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Perforated Metal Facade and Asymmetrical Balance in Community-Centric Urban Living

Author:
Arwa Atwa
Perforated Metal Facade and Asymmetrical Balance in Community-Centric Urban Living

Project in-detail

The double-facade system of perforated metal skin enhances thermal performance while creating a visually dynamic urban hub that fosters community interaction and sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project includes a sky lobby hub that serves as a key social gathering point, providing panoramic views of the city.
02
The double façade features perforated metal skin that enhances energy efficiency while reflecting the local environment.
03
Natural ventilation systems are integrated throughout to minimize heat gain and improve indoor climate control.
04
Public spaces are designed to facilitate community interaction, with accessible terraces and social hubs spread across multiple levels.
05
A focus on asymmetrical balance in the structure adds visual dynamism, differentiating it from conventional designs.

The Living Skyscraper in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, combines community living with environmental sustainability. Designed as a multi-functional structure, it provides spaces that encourage social interaction and collaboration. The project seeks to create a continuous environment where residents and visitors can connect, reflecting the dynamic nature of urban life.

Design Concept

The design utilizes the subtraction of form to develop various social hubs within the tower. This approach helps reduce wind pressure on the building facade. It also allows for natural ventilation through the slabs, leading to lower heat gain in interior spaces. This strategy significantly improves energy efficiency and enhances the comfort of the environment.

Public Interaction

Inside the Living Skyscraper, the layout promotes a sense of openness and accessibility. Public areas such as a plaza, podium terraces, and a primary social hub are designed to foster community engagement. Smaller office social hubs are created to offer flexible workspaces, encouraging collaboration among users. The sky lobby hub serves as a visual and social focal point, providing remarkable views and a gathering space for residents and visitors alike.

Material Application

The structure features a double façade system that uses perforated metal skin on the south and west sides. This choice of material is functional and aligned with the natural context of Jeddah. The façade design enhances the building's thermal performance, helping to regulate temperature while also contributing visually to the surrounding area.

Spatial Flexibility

Technological elements in the Living Skyscraper enhance its adaptability. Flexible interior layouts allow for various configurations based on user needs. Movable panels create dynamic spaces that can be transformed as required. Smart motion sensors for lighting improve energy efficiency, adjusting illumination based on occupancy while maintaining the necessary light levels.

The overall structure connects its ecological goals with community living, creating an environment that encourages socialization while prioritizing sustainability. The design reflects a thoughtful approach to modern urban life, prioritizing both function and interaction.

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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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