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Purifying Air Through Water Vapor in a Sustainable Mixed-Use High-Rise

Authors:
César Vargas, Raúl Calzada, Daniela Palencia
Purifying Air Through Water Vapor in a Sustainable Mixed-Use High-Rise

Project in-detail

Capturing and converting polluted air into water vapor, the high-rise enhances urban living in Mexico City by integrating advanced air purification systems within a multifunctional structure that includes residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Air purification system converts polluted air into water vapor.
02
Rainwater harvesting is integrated for sustainable water management.
03
Sky Park offers green recreational space within the tower.
04
Design adapts to local humidity levels for efficiency.
05
Advanced filtration system manages acid rain runoff.

Geiser Tower is a mixed-use high-rise located in Mexico City, a place challenged by high levels of air pollution due to urbanization and industrialization. The tower aims to address these environmental issues while providing various urban functions. The design focuses on sustainability, integrating advanced systems to purify polluted air while improving the quality of life for residents and visitors.

Air Purification System

A key feature of Geiser Tower is its air purification system. This system captures polluted air and transforms it into water vapor, which is then released back into the environment. This process helps reduce particulate matter and enhances air quality in an area where pollution levels often exceed safety limits. The system directly addresses the pressing need for clean air in the city.

Mixed-Use Functionality

The design of Geiser Tower includes a mix of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces all within one structure. This includes 57,030 square meters of parking, 30,576 square meters for retail and food services, 65,520 square meters for office space, and 14,580 square meters for housing. By combining these different uses, the tower encourages interaction and community engagement, helping to create a lively urban environment.

Innovative Water Management

Another important aspect of the tower is its innovative water management system. It collects rainwater through underground systems, which is then purified before being used in public areas like plazas and the Sky Park Mall. This feature reflects a commitment to sustainability and efficient resource use, aligning the building with the ecological needs of Mexico City.

Structural Response to Geography

Geiser Tower's design takes into account the unique geography and climate of Mexico City. The building uses the natural humidity in the air to improve the efficiency of its air purification system. Additionally, the structure is designed to manage acid rain by filtering pollutants from rainwater through soil before purification. These strategies enhance the building's overall sustainability.

Solar panels placed on the roof provide renewable energy, further contributing to the tower's ecological profile. This energy generation supports the project's goal of minimizing environmental impact while meeting the needs of urban residents and visitors. The tower stands as a practical solution for improving air quality and creating a better urban experience.

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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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