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Modular Facade with High-Performance Glazing and Integrated Green Walls for a Mixed-Use Urban Hub

Author:
Saif El-seoud
Modular Facade with High-Performance Glazing and Integrated Green Walls for a Mixed-Use Urban Hub

Project in-detail

With a modular façade built from high-performance glazing and integrated green walls, the design creates a versatile space that harmonizes residential, commercial, and recreational functions in the heart of an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular façade design allows for flexibility in function and aesthetics.
02
High-performance glazing enhances energy efficiency and natural light.
03
Integrated green walls contribute to biodiversity and thermal regulation.
04
Community spaces strategically placed to encourage social interaction.
05
Rooftop gardens designed for recreational use and stormwater management.

## Overview

Located in downtown Cairo, Egypt, the Tower of Minds addresses urban challenges such as density and housing shortages through a vertical mixed-use design. The project unifies residential, commercial, and recreational functions within a single structure, reflecting the sociocultural context of the area. Inspired by the historical narratives of urban decay and community reconstruction, the tower aims to consolidate informal settlements into a cohesive architectural form that promotes social interaction and engagement.

## Design and Spatial Organization

The project's design employs modularity and layered geometric forms, resulting in a dynamic facade that encourages user interaction. The ground floor accommodates a vibrant shopping mall with various retail and dining options, optimized for accessibility and spontaneous engagement among visitors. Above this, the tower features recreational areas, including rooftop gardens and swimming pools, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents. Additionally, communal spaces are integrated throughout the building, fostering connections while providing necessary privacy.

## Material and Sustainability Features

The Tower of Minds utilizes advanced material engineering to enhance energy efficiency and environmental performance. SGG Cool Lite Extreme double glazing is employed for its thermal performance, while white acrylic paint on the roof contributes to heat reflection. The structural framework relies on durable concrete, complemented by extensive glass facades that promote visual transparency. Green roofs and walls incorporate landscaping that helps regulate temperature, while light-colored paving surfaces manage heat and facilitate water runoff. Smart technologies, including automated lighting and occupancy sensors, further reduce energy consumption, achieving significant efficiency improvements compared to conventional designs.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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