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Wind Towers and Photovoltaic Elements in a Versatile Urban Hub

Authors:
Kael Fineout, Jeong Su Han, Sang Won Jee
Wind Towers and Photovoltaic Elements in a Versatile Urban Hub
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With a combination of wind towers and photovoltaic panels, the design enhances natural ventilation and energy efficiency while serving as a multifunctional urban hub for community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Innovative wind towers optimize natural ventilation throughout the building.
02
Photovoltaic panels integrated into the lofted roof enhance energy efficiency.
03
A central circular ramp promotes fluid movement between different functional areas.
04
Northeast-facing slanted cuts act as structural supports and improve airflow.
05
Diverse functional zones are arranged at varying elevations for enhanced accessibility.

The design titled "Surface" is situated in a vibrant urban area where it plays a multifunctional role, including a shop, waiting rooms, workstations, training rooms, a café, and a display area. The overall concept emphasizes a blend of spaces that cater to community needs while being thoughtfully organized. The building centers around user accessibility and interaction, showcasing innovative circulation strategies and structural solutions that respond to environmental factors.

Spatial Organization
The layout is divided into four main functional areas, each set at different heights. A central circular ramp connects these distinct zones, encouraging easy movement and interaction among users. This design choice promotes accessibility through a continuous flow of space, making it simple for people to navigate the building.

Structural Integrity
The project uses bearing walls and a grid system to elevate each level, creating a unique floating effect above the lower floors. This system ensures structural stability while giving the building a light, open appearance. The lofted roof contributes to the building's overall design by performing the dual roles of shading and directing wind, which enhances thermal comfort and improves energy efficiency.

Sustainability Features
Sustainability is an important aspect of the design, highlighted by the use of photovoltaic panels on the lofted roof. These panels allow the structure to generate renewable energy, reflecting a commitment to environment-friendly practices. Additionally, the façade features slanted cuts facing Northeast, which act as both structural supports and wind towers. These elements help improve airflow within the building, further boosting its ecological performance.

User Interaction
The design includes systems that allow users to adjust natural light and air movement in areas like the gift shop and workstations. This ability to personalize the environment enhances user experience, allowing people to adapt the space to their needs. Overall, this interaction promotes usability while maintaining a consistent appearance throughout the building.

A notable design detail is the angle of the cuts on the façade. These features not only enhance the building's aesthetics but also serve as effective mechanisms for promoting airflow, allowing the structure to adapt to the surrounding climate.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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