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Timber Elegance with Solar Integration in a Vertical Community Space

Authors:
Misak Terzibasiyan, Nayem Mohammad, Emily O'brien, Leila Haase
Timber Elegance with Solar Integration in a Vertical Community Space

Project in-detail

The blend of glue-laminated timber and integrated solar panels defines a 150-meter tall structure that creates communal terraces, enhancing the urban environment while serving as a landmark in Eindhoven.
5 key facts about this project
01
A triangular floor plan allows for rotation to align with surrounding street patterns.
02
Five landscaped terraces provide communal outdoor spaces with raised garden beds.
03
Construction employs glue-laminated timber for sustainability and structural integrity.
04
Solar panels integrated into the facade generate electricity for tower operations.
05
Located in Strijp-T, the tower honors Eindhoven's industrial heritage through its design.

The Truss Tower in Eindhoven showcases a modern approach to the area’s industrial roots. Located in Strijp-T, which was once a power plant site for Philips, the tower reaches a height of 150 meters. It is strategically positioned near the Klokgebouw train station, serving as a landmark for travelers arriving from various cities in the Netherlands. The design concept draws inspiration from the historical context of Eindhoven and mimics the angular profiles of traditional truss roofs typically seen in factories.

Design Concept

The architectural concept integrates elements of the city's past while promoting modern functionality. The triangular floor plan features sections that rotate to align with the surrounding street layout. Three of these sections follow the street pattern of Strijp-T, while the other two correspond with the nearby neighborhoods of Strijp-S and Strijp-R. This arrangement encourages the building to fit naturally into the urban landscape.

Materiality

Solid timber and glue-laminated timber are the main materials used in the construction of the Truss Tower. This choice reflects a focus on environmental sustainability. The timber offers a warm feel and a visual contrast to the urban surroundings. It gives the structure a sense of being connected to nature, promoting an experience that is both inviting and grounded.

Public Spaces

A key feature of the Truss Tower is its five outdoor terraces, which are landscaped with trees and raised garden beds. These terraces create spaces for gathering and relaxation. They invite both residents and visitors to engage with the environment around them while providing opportunities to take in views of the vibrant city. This design encourages community interaction and a connection to the natural elements in an urban setting.

Sustainability Features

The tower incorporates several sustainable features, including a system for harvesting rainwater to irrigate its gardens. Additionally, the facade is equipped with transparent solar panel cells that produce electricity to power the building. These elements reflect a commitment to reducing the environmental impact and align with Eindhoven’s identity as a progressive city focused on innovation in technology and design.

The structural design reveals a network of visual elements that accentuate its unique profile, reinforcing its presence in Eindhoven’s urban landscape while paying homage to the city’s industrial heritage.

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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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