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Timber Towers Featuring Smart Agriculture and Natural Ventilation

Author:
Donghwa Shon
Timber Towers Featuring Smart Agriculture and Natural Ventilation
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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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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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