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Vertical Gardens and Expansive Glass Create a Community Hub in Reinforced Concrete Structure

Author:
Michelle Chedraui
Vertical Gardens and Expansive Glass Create a Community Hub in Reinforced Concrete Structure

Project in-detail

The integration of vertical gardens and expansive glass within a reinforced concrete structure defines a new community hub that enhances urban interaction and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Vertical gardens enhance air quality while providing aesthetic appeal throughout the building.
02
The façade features large glass panels, optimizing natural light and visibility in workspaces.
03
An integrated plaza encourages community interaction and pedestrian engagement at the ground level.
04
Reinforced concrete construction emphasizes durability while allowing for intricate design detailing.
05
Natural ventilation strategies reduce energy consumption and improve indoor air quality.
Vault 1044 is an architectural project located at 1044 Northeast 2nd Ave, Miami, FL, designed to serve as a multi-functional building integrating office spaces with retail and entertainment functions. The design employs a modern interpretation of Miami's architectural heritage, especially influenced by Art Deco and local historical buildings. By focusing on environmental sustainability and community engagement, Vault 1044 presents a contemporary solution to urban development within a historic context.

Materiality and Façade
The project features a robust material palette that includes reinforced concrete as its primary structural component. The exterior façade is defined by cast concrete surfaces, which provide durability while allowing for distinctive detailing. Generous glass panels enhance the building’s transparency, facilitating natural light penetration and connecting the indoor environment with the outside space. This integration is further enhanced through a vertical garden system, which not only adds greenery and improves aesthetics but also contributes to air quality and the biophilic aspects of design.

Community Engagement and Accessibility
What sets Vault 1044 apart from typical commercial structures is its ground-level engagement. The building's design prioritizes pedestrian accessibility, incorporating retail and entertainment spaces that flow into a vibrant plaza. This feature encourages community interaction, making the site not merely a place of work but a social hub. The vertical organization of the offices maximizes height and views, while balconies provide outdoor areas for relaxation. This balance of vertical and horizontal spatial distribution enhances the user experience, positioning Vault 1044 as a model of functional design.

Environmental Considerations and Innovative Features
The architectural design includes several strategies aimed at sustainability. Natural ventilation is integral to the project, minimizing dependence on mechanical systems. The vertical gardens interspersed throughout the building contribute to energy efficiency, supporting biodiversity within the urban landscape. The careful positioning of the project in relation to public transport links further promotes sustainable transportation options. These design elements illustrate a comprehensive approach to architecture that prioritizes both functionality and ecological responsibility.

To gain deeper insights into the architectural concepts, plans, and sections that elaborate on the project’s unique design outcomes, it is encouraged to explore the full details of Vault 1044’s architectural presentation. Such a review will provide a thorough understanding of the innovative approaches applied in this project, underscoring its relevance within the contemporary architectural discourse.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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