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Hexagonal Glass Facade Enhanced by Sustainable Solar Panels in a Mixed-Use Urban Structure

Authors:
Hongwei Xi, Fan Wu, Hao Zhang, Zhihua Ma
Hexagonal Glass Facade Enhanced by Sustainable Solar Panels in a Mixed-Use Urban Structure

Project in-detail

A hexagonal glass facade envelops a mixed-use urban structure that harnesses solar energy and integrates lush greenery, creating a vibrant community hub in the heart of Shanghai.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building features a hexagonal layout that maximizes natural light and spatial efficiency.
02
Solar panels are seamlessly integrated into the glass facade, enhancing sustainability without compromising aesthetics.
03
Community spaces are thoughtfully designed to promote social interaction and engagement among users.
04
Green roofs are incorporated to support local biodiversity and provide outdoor spaces for relaxation.
05
A tiered structure creates varied vistas, offering unique views of the Shanghai skyline from different levels.
The Lighthouse project, situated in the bustling Lujiazui district of Shanghai, embodies a contemporary architectural vision that integrates functionality with innovative design concepts. This project serves multiple purposes, combining spaces for work, leisure, and social interaction, aligning with the dynamic lifestyle of this vibrant urban area. The overarching idea behind the design is to act as a guiding force for the community, much like a lighthouse directs vessels safely to shore.

At its core, the Lighthouse represents the aspirations of a modern metropolis grappling with rapid growth and urban density. It features a visually impactful height that establishes its presence within the Shanghai skyline, creating both a landmark and a focal point for the surrounding urban landscape. The structure's hexagonal layout distinguishes it from typical rectangular buildings, enhancing spatial efficiency and allowing for greater access to natural light.

Intricate design details define the project, with the layered organization of the building accommodating a range of uses. Each section reflects thoughtful planning, housing offices, retail spaces, restaurants, and observation points that cater to both residents and visitors. The design prioritizes openness and interaction, facilitating a community-oriented experience. Entering the building, one finds a welcoming lobby that integrates indoor greenery, promoting tranquility and a strong connection to nature while encouraging social engagement among users.

A unique feature of the Lighthouse is its extensive use of glass, providing transparency and unobstructed views. This material choice not only enhances the aesthetic quality of the design but also aligns with sustainability principles, allowing for natural light to permeate the interior spaces. The building's framework, constructed with structural steel and reinforced concrete, ensures stability and durability, essential characteristics for any high-rise structure in an earthquake-prone region.

Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of the project, with integrated solar panels playing a crucial role in energy production. This proactive approach reflects a responsiveness to global environmental challenges, positioning the Lighthouse as a model for future architectural endeavors. Furthermore, green roofs and terraces are thoughtfully incorporated, creating inviting outdoor spaces that not only enhance the building’s visual appeal but also contribute to urban biodiversity.

The architectural design stands out not just for its aesthetic qualities but also for how it engages the community and contributes to the urban context of Shanghai. The careful blend of different functionalities within the same structure invites communal use, transforming the building into a vibrant hub of activity.

The Lighthouse not only showcases a commitment to innovative design but also serves as an embodiment of the evolving urban identity of Shanghai. The interplay between its structural integrity, material choices, and user experience reflects a sophisticated understanding of contemporary architectural principles. Readers are encouraged to delve deeper into the project presentation, exploring architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas to appreciate how these components coalesce into a cohesive vision for a modern urban environment.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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
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