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Twisting Helicoidal Form Emphasizes Community Interaction in Urban Tower

Authors:
Felipe Giacomin gripa, Betina De biazzi, Daniel Regis cardoso, Fábio Bellucci
Twisting Helicoidal Form Emphasizes Community Interaction in Urban Tower

Project in-detail

A helicoidal tower rises prominently along the Pinheiros River, utilizing a unique twisting form to create diverse spatial experiences and foster community interaction while integrating retail and office functions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Helicoidal form creates dynamic floor plans with varying layouts.
02
Two legs meet at the top, framing a welcoming central plaza.
03
Mirrored surfaces enhance views while reflecting the surrounding environment.
04
Internal balconies provide access to greenery and natural light.
05
Strategically located at a major urban intersection to shield residential areas.

Vórtice, located on the western banks of the Pinheiros River in São Paulo, is a 60-story tower designed to stand as a significant feature within the urban landscape. The tower showcases a distinct architectural concept focused on movement. Its helicoidal form rotates slightly as it rises, creating a dynamic profile that draws the eye. This design not only enhances the tower's appearance but also offers a varied spatial experience for those inside.

Concept and Form

The concept behind Vórtice emphasizes the idea of motion through a unique twisting structure. Each slab of the tower is rotated five degrees from the one below, which creates distinct floor plans on each level. This method results in an exterior marked by mirrored helicoidal lines, giving the façade an intriguing visual appeal while allowing for changing views as occupants move through the building.

Spatial Organization

The layout of the tower is carefully considered, employing two legs that rise from the site’s corners. These legs meet at the top, forming a central plaza that becomes a gathering space for residents and visitors alike. The northern leg contains public amenities such as retail offices and galleries, while the southern leg is dedicated to working spaces, featuring coworking areas and a library. This design provides a balance between public engagement and private functionality.

Contextual Integration

Positioned at a key intersection between an urban highway and a major avenue, Vórtice plays an important role in the local environment. The tower helps shield nearby residential areas from heavy traffic, enhancing the neighborhood's livability. Pedestrian pathways are carefully integrated to promote easy movement throughout the area, allowing for a convenient link between the tower and its surroundings. The central plaza offers a welcoming space that encourages interaction among people.

Design Details

The building's form is designed to let natural light in while promoting air circulation. The twisting structure features balconies created by the intersecting helicoids, which not only enhance the visual interest but also allow for green spaces within the building. This integration of nature within the architecture highlights a commitment to creating a pleasant and engaging environment, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to urban living.

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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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