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Sinusoidal Towers with Exoskeleton Structure Enhancing Urban Connectivity

Author:
Jasha Salas
Sinusoidal Towers with Exoskeleton Structure Enhancing Urban Connectivity

Project in-detail

The design incorporates sinusoidal towers and an exoskeleton structure to optimize natural light and connectivity, creating a versatile space for office functions in a dense urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Sinusoidal tower design enhances natural light distribution throughout the building.
02
Exoskeleton structure minimizes the need for traditional shear walls, optimizing interior space.
03
Local stair access connects offices to corridor loops every fifth floor, promoting fluid movement.
04
Vertiports are integrated for efficient aerial parcel delivery, streamlining logistics.
05
Landscaped outdoor areas foster a connection between indoor and urban environments.

The Unblock, located in downtown Chicago, focuses on enhancing the relationship between people and their urban surroundings. It serves multiple functions while aiming to create a welcoming environment. The design aims to integrate nature into everyday life, addressing the challenges of living in high-density areas. The key concept features sinusoidal towers that encourage natural light and open space, weaving together a cohesive experience for users.

Innovative Form and Spatial Configuration

The design of The Unblock includes a series of sinusoidal towers. This arrangement merges aesthetic appeal with necessary structural support. The wave-like shape allows light to filter deeply into the building, providing great views while reducing the usual feelings of confinement found in high-rises. This thoughtful approach makes the space feel more inviting and accessible, contrasting the typical look of urban towers.

Interior Layout and User Engagement

Inside, the arrangement emphasizes user interaction with column-free office spaces. These offices can be adjusted to suit different needs and sizes. Each office is linked to a set of stairs that connect to corridor loops every fifth floor. This layout promotes easy movement and communication across the building. It caters to various working styles, encouraging collaboration and productivity among users.

Structural Innovation and Technology Integration

The building features an exoskeleton structural system designed to handle both vertical and lateral forces. This choice minimizes reliance on traditional shear walls, leading to a more flexible use of space. The exoskeleton also influences the building's overall look, showing how stability and design can go hand in hand. Vertiports are part of the technology setup, enabling aerial parcel delivery and smooth logistics access, seamlessly connecting the building to its urban context.

Final Design Detail

Landscaped outdoor areas open to the outside, creating a connection between different environments. These spaces invite natural elements into the building and encourage users to engage with the urban landscape surrounding them. This blend of indoor and outdoor realms reflects a dedication to sustainability and enhances the overall experience for everyone who uses the space.

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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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