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Twisting Towers with Integrated Sky-Lobbies for Mixed-Use Community

Authors:
Gabrielle Begin, Youssef Alnabulsi
Twisting Towers with Integrated Sky-Lobbies for Mixed-Use Community

Project in-detail

The twisting towers at 400 meters and 150 meters, enhanced by sky-lobbies, redefine urban living in Riyadh by seamlessly integrating residential, office, and retail spaces into a cohesive community hub.
5 key facts about this project
01
Twisting structure minimizes wind impact at higher elevations.
02
Sky-lobbies create social gathering spaces within the towers.
03
Integrated mixed-use functions enhance community accessibility.
04
Distinctive heights of 400 meters and 150 meters provide skyline variation.
05
Design responds to Riyadh's evolving cultural landscape.

Located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the design features two twisting towers that reflect modern urban development. The project accommodates mixed-use functions, including residential, office, and retail spaces. The overall concept engages with the local context while addressing the needs of a growing city.

TWISTING TOWERS

The design includes one tower that rises to 400 meters and another that reaches 150 meters. The twisting shape of the towers serves both an aesthetic and functional purpose. It interacts with the wind, helping to reduce uncomfortable gusts experienced at higher elevations. This thoughtful design approach contributes to a more pleasant environment for those who inhabit or visit the spaces within.

SKY-LOBBIES

Incorporating sky-lobbies creates vertical voids in the structure, breaking away from the typical uniformity of high-rise designs. These areas provide places for people to gather and engage, promoting social interaction. They make it easier for residents and visitors to connect, turning the towers into more than just buildings; they become community spaces.

INTEGRATED AMENITIES

Retail and leisure spaces are strategically connected to the towers via a central lobby, making access straightforward for users. The design supports various activities, including contemporary dining options that invite a diverse audience. This focus on accessibility and inclusion reflects changing social dynamics in Saudi Arabia.

The combination of the twisting towers, the innovative sky-lobbies, and the well-integrated amenities highlights a modern response to urban planning in Riyadh. The architecture offers a blend of functionality and social experience that aligns with the evolving cultural landscape.

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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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