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Translucent Polycarbonate Skin Envelops Spiral Ramp Within Sustainable Urban Oasis

Authors:
John Henry, Dany Mazloum
Translucent Polycarbonate Skin Envelops Spiral Ramp Within Sustainable Urban Oasis

Project in-detail

The spiral ramp weaves through a translucent polycarbonate skin, inviting visitors to explore a lush inner garden while offering panoramic views from its observation deck, all within a thoughtfully designed sustainable urban retreat.
5 key facts about this project
01
The structure features a unique hourglass form that optimizes airflow and natural light throughout the interior.
02
A central garden integrates native plant species, enhancing biodiversity and contributing to local ecology.
03
The use of translucent polycarbonate panels allows for a dynamic interplay of light and shadow within communal spaces.
04
The spiraling ramp design encourages vertical circulation while providing a continuous connection to nature and views.
05
Sustainable energy solutions, including solar panels, contribute to the building's reduced environmental impact and energy efficiency.
The Tulip Tower represents a thoughtful integration of nature and architecture, embodying a design that is both functional and aesthetically engaging. This architectural project draws inspiration from the delicate form of a tulip and the concept of time, encapsulated within an hourglass shape. The unique form serves not just as a visual symbol but also facilitates a harmonious relationship between the structure and its environment, nestled amongst a diverse landscape.

The primary function of the Tulip Tower is to serve as a public observation point and community gathering space, fostering interaction among visitors and allowing them to engage with both the structure and the surrounding natural landscape. The design encourages exploration through a spiraling ramp that ascends through the center of the tower, inviting users to experience both the interior and exterior environments as they move upward. The ramp is flanked by a central garden, which features a curated selection of native plants that enhance the aesthetic value and promote local biodiversity.

Architecturally, the Tulip Tower utilizes a variety of materials that are thoughtfully selected for their ecological and structural properties. Polycarbonate panels create a lightweight, transparent façade that complements the organic form while providing protection from harsh weather conditions. The structure's exo-skeleton is primarily made of steel, ensuring durability and stability as it rises above the landscape. Additionally, a mesh material wraps around significant portions of the tower, allowing for natural airflow and increased light penetration, thus creating a lively atmosphere within the space.

Concrete plays a vital role in the foundational and structural systems of the tower, providing necessary support while ensuring minimal environmental disruption. Warm elements of timber have been introduced into sections of the design, such as walking platforms, enhancing the experience for visitors and offering a tactile contrast to the more industrial materials. This mixture of materials not only strengthens the structural integrity but also works in harmony to convey the project's core themes.

The unique design features of the Tulip Tower stand out in various ways. The hourglass form naturally guides visitors as they ascend, creating a sense of movement and anticipation. Each floor offers different experiences, culminating in an observation platform that provides sweeping views of the adjoining landscape. The combination of visual appeal and community functionality renders the tower not merely a building but rather a destination that enhances the surrounding area.

As a sustainable architectural project, the Tulip Tower incorporates several eco-friendly technologies. The inclusion of solar energy systems harnesses natural resources, thereby reducing the building's carbon footprint. The central garden fosters an environment that purifies air and plays a role in temperature regulation, aligning with a growing emphasis in contemporary architecture on sustainability and environmental responsibility.

The Tulip Tower represents a synthesis of architectural creativity and practical functionality. It evokes a sense of awe through its design while simultaneously serving as a meaningful space for community interaction. This project invites exploration and curiosity, drawing visitors both to its structural beauty and the natural wonders it celebrates. For a more in-depth understanding of the design, including architectural plans and sections, readers are encouraged to delve into the project presentation to explore its innovative architectural ideas further.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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