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Harnessing Wind Energy Through Vertical Turbines and Open-Air Balconies in Urban Retail Spaces

Author:
Misha Gliwny
Harnessing Wind Energy Through Vertical Turbines and Open-Air Balconies in Urban Retail Spaces
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Vertical turbines capture high-altitude wind while open-air balconies enhance social spaces, creating an integrated environment for urban retail and office functions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrated vertical wind turbines enhance energy efficiency.
02
Open-air balconies promote social interaction within retail spaces.
03
Diagrid structure eliminates internal columns for flexible layouts.
04
High-altitude wind capture design optimizes renewable energy potential.
05
Dedicated office entrances separate public and private functions effectively.

Kahuna Towers is a mixed-use development situated in an urban environment, designed to combine retail and office spaces in a cohesive manner. The project focuses on maximizing interior areas while creating a sense of community. The overall design concept centers around flexibility and user engagement, making the towers more than just physical structures.

Structural Innovation

The design employs a Diagrid structural system, which removes the need for internal columns. This allows for greater use of space and adaptability for future changes. The open layout creates a feeling of spaciousness throughout the building, fostering interactions among people inside.

Integration of Outdoor Spaces

Retail levels include open-air balconies that connect the indoors to the outdoors. These balconies offer patrons places to relax and enjoy views of the surrounding city. This aspect of the design encourages social connections and enhances the experience of being in an urban setting.

Sustainable Design Elements

Kahuna Towers reflects a commitment to sustainability with the inclusion of wind turbines on the upper maintenance floors. The facade features vertically slitted openings designed to capture high-altitude winds and generate renewable energy. These elements not only contribute to reduced energy consumption but also highlight a modern approach to ecological responsibility.

User-Centric Planning

The project offers dedicated office entrances and reception areas that help separate public and private functions. Inside, the office layouts provide alternating desk arrangements, ensuring privacy while promoting collaboration. This design caters to the different needs of occupants, creating an environment conducive to productivity.

The prominent wind turbines on the upper levels serve both a functional and visual role, representing the project's focus on sustainability. As they catch the wind, the slitted openings enhance the facade, making a subtle statement about the building's design commitment to energy efficiency.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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