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Hydrophilic Facades Transforming Desert Landscapes into Vibrant Ecosystems

Authors:
Yoonhae Choi, Donghoon Seo
Hydrophilic Facades Transforming Desert Landscapes into Vibrant Ecosystems
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Hydrophilic facades capture moisture to transform arid landscapes into thriving ecosystems, offering a sustainable living environment for urban inhabitants.
5 key facts about this project
01
Hydrophilic facades collect and utilize moisture from the air for water supply.
02
The tower's spiral design enhances airflow and facilitates natural cooling.
03
Middle floors include green spaces that filter and improve air quality.
04
Four distinct spatial characteristics promote varied interactions with nature.
05
A focus on revitalizing previously desertified land supports ecological restoration.

The Biophilia Tower showcases a contemporary vision for urban design, addressing the urgent need for ecological awareness in densely populated areas. It aims to create a meaningful connection between people and nature while revitalizing spaces affected by urban development. With its focus on biophilic principles, the tower combines living spaces with ecological functions, encouraging residents to coexist harmoniously with their surroundings.

Architectural Concept

The design relies on four spatial characteristics: Residential Area, Using Area, Experiencing Area, and Primitive Area. These layers shape the ways people engage with both the building and the natural environment, fostering a sense of interconnectedness. The tower’s spiral form comprises three symbolic lines that represent these areas, allowing movement and exploration while promoting various interactions between occupants and their ecosystem.

Sustainability Features

A crucial aspect of the tower is its self-sustaining system, prominently featuring hydrophilic facades. These facades capture moisture from the surrounding air, producing water that is essential for both daily human needs and the revitalization of the nearby ecosystem. By utilizing this innovative water management approach, the tower demonstrates its commitment to ecological restoration, directing collected water first towards reviving the surrounding environment before meeting the residents' needs.

Natural Integration

The middle levels of the tower include spaces designed to filter hot and sandy air, providing cooler and more comfortable conditions for inhabitants. This integration allows for a more pleasant experience indoors while enhancing the overall environmental quality. By designing with an emphasis on natural processes, the Biophilia Tower encourages a lifestyle that values both well-being and environmental consciousness.

Vegetation and open spaces are thoughtfully woven throughout the design, ensuring that the tower contributes positively to the ecological landscape. Nature is not just an afterthought; it becomes an integral part of daily life, reinforcing the connection between urban living and the natural world.

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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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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