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Timber-Infused Skyscraper Enhancing Community Interaction and Air Quality in Dhaka

Authors:
Sophie Imo, Urbi Mazhar
Timber-Infused Skyscraper Enhancing Community Interaction and Air Quality in Dhaka

Project in-detail

A timber-infused skyscraper in Dhaka utilizes advanced air movement strategies to improve indoor air quality while serving as a multifunctional hub for remote workers.
5 key facts about this project
01
Timber-infused structure enhances climate resilience.
02
Advanced chemical air purification system improves indoor air quality.
03
Split programmatic massing allows for diverse public and private spaces.
04
Airflow design utilizes principles from fluid dynamics for natural ventilation.
05
Retail spaces on ground levels foster community engagement and economic activity.

The project is located in Dhaka, a city facing severe pollution challenges. It stands above the Uttara Central Train Station in Northern Dhaka and serves as a hub for millions of online workers who now operate from home. The design focuses on integration with the surrounding environment and aims to offer a practical workspace while addressing the pressing issue of air quality.

Site Analysis and Environmental Response

The building’s site was chosen after careful examination of local weather patterns and the geography of the area. Understanding the direction of winds and the topographical features helps to reduce the effects of pollution. The approach aims to create a safer indoor environment for users while responding to the challenges of urban living.

Programmatic Massing

The layout features a split programmatic massing strategy. The lower levels are committed to public spaces that encourage reading and study, promoting engagement with the wider community. The upper floors are designated for private offices, providing a variety of work environments that meet different user needs. This thoughtful arrangement emphasizes user comfort and functionality in a crowded urban context.

Sustainability and Air Quality

An essential aspect of the design is its air movement strategy. It makes use of downward spiral airflow techniques to enhance natural ventilation throughout the building. By applying theories from fluid dynamics, polluted air enters a system of vessels where it is cleaned before being released back into the indoor spaces. This process significantly improves air quality, aiming to provide a healthier living and working atmosphere.

Community Integration

The building includes retail spaces on the ground levels, making it more connected to the urban area. These spaces house a variety of shops and cafes, encouraging local economic activity and social interactions among community members. This decision reflects an understanding that architecture can foster a vibrant sense of community.

The façade of the skyscraper is designed to allow for efficient airflow while also being visually compelling. It helps guide air through the vent system, supporting both aesthetics and functionality. This careful design detail emphasizes the building's role in improving air quality while contributing to the overall character of the urban landscape.

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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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