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Suspended Living Over The Landscape with Glass Facades and Steel Framework

Author:
Niv Sharon
Suspended Living Over The Landscape with Glass Facades and Steel Framework

Project in-detail

Suspended above the Sorek River, the design utilizes glass facades and a steel framework to create a seamless connection between urban living and nature, offering a unique multi-functional space that promotes community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Suspended structure utilizes existing bridge infrastructure to minimize land disruption.
02
Incorporation of a 'Skystreet' for safe pedestrian circulation above vehicle traffic.
03
Extensive use of glass facades enhances natural light and landscape views.
04
Green terraces integrated into the design to promote biodiversity and ecological balance.
05
Steel framework provides lightweight support while maintaining structural integrity.

### Project Overview

The Hanging Towers is situated at the northern entrance of Jerusalem, adjacent to a key transport route (road number one) and overlooking the Sorek River. The design integrates transportation, public space, and residential living by utilizing the existing bridge infrastructure to create a suspended urban environment. This approach addresses urban expansion challenges while respecting and enhancing the surrounding natural landscape.

### Spatial Strategy and User Experience

The architectural concept reverses traditional tower design, with residential and commercial spaces elevated above the ground, thereby minimizing land use impacts and maximizing views of the landscape. This elevation encourages interactions with nature while accommodating essential urban functionalities. The layout features distinct zones for public, commercial, and residential use. Public spaces are designed to foster community engagement through open-air terraces and gardens that connect occupants with nature. Lower levels are designated for commercial areas, promoting economic activity and accessibility, while residential units are oriented to capture panoramic vistas, enhancing the quality of life.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The material selection reflects a commitment to sustainability and durability. Extensive use of glass allows for transparency and natural light, while steel provides a lightweight but strong structural framework. Concrete forms the foundational components, ensuring longevity, and wood is incorporated within interior spaces for warmth and a natural aesthetic. Additionally, the project includes green architecture elements such as vegetation on terraces and walls, which contribute to biodiversity and passive cooling, reinforcing the design's sensitivity to the environment. The innovative 'Skystreet' walkway system facilitates safe pedestrian movement throughout the complex without disrupting vehicular traffic, further enhancing user experience and connectivity.

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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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