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Vertical Gardens and GRC Facades Enhancing Urban Living in High-Rise Structures

Authors:
Natalia Giacomino, Facundo damian Taborda, Victoria Gauna, Alberto Cassano
Vertical Gardens and GRC Facades Enhancing Urban Living in High-Rise Structures

Project in-detail

With vertical gardens integrated into GRC facades, this high-rise structure redefines urban living by blending natural spaces with efficient residential and commercial environments in the heart of Mumbai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates vertical gardens to improve air quality and enhance biodiversity within a high-density urban environment.
02
Features GRC facades for durability while allowing for flexible design applications throughout the structure.
03
Utilizes solar photovoltaic panels integrated into the facade to promote energy efficiency and reduce reliance on external power sources.
04
Connects multiple levels with pedestrian walkways that serve as both functional pathways and recreational green spaces.
05
Blends residential and commercial functions to foster a vibrant community atmosphere in a single vertical footprint.
The City Garden Towers project represents a thoughtful approach to urban architecture in a densely populated environment like Mumbai, India. This innovative design integrates residential and commercial spaces, promoting community interaction while prioritizing sustainability. The project aims to redefine urban living by creating a self-sufficient vertical city that incorporates nature into daily life.

This architectural design emphasizes the importance of functionality through vertical integration. By organizing various functions along a vertical plane, the City Garden Towers facilitate seamless transitions between living, working, and recreational spaces. Each level is tailored to promote engagement, allowing residents and visitors to navigate the building effortlessly. The deliberate placement of communal areas and green spaces throughout the structure encourages social interactions, fostering a sense of community in an urban landscape often marked by isolation.

Sustainability lies at the heart of the City Garden Towers project. The use of renewable materials, such as Glass Reinforced Concrete (GRC) for facades and steel frames for structural support, demonstrates a commitment to eco-conscious building practices. The architectural design incorporates photovoltaic panels, which harness solar energy, allowing the towers to function more efficiently while reducing their carbon footprint. Furthermore, the integration of vertical gardens and landscaped terraces enhances biodiversity and improves air quality, making the design not only an aesthetic choice but an environmental necessity.

The unique design approaches of the City Garden Towers stand out in their ability to reimagine high-rise living. One key aspect is the structural mesh framework that supports expansive and uninterrupted interior spaces. This innovative design minimizes material waste during construction, showcasing an effort to create environmentally responsible architecture that honors both the landscape and urban density.

The bridges interlinking the towers are another notable feature, serving multiple purposes beyond connectivity. These elevated walkways are designed to facilitate pedestrian movement while accommodating green spaces for urban farming and recreational areas. The idea of integrating agricultural functions into the urban fabric addresses the need for local food production, encouraging residents to engage with their environment in practical and beneficial ways.

The architectural design of the City Garden Towers balances forms and functions, creating a harmonious interaction between built and natural elements. Each component is carefully considered, from the expansive communal spaces at the ground level that welcome both residents and visitors to the strategically placed gardens that enhance the living experience. This architectural project effectively reflects a modern lifestyle, catering to the needs of a growing urban population while prioritizing sustainability.

For a deeper understanding of the City Garden Towers, interested readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs that reveal the full scope of this project. Through careful examination of these elements, one can appreciate the architectural ideas and concepts that underpin this innovative urban development.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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