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Harnessing River Energy with Hydro Turbines and Community Engagement

Author:
Lucas Medeiros
Harnessing River Energy with Hydro Turbines and Community Engagement

Project in-detail

Hydro turbines harness energy from the Huangpu River while integrating mixed-use spaces and a public water treatment facility, creating a multifunctional hub that addresses urban pollution.
5 key facts about this project
01
Hydro turbines convert river energy into electricity for the local grid.
02
The project includes a publicly accessible water treatment facility.
03
Mixed-use spaces foster community interaction and engagement.
04
Observation decks provide expansive views of the Huangpu River.
05
Designed to address urban pollution and enhance environmental awareness.

Aqua Turris is located along the Huangpu River in Shanghai. This structure aims to tackle the issues of urban pollution and energy usage in an innovative way. It combines various functions, including office spaces, executive suites, retail areas, and public observation decks, all arranged in a single design. The overall approach focuses on sustainability and community involvement, making it a resource for both work and leisure.

Energy Generation

The main goal of Aqua Turris is to promote sustainability. Hydro turbines are integrated into the design, drawing energy directly from the flow of the Huangpu River. These turbines convert water movement into electrical power, which can be added to the city’s energy supply. This design not only helps reduce pollution but also supports the use of renewable energy sources in urban settings.

Mixed-Use Functions

Inside Aqua Turris, spaces are designed to serve a variety of purposes. The offices and executive suites provide a professional setting for businesses, while the retail areas add convenience for both tenants and visitors. The observation decks encourage people to connect with the river and the environment, enhancing the building’s role as a community center.

Public Awareness

Aqua Turris also emphasizes education about environmental issues. It features a publicly accessible water treatment facility that demonstrates a commitment to preserving water quality. This aspect serves not only a practical function but also raises awareness about urban water management challenges.

The layout of the building encourages easy movement and interaction. Large glass walls allow natural light to flood the interior and provide views of the river, fostering a connection between the operational spaces and their natural surroundings. Every element contributes to a setting that is both functional and inviting.

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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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