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Vertical Gardens and Energy-Efficient Glass in Sustainable Mixed-Use Development

Authors:
Adam Fisler, Tyler Gallmann, Jared Fasshauer
Vertical Gardens and Energy-Efficient Glass in Sustainable Mixed-Use Development

Project in-detail

Combining vertical gardens and energy-efficient glass, this mixed-use development enhances urban living while providing essential community-focused spaces along the East River.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes vertical gardens to enhance biodiversity and visual appeal.
02
Incorporates energy-efficient glass to optimize natural lighting and reduce energy consumption.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that improves structural stability and aesthetics.
04
Employs modular construction techniques to minimize waste and construction time.
05
Integrates community-focused amenities within the mixed-use layout for enhanced urban connectivity.

## Project Overview
River Street Towers is situated along the East River in New York City, representing a mixed-use development that addresses the needs of modern urban living through a balance of affordability and luxury. Designed to enhance resident experience, the project offers expansive views of Manhattan and integrates diverse amenities designed to cultivate an engaging community environment.

## Spatial Strategy
The layout features two distinct, strategically oriented towers designed to optimize both internal spaces and external vistas. The angled, wedge-shaped configuration deviates from conventional rectangular forms, promoting maximum natural light penetration and framing picturesque views of the Manhattan skyline. This approach not only enhances aesthetic appeal but also ensures that each apartment receives ample daylight, reducing reliance on artificial lighting.

### Community Integration and Amenities
The arrangement of the first and second floors emphasizes community interaction, providing easy access to a variety of amenities. The first floor includes an atrium, retail spaces, a fitness center, a restaurant, and a lobby, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for both residents and local visitors. The second floor offers office suites and additional communal spaces, reinforcing the development's role as a hub for social and economic activity.

## Sustainability Initiatives
River Street Towers incorporates multiple sustainable design practices, including modular construction techniques to streamline assembly and reduce costs. Innovative landscape designs featuring green roofs and permeable surfaces contribute to effective stormwater management. Energy efficiency is prioritized through the use of white roofs and shading mechanisms, which help mitigate heat gain and lower energy consumption.

### Materiality
The façade is characterized by a contemporary selection of materials that support both aesthetic and environmental objectives. Key materials include recycled wood, metal cladding, energy-efficient windows, and concrete, each chosen for their durability and performance qualities. The integration of vertical gardens further enhances the visual appeal and sustainability of the design.

Overall, River Street Towers provides a thoughtful response to urban living by prioritizing natural light, sustainable practices, and a layout that promotes community engagement.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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