Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Triangular Glass Facade with Timber Framework Supporting Vertical Agriculture in an Urban Setting

Authors:
Nuoyan Xu, Qingfeng Liang, Yongruo Xue
Triangular Glass Facade with Timber Framework Supporting Vertical Agriculture in an Urban Setting

Project in-detail

With a spiraling triangular glass facade and a sustainable timber framework, the design transforms urban food production through innovative vertical farming, fostering community engagement in Shenyang.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building's facade integrates triangular glass panels that enhance natural light while optimizing energy efficiency.
02
A multi-layered green roof supports biodiversity and increases insulation for improved climate control.
03
Hydroponic systems are strategically placed throughout the structure, maximizing space for diverse crop production.
04
Community spaces within the tower host educational workshops focused on sustainable agricultural practices.
05
Cross-laminated timber panels not only provide structural stability but also contribute to a reduced carbon footprint.
The Agricultural Rehabilitation Tower is an innovative architectural project situated in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, tailored to meet the evolving demands of urban agriculture. This initiative represents a thoughtful intersection between ecological awareness and architectural design, aiming to revitalize industrial landscapes and integrate sustainable agricultural practices within a metropolitan context. The primary function of the tower is to serve as a vertical agricultural hub, facilitating the growth of crops through a combination of traditional farming techniques and modern technology.

At its core, the project addresses contemporary challenges in food production by introducing multiple agricultural systems, including vertical and hydroponic farming, which are spread throughout the tower. By utilizing space efficiently, the design maximizes agricultural output while occupying a smaller footprint compared to traditional farming methods. This aspect is particularly significant in urban settings where land is at a premium. The Agricultural Rehabilitation Tower provides not only a solution for increased food production but also a space for education and community engagement around sustainable practices.

The architectural design of the tower features a unique twisting form characterized by angular, triangular glass panels. This spiraling shape not only serves an aesthetic purpose, providing a visually compelling presence against the industrial backdrop of Shenyang, but also enhances the building’s environmental performance. The geometric configuration reduces wind load and optimizes natural light penetration, creating a conducive atmosphere for plant growth while minimizing energy use. This thoughtful approach signifies a commitment to sustainability, ensuring that the building operates efficiently and responsibly within its environment.

The tower's base is designed as a welcoming interface with the urban landscape. This interaction is bolstered by features such as communal spaces and educational exhibition areas, which facilitate public participation and raise awareness about agriculture and sustainability. By creating a dynamic environment at the ground level, the project fosters a sense of community and encourages the public to engage with the agricultural processes taking place above.

A significant aspect of the design lies in its integration of mixed-use facilities, which include spaces for dining and retail experiences related to the produce grown within the tower. This combination not only enhances its functionality but also promotes local food consumption, thereby strengthening community ties and reducing the carbon footprint associated with food transport. The presence of these spaces ensures that the tower is not merely a production facility but also a social hub, promoting interaction and collaboration among visitors and residents alike.

The material choices for the project further reflect its sustainable ethos. The use of timber for the structural framework contributes to the building's ecological profile, providing a renewable resource that enhances both the appearance and performance of the architecture. Glass components are strategically placed to allow daylight to permeate throughout the internal spaces, promoting plant growth and reducing reliance on artificial lighting. Concrete is utilized in key structural elements, ensuring the integrity and longevity of the building. Each material has been selected not only for its functional properties but also for its aesthetic contribution, creating a harmonious blend that resonates with the surrounding environment.

The innovative architectural strategies employed in the Agricultural Rehabilitation Tower serve as a model for future projects aiming to address urban agricultural needs. By merging agricultural processes with architectural design, the tower exemplifies how built environments can adapt to ecological demands, promoting a resilient urban fabric. The integrated research facilities support ongoing studies in agricultural techniques and sustainability, further solidifying its role as a center for innovation in the field.

Exploring the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs of the Agricultural Rehabilitation Tower will provide deeper insights into its unique features and the comprehensive thought process behind its development. The project invites viewers to consider how architecture can engage with and enhance agricultural practices in urban settings, demonstrating a viable path forward for city environments facing the challenges of modern food production. Engage further with the project presentation to uncover the full scope of its architectural ideas and design elements.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy