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Harnessing Wind Energy with Helical Turbines and Sustainable Community Integration

Authors:
Justin Eckhardt, Terence Hallinan, Siyanie Christopher-brewley
Harnessing Wind Energy with Helical Turbines and Sustainable Community Integration
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Over 400 helical turbines capture wind energy in a thoughtfully designed urban hub that integrates mixed-use spaces and pedestrian sanctuaries, all aimed at fostering community engagement and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Over 400 helical turbines installed to maximize wind energy capture.
02
Integrated mixed-use facilities promote diverse community interactions.
03
Pedestrian sanctuaries enhance connectivity and promote walking.
04
Daylit river features energy-generating jack rabbit turbines.
05
Sustainable transport options include an electric trolley service.

Project Helix is an innovative response to urban sustainability challenges. It is designed to provide clean energy for both the site and the surrounding communities. The layout takes advantage of natural wind patterns, strategically placing buildings to capture wind energy through over 400 helical turbines. This thoughtful design enhances energy efficiency and encourages interaction between people and the natural elements of the site.

Architectural Program

The project includes a variety of spaces, such as college buildings, residential units, and areas for mixed-use. These are arranged along a main street that supports pedestrian traffic and electric trolleys. This design fosters easy movement and connectivity within the community, promoting a vibrant urban atmosphere. Residents can engage with different facilities, making the area feel lively and functional.

Sustainable Features

A key element is the daylit river, framed by walkways that provide recreational opportunities and enhance the landscape's beauty. This river is not just for aesthetics; it also powers surrounding parks with energy from jack rabbit turbines. The integration of solar panels, helical turbines, and water jack rabbits reflects a comprehensive approach to clean energy generation, underlining the commitment to sustainability.

Environmental Impact

Project Helix aims to generate enough energy to meet both current and future community needs. The focus is on blending human activity with environmental care. This design serves as a model for how urban spaces can prioritize ecological responsibility while fulfilling practical requirements.

The heart of the design incorporates both innovative solutions and a respect for nature. It creates an area that is visually engaging and contributes positively to the community's energy needs. The architecture allows for open spaces and energy efficiency to coexist, benefiting residents and the environment alike.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge

AIA (American Institute of Architects) invites you to design affordable housing in Denver

Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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Use architecture to create different emotional states

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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 18 September 2025
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
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Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

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Advance registration deadline 9 October 2025
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Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
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Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 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
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

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