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Modular Glass Façade With Vertical Gardens Supporting Community Engagement

Author:
Gaby Khoriaty
Modular Glass Façade With Vertical Gardens Supporting Community Engagement

Project in-detail

With a modular glass façade that incorporates vertical gardens, this design enhances urban connectivity while providing flexible spaces for commercial and community use.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design allows for adaptable space allocation based on user needs.
02
Vertical gardens are integrated into the façade, enhancing urban biodiversity.
03
The use of aluminum panels serves as an innovative thermal regulation method.
04
Ground-level spaces prioritize community engagement with accessible amenities.
05
A unique configuration of stacked modules creates visually dynamic profiles.
The architectural project "SkyHive - The Tetris," located in San Francisco, California, presents a novel approach to mixed-use high-rise design. It utilizes modular concepts inspired by Tetris, integrating diverse functions within a cohesive and adaptive structure. The design emphasizes flexibility, allowing spaces to evolve based on the needs of occupants and the urban environment.

The project features a combination of commercial areas, office spaces, and communal green zones, addressing the needs of a dynamic urban population. By stacking modular forms, the design maximizes land use while introducing a unique visual appeal that differentiates it from traditional high-rise developments. The building’s massing creates a harmonious flow of spaces, facilitating interaction among users and enhancing community connectivity.

Modular Design Efficiency

The unique design approach of "SkyHive - The Tetris" focuses on modularity, drawing parallels to the interlocking shapes of Tetris blocks. By utilizing distinctly shaped modules, the design diverges from linear high-rise structures, offering a more flexible and fluid arrangement. Each module serves a defined function—commercial, workspace, or recreational—allowing for varying configurations while prioritizing accessibility and interaction. This modular system not only provides functional diversity but also simplifies construction methods and reduces logistical challenges.

Sustainability and Material Selection

The project showcases a commitment to sustainability through the careful selection of materials. The exterior is predominantly clad in glass, promoting natural light and reducing reliance on artificial lighting. Secondary aluminum panels serve as a protective skin, improving energy efficiency and thermal performance. Concrete forms the main structural element, while steel components provide necessary support for the modular framework. The integration of wood finishes within the interiors introduces a warm element, fostering a more inviting atmosphere. Additionally, the inclusion of green spaces and vertical gardens promotes biodiversity, contributing positively to the urban ecosystem.

Exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs of "SkyHive - The Tetris" reveals the thoughtfulness of the project’s configuration and its potential impact on the urban landscape. The synthesis of modularity, sustainability, and community-focused design contributes to a progressive architectural statement well-suited for contemporary urban environments. Interested readers are encouraged to delve into the project’s detailed presentation, where architectural plans and sections can offer further insight into the innovative ideas that shape this distinctive design.
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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
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