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Harnessing Wind Energy Through Vertical Split Design in Urban Context

Authors:
Abdulrahman Harib, Valerija Galkina, Carla Roemmelt
Harnessing Wind Energy Through Vertical Split Design in Urban Context

Project in-detail

The vertical split design utilizes aerodynamic forms to capture wind energy, while sophisticated moisture management strategies address local climate conditions, serving as a mixed-use facility in the urban landscape of Hong Kong.
5 key facts about this project
01
The vertical split design enhances natural airflow throughout the building.
02
A kinetic energy collection system harnesses prevailing winds for power.
03
Moisture management techniques utilize daily temperature fluctuations for condensation.
04
East and West surfaces are optimized for effective fog harvesting.
05
The skin design mimics biological forms for environmental responsiveness.

The architectural project **MURUS-Scape** is located in the dense urban area of Hong Kong, next to a busy motorway. This position enhances accessibility while allowing the building to engage with various environmental factors. The design focuses on sustainability and adapts to local climate conditions. It incorporates innovative technologies and materials to create a structure that is both functional and visually appealing. Emphasizing energy efficiency, **MURUS-Scape** employs smart technology within its framework to reflect a modern approach to urban life.

Site Context and Form

The base of the structure follows a rectilinear pattern that fits within the existing urban grid. As it rises, the design shifts into an aerodynamically effective form. This vertical split allows for the preservation of ground-level movement, which is important for maintaining the flow of urban life. The height of the building is also skilled at capturing airflow, maximizing the benefits of its environment.

Energy and Environmental Responsiveness

A significant characteristic of **MURUS-Scape** is its use of the predominant winds blowing from the North and South-East. The building features a kinetic energy collection system that transforms wind energy into a usable resource. This design choice emphasizes a commitment to sustainable practices. The outer skin of the building draws inspiration from biological forms, providing protection while also adapting to external factors.

Water Collection Strategies

The design takes advantage of local weather patterns by employing methods for passive water collection. Daily changes in temperature are used to promote condensation. Additionally, the East and West surfaces of the building are designed to enhance fog harvesting. These strategies highlight a sophisticated understanding of the local microclimate and display innovative solutions for sustainability in an urban setting.

Visual and Structural Elements

The orientation of **MURUS-Scape** in relation to the surrounding mountains improves its energy efficiency. The overall shape of the building recalls the forms of clouds, linking it to the atmosphere. This careful integration of design and function responds well to the challenges of urban density. The layered exterior allows for effective energy interaction while providing visual complexity that adds to its character in the cityscape. The play of light and shadow on the building surface further enhances its presence in the urban environment, creating a dynamic relationship with the surroundings.

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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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