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Spiraled Structure Integrating Solar Panels and Panoramic Glass for Enhanced Urban Mobility

Authors:
Kotomi Kameda, Gaku Shinohara, Ruriko Ueda, Kazuki Shimizu
Spiraled Structure Integrating Solar Panels and Panoramic Glass for Enhanced Urban Mobility

Project in-detail

A spiraled structure clad in glass and integrated with solar panels offers a dynamic reimagining of urban mobility, positioning itself as a multifunctional hub that combines observation, sustainability, and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
A spiraled framework enhances structural support while providing dynamic visual appeal.
02
Integrated solar panels contribute to energy efficiency and sustainability.
03
Extensive glass facades offer panoramic views of the Tokyo skyline.
04
An aerial SkyTaxi station innovates urban transportation accessibility.
05
Public spaces incorporate greenery, fostering community interaction and environmental quality.

### Overview
Located in Tokyo, Japan, the Neo Tokyo Tower reinterprets the original Tokyo Tower, completed in 1958, addressing contemporary urban development challenges and advancements in technology. This project focuses on adaptive reuse, aiming to integrate modern functional requirements while honoring the structure's historical significance.

### Structural Strategy
The design maintains the recognizable silhouette of the original tower while introducing a spiraled framework that envelops the existing structure. This dynamic form enhances visual complexity and structural integrity, symbolizing upward movement indicative of urban growth and technological progress. Distinct functional areas include a SkyTaxi Station, facilitating urban air mobility, and sightseeing platforms offering panoramic views. Additionally, integrated digital signage facilitates dynamic engagement, reflecting modern advertising trends within the urban landscape.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The material selection emphasizes safety and aesthetic appeal, utilizing steel for structural support, glass for unobstructed views, and lightweight composites for the spiral structure, ensuring strength without excessive load. Sustainability is a key focus, with features such as embedded solar panels for energy generation and green roofs in observation areas that promote eco-friendly practices. The design aims to minimize carbon footprints while fostering environmental responsibility through its innovative use of technology and materials.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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