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Natural Ventilation and Community Spaces in a Sustainable Skyscraper

Author:
Vadim Golubev
Natural Ventilation and Community Spaces in a Sustainable Skyscraper

Project in-detail

The integration of natural ventilation and a central atrium fosters community interaction in a sustainably designed skyscraper that blends residential and commercial spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Natural ventilation strategies incorporate operable windows for improved airflow.
02
The design features a central atrium as a communal gathering space.
03
On-site renewable energy is generated through solar panels and wind turbines.
04
Light-filled staircases promote movement and interaction among residents.
05
The structure prioritizes lower carbon footprints through sustainable practices.

The architectural design represents a thoughtful solution to the issues often found in skyscrapers, set in an urban environment that emphasizes both sustainability and community. The structure aims to serve multiple purposes, combining residential and commercial functions. The design concept centers around improving indoor air quality, enhancing social connections, and incorporating renewable energy sources.

Natural Ventilation

A significant challenge for skyscrapers is their lack of natural ventilation. Many of these buildings are designed to be sealed and airtight, depending heavily on mechanical systems for air circulation. The design addresses this challenge by incorporating elements that promote natural airflow within the building. These strategies aim to improve indoor air quality and enhance comfort for occupants, responding to a critical need for healthier living spaces in urban areas.

Social Interaction

Social interaction is another vital focus of the design. Conventional skyscrapers often do not offer communal areas that foster connections among residents. This design seeks to change that by providing shared spaces and amenities. An atrium serves as a central gathering spot, encouraging community engagement. These features help create a sense of connection and belonging for the people living and working in the building.

Energy Harvesting

Energy harvesting plays an important role in the sustainability framework of the design. By generating electricity on-site using renewable sources such as solar panels and wind turbines, the building reduces its carbon footprint. This strategy aligns with current goals for energy efficiency in architecture. The approach demonstrates how skyscrapers can contribute positively to their environment and become part of a wider effort toward sustainability.

Natural light is a defining characteristic of the design. The inclusion of light-filled staircases not only enhances the visual appeal but also encourages movement throughout the building. This aspect creates a vibrant atmosphere where residents can interact and engage with their environment. By merging functionality with aesthetic considerations, the design promotes a positive living space that caters to the needs of the community.

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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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