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Twisted Tower Featuring Air Filtration and Winter Gardens in Urban Setting

Author:
Alexander Good
Twisted Tower Featuring Air Filtration and Winter Gardens in Urban Setting

Project in-detail

A twisted tower equipped with winter gardens and a dynamic air filtration system offers a mixed-use solution that integrates residential and commercial spaces in Beijing's Central Business District.
5 key facts about this project
01
Twisted tower design enhances airflow and sunlight penetration.
02
Winter gardens incorporated at multiple heights improve air quality.
03
Dynamic facade utilizes adjustable panels for light and ventilation.
04
Titanium dioxide installed in panels aids in pollutant removal.
05
Mixed-use layout promotes community interaction and urban living.

The Beijing Filter is a high-rise located in the Central Business District (CBD) of Beijing. It is designed to combine residential living with workspace in a busy urban area. The project addresses the need for affordable housing while also promoting ecological sustainability. The design concept seeks to create a space where people can live and work together, responding to the challenges of a rapidly growing city.

Design Concept

The main idea behind the Beijing Filter is to rethink how high-rise buildings can serve the community. Traditional designs often cater to wealthy individuals, leaving little room for others. In contrast, this building aims to provide a welcoming environment for a diverse population. By integrating living and working spaces, it encourages social interaction and a sense of community.

Building Form

The tower is characterized by its twisting shape, which adds visual interest to the city skyline. This design not only makes the building stand out but also allows for better natural light and energy efficiency. The overlapping floors enhance functionality, creating distinct areas for both homes and offices while still allowing easy movement between them.

Integration of Nature

Winter gardens are an important feature of the design, appearing at various heights throughout the building. These gardens serve a dual purpose: they help clean the air and provide a touch of nature for residents and workers. The inclusion of green spaces in such an urban setting reflects a commitment to improving overall living conditions, making it a healthier environment for everyone.

Air Quality and Ventilation

The façade consists of panels that adjust to control light and air flow. This design includes an "eyelit" shape, which optimizes air circulation. The panels are made with titanium dioxide, a material that helps filter pollutants and improve indoor air quality. Various ventilation strategies, including the winter gardens and atriums, effectively tackle air quality issues common in Beijing, addressing a significant concern for urban residents.

The Beijing Filter represents a thoughtful approach to urban living. Its twisted structure and the integration of green spaces create a unique blend of functionality and ecological awareness. This design not only reflects modern architectural ideals but also serves a practical purpose in enhancing the quality of life in a bustling metropolis.

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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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