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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

Project in-detail

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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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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