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Twisting Towers with Vertical Gardens and Integrated Solar Panels in a Mixed-Use Urban Environment

Authors:
Zijian Zhang, Dawei Wang, Zhaoyang Zhang
Twisting Towers with Vertical Gardens and Integrated Solar Panels in a Mixed-Use Urban Environment

Project in-detail

Incorporating twisting towers and vertical gardens, this development utilizes solar panels and sustainable materials to create a multifunctional space that enhances urban living through community interaction and local food production.
5 key facts about this project
01
Twisting tower design maximizes natural light and airflow.
02
Integrated vertical gardens support local food production.
03
Solar panels and wind turbines enable energy self-sufficiency.
04
Dedicated community spaces foster social interaction among residents.
05
Materials selected include sustainable glass and recycled steel for durability.

Sustainable Assembly is an architectural project designed to address the challenges of urban living in Beijing, China. This project reimagines the concept of high-rise buildings, blending residential, communal, and agricultural functions within a cohesive vertical environment. The overall design seeks to promote sustainability, social interaction, and efficient use of space, encapsulating a vision of future urban living.

The architectural design incorporates two twisting towers that optimize light and airflow while creating a visually engaging structure. The unique spiral form of the towers facilitates expansive views and enhances the aesthetic dialogue with the surrounding urban landscape. Each tower features distinct functional zones, including living spaces, gardens, and communal areas, allowing for a fluid integration of diverse activities within a single building.

Integrated Infrastructure and Community Focus
One of the defining aspects of Sustainable Assembly is its focus on community and sustainability through integrated infrastructure. The project features dedicated zones for urban agriculture, which employ vertical gardens to promote local food production. This design element encourages residents to participate in sustainable practices and cultivate their own food.

The structure is organized into functional areas: residential units, communal gathering spaces, and transportation hubs. Each zone is designed to enhance interaction among residents, fostering a sense of community. The architectural plans illustrate the deliberate arrangement of spaces that support social engagement, with shared facilities designed to accommodate events and activities that promote neighborhood interactions.

Use of Sustainable Materials and Technologies
The materials used in Sustainable Assembly are carefully selected to meet ecological standards while ensuring structural integrity. Glass facades facilitate natural light penetration, minimizing the reliance on artificial lighting. Steel provides the necessary strength for high-rise construction, while concrete serves as a durable material for internal walls. Renewable energy technologies, including solar panels and wind turbines, are integrated into the design, making the building energy-efficient and reducing its carbon footprint.

The unique architectural designs and the innovative use of materials highlight a commitment to sustainability that distinguishes this project from other developments. The careful consideration of the function of each element within the structure demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the needs and benefits of urban living, creating a cohesive environment that prioritizes both comfort and ecological responsibility.

For further insights into the architectural plans, sections, and specific design elements of the Sustainable Assembly project, we encourage readers to explore the detailed presentation of this innovative design. Reviewing the architectural ideas and designs will provide a deeper understanding of the project's approach to modern 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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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