Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Helical Structure Embracing Verticality With Recycled Materials in Urban Living

Authors:
Pedro Belloni, Juan Javier Segovia, Carlos Ramiro Carrizo, - -
Helical Structure Embracing Verticality With Recycled Materials in Urban Living

Project in-detail

Integrating a helical design with recycled materials, this high-rise solution redefines urban living by offering flexible micro-living spaces that promote community engagement in the heart of Hong Kong.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project features a helical structure that optimizes vertical circulation within a compact footprint.
02
Utilizes recycled materials throughout, prioritizing sustainability and environmental responsibility.
03
Flexible micro-living units accommodate diverse household sizes and lifestyles in urban settings.
04
Incorporates vertical gardens to enhance air quality and promote green space in a dense urban environment.
05
Community areas are strategically integrated to foster social interaction among residents.
The ECO 100 Tower is a thoughtfully conceived architectural project located in Hong Kong, designed to address the pressing housing challenges faced by this densely populated urban environment. The project embodies a response to the need for sustainable and efficient living solutions while enhancing community engagement within its unique vertical structure. With a compact footprint of 10 meters by 10 meters, the tower rises to a height of 120 meters, offering a significant number of residential units in a limited space.

Comprising two distinct housing types, the tower accommodates a total of 242 units, each designed to fulfill the requirements of varying household sizes. The design includes smaller units of around 3.5 m² and larger configurations of 9.88 m², providing options that cater to diverse demographics. The housing layout is organized in a modular fashion, which not only maximizes the use of vertical space but also promotes efficient circulation within the building.

The architectural design centers on a helical form that allows for smooth movement throughout the tower. A central vertical core hosts essential services such as staircases and elevators, ensuring accessibility for all residents. Approximately 25% of the tower's surface area is reserved for this nucleus, highlighting the importance of vertical circulation in densely built environments. On the upper levels, the layout encourages flexibility by integrating compact kitchens and multifunctional living areas, allowing residents to personalize their spaces according to individual needs.

In addition to private units, the design incorporates communal areas and gardens on the lower levels of the tower. These spaces create opportunities for residents to interact, enhance social cohesion, and promote a sense of community. The inclusion of vertical gardens not only optimizes limited ground space but also contributes positively to the urban ecosystem by improving air quality and providing green spaces for relaxation.

Sustainability is a key principle guiding the architectural approach of the ECO 100 Tower. The project utilizes a variety of materials, including concrete for structural support, translucent elements to enhance natural light penetration, and metal frameworks comprised of recycled materials. The use of prefabricated construction components reduces waste and minimizes the environmental impact during the building process. Energy-efficient systems are integrated to decrease energy consumption, while water-saving technologies are implemented to promote responsible resource use, aligning with modern environmental standards.

The ECO 100 Tower represents a unique departure from traditional architectural solutions for urban living. Its innovative modular design allows for rapid deployment while still meeting the diverse needs of its residents. By prioritizing communal spaces alongside private living areas, the tower offers a well-rounded approach to urban living, demonstrating how architecture can facilitate social interaction and environmental responsibility.

The ECO 100 Tower stands as a model of modern architectural thinking, with its blend of functionality, sustainability, and community engagement. It encourages explorations into urban housing solutions that are adaptable, environmentally conscious, and reflective of contemporary social needs. For further details, readers are encouraged to delve into the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs of the ECO 100 Tower project to gain a comprehensive understanding of its design philosophy and innovative approaches.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy