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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

Project in-detail

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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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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