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Harnessing Wind Energy with a Breathing Roof and Timber Structure

Authors:
Alice Liang, Jiahui Liang, Yinuo Tong, Jasmine Chan
Harnessing Wind Energy with a Breathing Roof and Timber Structure
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The Breathing Roof captures wind energy while the timber structure prioritizes sustainability, creating a vibrant mixed-use environment that combines hospitality, retail, and recreation in Singapore.
5 key facts about this project
01
Breathing Roof maximizes wind energy capture for sustainability.
02
Vulcan Cladding with Iron Vitriol Finish enhances durability and aesthetics.
03
Cross-Laminated Timber provides structural strength and eco-friendliness.
04
Vertical arrangement promotes efficient use of urban space.
05
Integrated green spaces encourage community interaction and well-being.

Woodland Tower is located on Tanglin Halt Rd in Singapore, designed to meet the needs of a bustling urban environment. The building serves multiple functions, combining spaces for hospitality, retail, and recreation within a tall, stacked layout. The goal of the design is to create a blend of private and public areas that encourage community interaction and engagement while incorporating sustainable practices.

Design Concept
The building features a unique "Breathing Roof." This element is intended to make the structure more energy-efficient by capturing wind energy. The design reflects a modern understanding of how buildings can coexist with their natural surroundings, focusing on sustainability while providing practical benefits.

Spatial Organization
Accessibility is a key consideration in the layout. By arranging different spaces vertically, the design enables easy movement and interaction among the users. In addition, the inclusion of green spaces is crucial for urban living. This arrangement not only supports a lively atmosphere but also fosters social connectivity among various community members.

Materiality
The project makes use of several materials, including Vulcan Cladding with an Iron Vitriol Finish, which provides a strong exterior resistant to weather. The choice of Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and Glued Laminated Timber (Glulam) aligns with current sustainability goals, enhancing strength while lowering the carbon footprint. Natural Oak Flooring brings warmth and comfort to the interior, making the spaces inviting.

The “Breathing Roof” is not just a design element; it makes a statement about the building's commitment to sustainability. It symbolizes how architecture can engage with nature in meaningful ways.

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

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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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