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Vertical Safety Structure with Efficient Gravity Utilization

Author:
Xiahua Zhang
Vertical Safety Structure with Efficient Gravity Utilization

Project in-detail

A separated structural system enhances fire safety while effectively leveraging gravity to achieve significant energy savings in a multifunctional skyscraper designed for urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Separate structural system enhances fire safety in high-rise settings.
02
Gravity-based energy savings of up to 90% are achieved.
03
Multi-functional use includes residential, commercial, and civic spaces.
04
Innovative elevator technology improves accessibility for vertical movement.
05
Design addresses urban traffic congestion by consolidating functions.

The architectural design addresses the challenges of urban environments at risk of natural disasters, especially earthquakes and tsunamis. Set in a location with limited space for habitation, it employs vertical development as an effective strategy. The skyscraper brings together residential, commercial, and civic activities within one structure. This approach not only maximizes the use of available land but also creates a new type of urban experience with various functions cohesively integrated.

Design Concept

At the heart of the design is a clear response to the need for modern urban planning in an area lacking sufficient suitable land for people to live and work. By promoting vertical growth, the structure changes the urban landscape. It creates connections between different functions, efficiently using space while encouraging community interaction. This type of development showcases how tall buildings can support various activities in a compact setting.

Traffic Solutions

A significant element of the design looks at the issue of increasing traffic congestion typical in expanding cities. By proposing new traffic solutions, the design aims to ease gridlock and reduce the need for extensive travel across urban areas. The combination of functions within the skyscraper encourages sustainable commuting patterns by making it easier for people to access different services close to home, ultimately fostering a more connected environment.

Safety and Sustainability

Safety features are carefully incorporated into the design. A separated structural system is included to address fire risks, demonstrating a commitment to providing a secure environment for occupants. The use of advanced elevator technology improves accessibility, allowing easy movement within the building. The project emphasizes energy efficiency, suggesting that it can achieve significant energy savings by using gravitational potential effectively.

The design reflects a careful balance of form and practicality. The focus on verticality is both functional and visually appealing, allowing the skyscraper to fit into the city environment. By integrating diverse uses in one building, it represents a modern approach to urban architecture. The structure's profile and layout complement its surroundings, enhancing the skyline while standing resilient against potential environmental challenges.

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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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