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Vertical Sanctuary Featuring Glulam Framework and Integrated Green Terraces

Authors:
Ruitao Wang, Zhi Liu, Mingxiu Wang, Ruiyang Chen
Vertical Sanctuary Featuring Glulam Framework and Integrated Green Terraces

Project in-detail

Crafted from a glulam structural framework and designed with integrated green terraces, this vertical sanctuary enhances urban living by fostering biodiversity while providing multifunctional residential and community spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted entirely from sustainable glulam, enhancing structural efficiency.
02
Features integrated green terraces designed to support local bird habitats.
03
Utilizes a bent A-frame design for optimal natural light and space flexibility.
04
Incorporates a mixed-use layout facilitating both residential and commercial functions.
05
Employs a curtain wall system for seamless indoor-outdoor connections.
The BirTWEEN Tower presents a forward-thinking architectural response to the challenges of urban living by emphasizing the connection between natural ecosystems and urban environments. This mixed-use vertical structure is designed to enhance community interaction while promoting biodiversity within the city. The design integrates residential, commercial, and communal spaces, creating a functional and vibrant environment that responds to the needs of its users.

Architecturally, the tower seeks to bridge the gap between human habitation and wildlife, particularly bird species, which are often displaced by urban infrastructure. By promoting a coexistence approach, the project aims to foster awareness of ecological concerns amid increasing urbanization.

Innovative Structural Design and Materiality

The structural framework of the BirTWEEN Tower utilizes a combination of glued laminated timber (glulam), steel, and concrete to achieve both strength and aesthetic appeal. Glulam timber serves as the primary structural element, providing sustainability and a warm, inviting character. Steel trusses contribute to the building’s ability to withstand lateral forces, achieving a lightweight design that still meets safety regulations. Concrete is strategically used in core and foundation elements to ensure stability.

The tower’s façade consists of extensive glass panels combined with wooden elements, facilitating transparency and a direct connection to the surrounding environment. This material choice promotes natural light penetration and allows for dynamic interactions between indoor and outdoor spaces. The design incorporates green terraces and integrated planting zones, inviting biodiversity into the urban realm. These features not only enhance the visual appeal of the structure but also serve as a habitat for local birds, underscoring the project’s core ecological mission.

Community-Focused Amenities and Functional Zoning

The BirTWEEN Tower is designed with a focus on community engagement and social interaction. The lower levels accommodate public amenities, including cafes, workshops, and exhibition spaces, fostering collaboration among residents and visitors. Office and co-working spaces occupy the mid-levels, designed to facilitate productivity while integrating biophilic elements, such as natural materials and views of greenery.

The upper levels consist of residential units, each designed to maximize the experience of living in an urban environment enriched by nature. The inclusion of green roofs and communal gardens creates shared spaces for relaxation and recreational activities, enhancing the overall quality of life for residents. Vertical connectivity is addressed through open staircases and well-placed elevators, encouraging movement throughout the building while promoting social interactions among occupants.

The BirTWEEN Tower exemplifies a unique approach to urban architecture, focusing on sustainability, community, and ecological integration. Its thoughtful design not only meets the functional requirements of a mixed-use building but also responds to environmental considerations, making it a significant addition to the metropolitan landscape. For further exploration of this project, including architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers are encouraged to delve into the full presentation of the BirTWEEN Tower.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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
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