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Spiraling Glass Facade with Integrated Green Terraces and Rainwater Harvesting Features

Author:
Denis Milani Adriano
Spiraling Glass Facade with Integrated Green Terraces and Rainwater Harvesting Features

Project in-detail

A spiraling glass facade encases a multifunctional tower that integrates green terraces and rainwater harvesting systems, fostering an eco-conscious environment while serving as a vibrant urban hub.
5 key facts about this project
01
Spiraling design reduces wind load through aerodynamic shaping.
02
Integrated green terraces promote urban biodiversity and community access.
03
Rainwater harvesting system enhances sustainability and reduces runoff.
04
Use of fiberglass reinforced plastics for lightweight structural elements.
05
Multi-level observation decks provide panoramic views of the cityscape.

### Project Overview

Located in a vibrant urban center, the tower structure is designed as a multifunctional hub that accommodates commercial, recreational, and observational activities. The architectural intent emphasizes a distinctive spiral form that draws inspiration from natural structures, fostering a sense of growth and movement while ensuring integration with the surrounding cityscape.

### Spatial Configuration and User Engagement

The tower's spatial strategy prioritizes user experience through the incorporation of multiple observation decks that provide expansive views of the skyline. Positioned at strategic intervals, these spaces are designed to enhance interaction with the urban environment, promoting a sense of community and connection. Additionally, an undulating landscaped podium at the tower's base serves as a communal area, encouraging outdoor activities and social engagement while softly transitioning from the built to the natural environment.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Strategies

The material choices reflect a balance between aesthetic appeal and functional performance. The extensive use of glass facilitates natural light penetration, which diminishes reliance on artificial lighting, while steel and concrete form the structural backbone of the building, providing necessary stability. Notably, fiberglass reinforced plastics are employed in select decorative elements for their lightweight and durable properties.

Sustainability is a core aspect of the design, incorporating systems for rainwater harvesting and solar panels integrated into the facade, alongside energy-efficient HVAC technologies. The landscaped podium not only enhances biodiversity but also contributes to mitigating the urban heat island effect, positioning the tower as a forward-thinking example of ecological architecture in an urban context.

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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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