Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Vertical Green Terraces Enhanced With Composite Panels in A Sustainable Mixed-Use Skyscraper

Author:
Ashraf Aldanadneh
Vertical Green Terraces Enhanced With Composite Panels in A Sustainable Mixed-Use Skyscraper

Project in-detail

Elevated green terraces clad in composite panels define a contemporary skyscraper that seamlessly integrates nature with urban functionality, creating a vibrant mixed-use environment in the heart of Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building features an innovative tiered design that maximizes natural light and reduces urban heat.
02
Green terraces are incorporated throughout the structure, promoting biodiversity and enhancing user well-being.
03
Extensive use of composite panels provides durability while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
04
Vertical circulation includes dedicated elevators for executive suites, optimizing accessibility and efficiency.
05
The mixed-use layout integrates public spaces and retail, fostering community interaction within the urban context.
The architectural project, known as The Spit, is a contemporary skyscraper located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This design represents a modern approach to the workplace, combining functionality with an emphasis on flexibility and sustainability. The Spit exemplifies how architectural design can respond to the evolving needs of businesses and the broader urban environment. The building is structured to accommodate diverse commercial functions, creating an ecosystem where work, community, and leisure intersect.

The primary function of The Spit is to serve as a mixed-use development. It houses expansive office spaces, public amenities, retail outlets, and recreational facilities, all designed to foster collaboration and interaction among users. The architectural layout features over 60,000 square meters of office space, providing adaptable work environments reflecting current market demands. The inclusion of approximately 30,000 square meters of public spaces invites community engagement, enhancing the building’s role within its urban context. Retail opportunities on the lower levels not only serve inhabitants but also contribute to the vibrancy of the area's economy.

The design incorporates a tiered structure that not only creates visual interest but also enhances the functionality of the building. Each tier provides outdoor terraces and gardens that seamlessly connect indoor spaces with nature, allowing for natural light and fresh air throughout the structure. This approach not only contributes to the well-being of occupants but also aligns with sustainable design principles. The connection between different levels of the building underscores the importance of vertical circulation, with strategically placed elevators ensuring efficient movement throughout the space.

The materiality of The Spit further supports its architectural intent. Extensive use of curtain wall glazing enhances transparency, allowing natural light to flood the interiors while providing stunning views of the urban landscape. Reinforced concrete forms the structural backbone, ensuring that the building remains robust while accommodating large open spaces tailored for flexible office layouts. Composite panels and metal cladding are employed to elevate the aesthetic quality of the facade, offering both durability and design sophistication.

One of the unique aspects of The Spit is its modular design approach. This technique allows for flexible workspace configurations, which can be adjusted according to the needs of various tenants. The ability to modify spaces easily reflects a growing trend in architecture that prioritizes adaptability and user-centric design. The building also integrates health and wellness spaces, highlighting a commitment to fostering a balanced lifestyle for its occupants amid a bustling urban environment.

In addition to its architectural advancements, The Spit is a response to local climatic conditions. The staggered form of the building is designed not just for aesthetics but also to mitigate the effects of harsh sunlight, thereby reducing energy consumption and promoting sustainability. The incorporation of green roofs and terraces contributes to urban biodiversity, aligning with contemporary sustainable design principles.

The Spit stands as a testament to modern architectural practice, balancing form, function, and environmental considerations. It is an example of how contemporary architecture can create spaces that are not only functional but also promote a sense of community and well-being. Interested readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs to gain deeper insights into the project’s innovative architectural ideas and approaches. The full project presentation provides a comprehensive view of this thoughtfully designed skyscraper and the impact it aims to have on Dubai's urban landscape.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy