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Pumped Hydroelectric Skyscraper Enhancing Urban Resilience

Authors:
Ryota Sunakawa, Ryuta Nakamura
Pumped Hydroelectric Skyscraper Enhancing Urban Resilience

Project in-detail

A pumped hydroelectric energy system powers a skyscraper in Tokyo, boldly integrating urban resilience with sustainable resource management while providing essential housing and community functions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Pumped hydroelectric system enhances energy storage and water management.
02
Integrates community living with disaster preparedness initiatives.
03
Adapts to the urban context by reinforcing surrounding buildings.
04
Focuses on three-dimensional capacity for flexible space usage.
05
Utilizes local water supply for resource efficiency and resilience.

The design envisions a skyscraper in the heart of Tokyo, a city grappling with the demands of modern life. As Japan moves into a Post Growth Era, the building aims to redefine urban spaces by focusing on sustainability and resilience. The overall concept revolves around creating an architectural ecosystem. It integrates innovative systems for energy and water management, which work together with the existing urban environment.

Conceptual Framework

The project seeks to challenge the traditional idea of urban growth, which often prioritizes economic expansion. Many past urban plans no longer serve the needs of the population. By recognizing the issues related to aging infrastructure and high-density living, the design provides a thoughtful response that emphasizes urban resilience. This approach fosters a new understanding of how communities can thrive in a changing context.

Functional Design Elements

Central to the design is a pumped hydroelectric energy system. This allows the skyscraper to act as both a hub for energy storage and a solution for water management. By utilizing the underground water supply, the structure ensures a steady flow of vital resources, particularly useful during emergencies. The integration of these systems shows a commitment to not only providing space for living and working but also enhancing the community's overall resilience.

Community Integration

Adaptability is a key focus of the design. The approach encourages the skyscraper to blend into the existing urban landscape rather than dominate it. By promoting a three-dimensional capacity, the building can adjust to meet the evolving needs of its surroundings. Maintaining the character of nearby structures is important for creating a sense of place. This strategy also improves disaster readiness, ensuring the community remains functional in challenging times.

Sustainable Urban Infrastructure

By rethinking the traditional centralized power system, the design aims to turn the city's existing water supply network into a localized clean energy grid. This transformation reduces reliance on external energy sources, fostering a stronger relationship between the building and its community. The proposal highlights the importance of managing resources in a way that benefits the environment.

The design ultimately reflects a thoughtful and adaptive approach to urban living, contributing positively to Tokyo's complex landscape while enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

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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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