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Vertical Gardens and Outward-Leaning Steel Towers in a Sustainable Urban Skyscraper

Authors:
Krisztián Csémy, Oliver Csémy, Attila Löw
Vertical Gardens and Outward-Leaning Steel Towers in a Sustainable Urban Skyscraper

Project in-detail

Outward-leaning towers adorned with vertical gardens are set against a backdrop of a reinforced concrete core, creating a sustainable mixed-use skyscraper that enhances urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Outward-leaning towers designed to enhance sunlight exposure and views.
02
Vertical gardens incorporated on sunlit facades for improved air quality.
03
Reinforced concrete core providing stability while accommodating curved forms.
04
Fibonacci Sequence influences structural proportions for aesthetic harmony.
05
Flexible layout supports diverse functions including residential and commercial uses.

The Skymill design presents a fresh approach to skyscrapers, located in an urban area that enjoys plenty of sunlight. The concept emphasizes a blend of modern aesthetics and traditional architectural principles, particularly focusing on the golden section. The aim is to create a harmonious relationship between the building's contemporary shape and its city environment, while prioritizing sustainability and flexibility in its functions.

Facade Design

The building showcases a unique facade featuring a vertical shell made of steel railings. This design draws inspiration from the Fibonacci Sequence, enhancing the structure’s visual complexity while echoing patterns found in nature. Additionally, a horizontal ‘mill-like’ structure unites the four outward-leaning towers, resulting in a cohesive appearance that stands out in the skyline.

Orientation and Sustainability

Positioned along the ideal north-south and east-west axes, Skymill takes full advantage of natural light, reducing energy needs. Vertical gardens are featured on the sunny sides of the towers, demonstrating a commitment to green design. This inclusion of greenery not only supports sustainability but also provides refreshing outdoor spaces that contrast with the urban concrete.

Structural Integration

The building’s strength comes from a reinforced concrete core that follows the curves of each tower across three vertical segments. This setup enables good load distribution and stability. The towers lean outward from a central axis and are secured by a strong frame at the top. This design enhances safety and creates an engaging profile against the sky.

Functionality and Flexibility

Skymill promotes a flexible layout suitable for various uses. It can house offices, apartments, and hotel rooms, alongside spaces for cultural activities, entertainment, and dining. Access to the central hallway is through two front entrances, with ramps leading to the underground garage and mechanical areas. This versatility allows the building to adapt to the changing needs of the urban community.

The combination of thoughtful design and practical functionality creates an engaging environment. From the outward-leaning towers to the careful use of proportions, each detail invites interaction with the surrounding area. The design presents a clear architectural narrative, emphasizing growth and connection within the vibrant urban context.

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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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