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Twisted Façade with Photovoltaic Glass Elevates Urban Interaction

Author:
Reuben Robotham
Twisted Façade with Photovoltaic Glass Elevates Urban Interaction

Project in-detail

The twisting façade of the tower, designed for optimal solar gain with integrated photovoltaic glass, creates a striking new landmark in London’s urban landscape while providing multifunctional spaces for retail and office use.
5 key facts about this project
01
Twisted façade optimizes solar exposure for energy generation.
02
Integrated photovoltaic glass supports sustainable energy production.
03
Urban plaza enhances community interaction and public space.
04
Multi-level design accommodates both retail and office functions.
05
Viewing platform offers panoramic views of London’s skyline.

The Twisted Sky Hive Tower is situated in the Isle of Dogs, London, and focuses on sustainability and energy efficiency. Its design centers on producing more energy than it consumes, a goal that aligns with the growing emphasis on environmental responsibility in modern buildings. Positioned in a dynamic urban setting, the tower serves multiple functions while responding to the needs of its surroundings.

Architectural Form and Energy Efficiency

The tower features a twisting form that combines visual appeal with practical benefits. The rotation of the building's façade enhances sunlight exposure, allowing for effective use of clear photovoltaic glass panels. This configuration maximizes solar energy capture, pivotal for achieving the goal of a positive energy building.

Site Context and Integration

Set within an urban docklands area along the River Thames, the tower's location is strategic. It is near significant commercial areas like Canary Wharf, which adds to its relevance in the city. The design promotes connectivity with the surrounding community, featuring an urban plaza that links the building with nearby spaces. This plaza encourages interaction and makes the area more vibrant.

Spatial Organization and Functionality

The interior layout of the Twisted Sky Hive Tower supports various activities. Retail spaces occupy levels 0 and 1, creating an engaging atmosphere at ground level. Above that, levels 3 to 48 accommodate office spaces, serving the business community. The viewing platform on the uppermost levels, 49 and 50, offers impressive views of the city, enriching the visitor experience. A car park located at level -1 ensures convenience while efficiently using space.

Materials and Structural Integrity

Reinforced concrete is used in the construction, providing the strength needed for the tower’s unique shape. Double-glazed windows are incorporated to improve energy efficiency and allow natural light into the interior. This combination of materials plays a vital role in supporting a sustainable approach to design.

Natural light enters the interior spaces through strategically placed windows, enhancing the overall experience and reducing the need for artificial lighting during the day. The building aims to create an environment that is both functional and inviting for its users.

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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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