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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 Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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