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Vertical Gardens and Water Features in a Sustainable Mixed-Use Development

Author:
Nathira Haja Mohideen
Vertical Gardens and Water Features in a Sustainable Mixed-Use Development

Project in-detail

Incorporating vertical gardens and a 33-meter water cascade, this mixed-use development promotes sustainability while seamlessly integrating residential, commercial, and hospitality spaces within an urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates vertical gardens across all six towers to enhance biodiversity and air quality.
02
Features a central 33-meter water cascade that cools the environment and reduces noise.
03
Utilizes smart water management systems for sustainable resource use.
04
Employs a harmonious blend of residential, commercial, and hospitality functions.
05
Prioritizes community engagement with strategically designed public spaces for interaction.

### Overview

The SkyGreen project is a mixed-use development spanning 38 acres in Malaysia, designed to accommodate residential, commercial, and hospitality functions. Comprising six distinct towers, including a hotel, serviced apartments, duplex units, and office spaces, the project aims to establish a cohesive urban environment that integrates diverse uses while prioritizing sustainability and livability.

### Ecological Design Elements

A defining aspect of the design is the incorporation of vertical gardens throughout the towers. These gardens not only enhance the aesthetic appeal of the development but also serve environmental functions, such as improving air quality and supporting urban biodiversity. Additionally, a prominent water feature—an impressive cascade measuring 33 meters—plays a crucial role in cooling the buildings, purifying air, and mitigating noise pollution, thereby fostering a serene urban atmosphere.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Material choices have been carefully made to reinforce both the sustainability goals and visual identity of the project. Extensive use of glass in the facades maximizes natural light and offers panoramic views, while steel provides structural integrity and supports a modern aesthetic with slim profiles. Concrete forms the base and core of the towers, enabling flexible architectural forms that accommodate green planting systems. Furthermore, green roof systems contribute to insulation and ecological sustainability, while integrated water management systems promote efficient water recycling throughout the development.

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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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