhances energy efficiency and integrated green spaces for urban beekeeping, the structure in Hudson Yards serves as a sustainable community hub dedicated to the preservation of pollinators and environmental education.
5 key facts about this project
01
A dual-skin façade minimizes energy consumption while acting as a greenhouse.
02
Indoor green spaces are integrated into every apartment to promote pollination.
03
The design incorporates rainwater harvesting systems for efficient water management.
04
Hive Structures enhance natural ventilation and urban beekeeping practices.
05
Educational programs for the community focus on the significance of pollinators.

The Vertical Bee Farm project is located in Hudson Yards, New York City, and serves as a unique space dedicated to the conservation of bee populations. This skyscraper integrates ecological principles into its design, addressing the significant decline in bee numbers that has occurred over recent decades. The structure aims to foster a connection between urban residents and the natural world while creating a sustainable environment for both bees and humans.

Architectural Integration
The design incorporates concepts from nature, resulting in a self-sustaining structure that aligns human living with ecological needs. A significant feature of the design is the double skin façade. This element helps to reduce solar heat gain while acting as a greenhouse for residents and bees. It is designed to allow abundant natural light to enter, creating a welcoming atmosphere that benefits both occupants and pollinators.

Functional Design Features
The layout includes Hive Structures intended to enhance natural ventilation and improve water collection. These features support in-house food production, highlighting the commitment to sustainability. Each apartment includes an indoor green space designed to promote pollination. This element establishes a direct connection between the urban lifestyle and the surrounding environment.

Water Management and Sustainability
Effective water management forms an essential part of the Vertical Bee Farm. Rainwater harvesting systems capture and store rainwater from rooftops throughout the building. This approach reduces energy use related to water transport. The focus on rainwater highlights the project's aim of responsible resource management and eco-friendly practices.

Community Engagement
The building also serves as a center for community interaction and education about beekeeping. It hosts various educational programs, workshops, and public gatherings. These initiatives are designed to raise awareness of the role bees play in urban ecosystems. The goal is to promote a sense of ecological responsibility among residents and visitors.

The design incorporates features like indoor green spaces that not only enhance living conditions but also support bees, contributing to biodiversity in a city known for its concrete structures.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy