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Twisting High-Rise Featuring Energy-Efficient Glass and Biophilic Green Roofs in Urban Setting

Author:
Osher Arie Frank
Twisting High-Rise Featuring Energy-Efficient Glass and Biophilic Green Roofs in Urban Setting

Project in-detail

Characterized by a twisting form and integrated wind turbines, the design maximizes energy efficiency while incorporating biophilic elements and community spaces in a mixed-use high-rise development.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates integrated wind turbines for renewable energy generation.
02
Twisting form minimizes wind load and optimizes sunlight exposure.
03
Biophilic green roofs enhance biodiversity and improve insulation.
04
Large terraces promote outdoor living and community interaction.
05
Energy-efficient glass façades contribute to reduced energy consumption.

## Overview

The Cloud Bee Tower is located in Pumphouse Park, New York City, designed to advance principles of sustainability and urban integration. The project reinterprets traditional skyscraper aesthetics and functionality by merging architectural form with environmental responsibility, aimed at fostering sustainable urban living.

### Design and Structure

The tower features a distinctive twisting form that transitions smoothly along its height. This dynamic profile is engineered to reduce wind load, enhance sunlight exposure, and maximize views of the city. The design incorporates biophilic principles, promoting human interaction with natural elements and prioritizing connectivity to the surrounding environment.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

A diverse range of materials is employed throughout the structure. High-strength concrete provides stability while accommodating the building's unique form. Large, energy-efficient glass facades facilitate natural light entry, creating inviting interior spaces, while lightweight aluminum serves as resilient exterior cladding. Sustainable wood accents enhance the aesthetic appeal in communal and residential areas. The design includes innovative features such as integrated wind turbines for renewable energy generation and rainwater collection systems, reinforcing a commitment to minimizing the urban carbon footprint.

### User Experience and Community Synergy

The layout promotes openness and flexibility, with multifunctional spaces designed to adapt to various community activities. The strategic incorporation of green spaces, balconies, and terraces enhances outdoor living opportunities and invites community interaction. Efficient circulation pathways are integrated to alleviate congestion, fostering a sense of community and connection among residents and visitors.

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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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