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Tensegrity Structure Utilizing Recycled Steel and Insulation Fabric for Multifunctional Urban Habitat

Authors:
Manuel Collado Arpia, Diego Garcia-setien Terol
Tensegrity Structure Utilizing Recycled Steel and Insulation Fabric for Multifunctional Urban Habitat

Project in-detail

Utilizing tensegrity construction methods and recycled materials, the design integrates urban habitats with biodiversity features to support sustainable telecommunications infrastructure.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design allows for height adjustments based on local ecological conditions.
02
Tensegrity construction minimizes material use while maintaining structural integrity.
03
Incorporates bird-friendly features to enhance urban biodiversity.
04
Utilizes locally sourced materials to reduce carbon footprint and support regional economies.
05
Integrates solar glass for energy generation within the telecommunications framework.
The ecoTower project represents a modern architectural response to the growing need for sustainable telecommunication infrastructure within urban environments. This project integrates ecological considerations into its design, functioning as a telecommunications tower while promoting biodiversity and minimizing environmental impact. Its modular structure is tailored to various biomes across Europe, allowing it to adapt to different ecological contexts.

Modularity is a key feature of the ecoTower. The design allows for varying configurations based on local needs, making it suitable for diverse environments. Each tower can be adjusted in height, ranging from 11 to 55 meters, depending on site-specific factors such as wind patterns and wildlife habitats. This adaptability ensures that the ecoTower can meet technological demands without compromising ecological integrity. The use of tensegrity principles in the structural framework provides stability with minimal material usage, emphasizing efficiency in both engineering and resource consumption.

Sustainable material selection sets the ecoTower apart from conventional infrastructure projects. The primary materials include Gulam, recycled steel, and locally sourced timber for structural integrity, while recycled fabrics are employed in the outer skin for insulation and environmental compatibility. Glass elements are integrated to facilitate solar energy production, contributing to the overall energy efficiency of the tower. This careful material planning reflects a commitment to reducing the carbon footprint associated with telecommunications infrastructure.

The ecoTower’s design fosters biodiversity through intentional features that create habitats for local wildlife. By incorporating elements modeled after natural forms—such as bird nests and burrows—the project promotes the coexistence of technology and nature. The towers include platforms for birds and other species, enhancing urban biodiversity and serving as artificial habitats in a typically habitat-reduced environment. This approach emphasizes the project's belief that architecture can and should play a role in ecological stewardship.

Renewable energy elements are central to the ecoTower's functionality. Wind turbines and solar glass are integrated into the design to ensure that the structure is not only self-sufficient but also contributes positively to the energy grid. This reliance on renewable sources aligns with the broader goals of reducing reliance on fossil fuels in telecommunications.

The ecoTower project exemplifies a thoughtful balance between technological infrastructure and environmental responsibility. By offering a design that prioritizes adaptability, sustainability, and biodiversity, it stands as a relevant model for future telecommunication solutions. Readers interested in architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs should explore the comprehensive presentation of the ecoTower to understand its innovative approaches and design principles fully.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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