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Twisted Form Featuring Sustainable Glass and Concrete with Integrated Green Terraces

Authors:
Rob Kiester, Ryan Kane, Erik Randa
Twisted Form Featuring Sustainable Glass and Concrete with Integrated Green Terraces

Project in-detail

A twisting structure of glass and concrete integrates landscaped terraces, creating sustainable communal spaces that redefine urban living in a mixed-use environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
A twisting building form maximizes light and views while minimizing solar heat gain.
02
Fifteen distinct segments create an engaging vertical landscape with varied experiences.
03
Landscaped terraces serve as communal areas, integrating nature within the urban fabric.
04
The design incorporates a high-performance curtain wall system for energy efficiency.
05
Direct access to an existing subway station enhances urban connectivity and public transport use.

### Overview

Aqua Spina is a mixed-use development located in Southern Downtown Singapore, reaching a height of 1,500 feet. The project's design emphasizes the connection to its geographical context, drawing inspiration from the nearby waterfront and the natural interplay between land and sea. It integrates residential, commercial, and community spaces, offering a functional and cohesive urban solution.

### Morphology and Structural Design

The architectural composition features a dual-form articulation, with two primary shapes separated by an opaque band that distinguishes different functions within the building. The southern blocks consist of fifteen segments, each extending 100 feet high, arranged to facilitate a smooth transition between spaces. A notable characteristic is the twisting configuration, dubbed "The Twist," which enhances aeration and daylight access while granting dynamic views from various vantage points. The northern façade employs a curtain wall system contributing to thermal comfort and lighting control, while reinforcing the structure's aesthetic integrity.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Materiality plays a vital role in Aqua Spina's architectural narrative. High-performance glass is proposed for the curtain walls to reduce solar gain and enhance visual connectivity with the environment. Concrete provides structural durability, supported by a steel framework that accommodates the building's height and twist. Additionally, landscaped terraces integrated throughout the design incorporate greenery that not only enriches the visual landscape but also fosters sustainability through improved air quality and habitat creation. The choice of materials reflects a commitment to enhancing both aesthetic quality and environmental responsibility, aligning with contemporary sustainable practices in architecture.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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