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Photocatalytic Façade Enhancing Air Quality in a Vertical Green Space

Authors:
Jannatun nayeem Nowshin, Naorin tabassum Chowdhury, Farzana Haque, Sruti Srabonti
Photocatalytic Façade Enhancing Air Quality in a Vertical Green Space

Project in-detail

Utilizing a titanium dioxide-coated façade for photocatalytic air purification, the structure effectively addresses urban pollution while integrating greenery throughout its vertical form.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a titanium dioxide coating for effective air purification.
02
Processes up to 3 million cubic meters of air daily.
03
Incorporates dense vegetation to enhance internal air quality.
04
Collects and recycles grey water for sustainable use.
05
Features a circular design for optimal aerodynamic efficiency.

The Breathing Tower is an innovative structure designed to combat air pollution in urban areas, particularly in cities like Beijing, known for their significant air quality issues. Positioned within a densely populated setting, the tower integrates sustainability with architecture to create an environment that not only purifies the air but also enhances the urban landscape. The core idea is to replicate natural processes, utilizing solar energy and advanced techniques to support a healthier living space for city residents.

Architectural Concept

The Breathing Tower's design focuses on environmental responsibility at its core. Its façade functions as an active air filter, capturing pollutants before they enter the building. The outer coating of titanium dioxide enables a process called photocatalysis, which breaks down harmful substances into benign by-products such as carbon dioxide and water. This method supports the overall goal of improving air quality while demonstrating a commitment to ecological practices.



Interior and Vegetation Design

Inside the Breathing Tower, void spaces facilitate airflow and create a breathable atmosphere for occupants. The design incorporates dense vegetation to both enhance aesthetics and improve functionality. This greenery helps regulate oxygen levels, contributing to a healthier internal climate. The combination of natural elements within the architecture not only improves air quality but also creates a visually calming environment for those inside.



Water Collection System

The water collection system is another essential aspect of the Breathing Tower's sustainable approach. Filtered water from various internal processes is collected and reused, minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency. This recycling of grey water aligns with the tower’s goal of sustainability, ensuring that the building functions with a lower environmental impact through thoughtful design choices.



Aerodynamic Efficiency

The structure’s form is designed with aerodynamic efficiency in mind. Its circular shape allows for a 300-degree intake of air, enabling the tower to process up to 3 million cubic meters of air daily. This capacity illustrates the building’s role in addressing urban air pollution effectively. The architecture not only provides significant volumes of clean air but also emphasizes the interaction between the building and its surrounding environment.

The Breathing Tower exemplifies an approach that combines advanced technology with natural integration, creating a space that supports the health of both people and the planet.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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