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Vertical Greenery and Kinetic Facade Redefining Urban Office Spaces

Author:
Jinkun Shen
Vertical Greenery and Kinetic Facade Redefining Urban Office Spaces

Project in-detail

A central atrium modeled after a canyon, enhanced by vertical greenery and a kinetic facade, creates an innovative approach to urban office life in Manchester.
5 key facts about this project
01
A canyon-like atrium optimizes natural light and air circulation.
02
Vertical greenery enhances biodiversity within an urban setting.
03
Kinetic facade harnesses wind energy for sustainability.
04
Circulation bridges promote connectivity and social engagement.
05
A Sky Garden offers a recreational space in the high-rise.

The Urban Mountain Tower reimagines urban life in Manchester, a city known for its industrial past and flat terrain. Functioning as a high-rise office building, the design takes inspiration from the forms of natural mountains. It aims to create a connection between the built environment and the natural world. The tower incorporates vertical greenery and maximizes natural light, emphasizing ecological sustainability and encouraging interactions among its users.

Design Concept

The architectural concept is based on resembling mountainous shapes, resulting in an abstract form characterized by rocky outcrops. This distinct structure allows the building to engage with its environment while providing benefits such as better airflow and light. The central atrium, likened to a canyon, allows natural light to illuminate the interior and promotes air circulation, which helps improve the overall environment of the building.



Spatial Integration

A key feature of the design is the integration of public and private spaces through circulation bridges. These pathways support movement between different levels and invite social interactions, breaking down barriers often found in conventional office layouts. The "Rift Valley" atrium acts as the core of the tower, enhancing daylight access and providing a sense of openness that connects people to the outdoor surroundings.



Sustainability Features

The building incorporates kinetic elements within its facade that utilize wind energy for sustainability. This aspect not only adds to the visual impact but also reflects the importance of environmental responsibility in modern design. By addressing energy generation through thoughtful architectural methods, the tower represents a forward-looking approach in the urban context.



Interior Spaces

Interior spaces are designed with a focus on user comfort and connections to nature. The Sky Garden includes water features and shared planting areas, offering a relaxing escape in the bustling urban setting. A viewing platform provides wide-ranging views of Manchester, while reading areas create a focused environment. The integration of public gardens and vertical green walls enriches the experience, contributes to local biodiversity, and positively impacts the building's ecological footprint.

The flow of planted terraces and open spaces develops a layered experience for individuals. They are encouraged to navigate through a modern representation of natural landscapes, fostering a unique encounter between urban life and the environment.

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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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