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Timber Towers Featuring Smart Agriculture and Natural Ventilation

Author:
Donghwa Shon
Timber Towers Featuring Smart Agriculture and Natural Ventilation

Project in-detail

Utilizing Glued Laminated Timber and incorporating smart farming with a focus on natural ventilation, the building integrates sustainable living within a vibrant community space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes Glued Laminated Timber for enhanced structural flexibility.
02
Incorporates smart farming to promote urban agriculture within the building.
03
Employs the Venturi effect for efficient natural ventilation throughout the atrium.
04
Features traditional Korean timber fitting methods for cultural connection.
05
Strategically designed pedestrian pathways integrate with the surrounding landscape.

The Timber Skyscraper project in Sejong City, Republic of Korea, embodies a vision focused on sustainability and community integration. Set against the backdrop of the Jecheon and Geumgang rivers, the design brings together human needs and ecological considerations. It aims to create a functional and harmonious living space by prioritizing environmentally mindful practices and the use of renewable materials.

Materials and Construction Techniques

Glued Laminated Timber (GLT) serves as the primary material in the construction of the building. This choice is significant due to GLT's strength and flexibility, which provide structural integrity while minimizing environmental impact. The building utilizes traditional Korean timber fitting methods that enhance stability and connect to local cultural heritage. By relying on timber-to-timber connections and avoiding iron, the design reflects a thoughtful approach to both materiality and craftsmanship.

Spatial Organization and Functionality

The layout of the Timber Skyscraper includes a mix of commercial and residential spaces. It features areas for smart farming, educational facilities, and a cultural complex, promoting active community engagement. Pedestrian pathways are integrated throughout the design, encouraging movement within the building and connection to the outdoors. This focus on accessibility fosters an inviting atmosphere where occupants can interact and participate in various activities.

Sustainability Features

The building design incorporates natural ventilation by utilizing the Venturi effect. By placing openings that allow air to flow through the atrium, reliance on mechanical systems is reduced. This design strategy enhances indoor air quality and energy efficiency, contributing to a comfortable living environment. The emphasis on natural ventilation illustrates a commitment to sustainability while providing a practical solution for contemporary urban living.

The façade of the Timber Skyscraper reflects traditional Korean architectural forms with its gentle curves. This design choice connects the building to its cultural roots while enhancing its visual appeal. Attention to detail in the design ensures a strong relationship with the surrounding landscape, offering a clear expression of harmony between architecture and nature.

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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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