Spira Silva Siv Ntau Yam by Hao Zhong and Yuchen Qiu

Spira Silva Siv Ntau Yam by Hao Zhong and Yuchen Qiu is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award Kub in Tsim Vaj Tsev, Tsev thiab Qauv Tsev Competition Category.

KubVaj Tsev· 2025

Spira Silva Siv Ntau Yam

by Hao Zhong and Yuchen Qiu

Client: Hao Zhong and Yuchen Qiu

A' Design Award Kub Winner in Vaj Tsev Category

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Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #170530

View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Spira Silva Siv Ntau Yam

Lub Spira Silva, nyob hauv Williamsburg tus ntug dej uas tsim kho dua tshiab, pom ib lub neej yav tom ntej uas muaj zog thiab paub txog ib puag ncig los ntawm kev koom ua ke ntuj tsim nrog lub nroog. Tsis zoo li cov tsev ntoo ib txwm muaj, qhov project no siv cov CLT panels tig rau ob qho tib si kev zoo nkauj thiab kev ua haujlwm zoo. Cov chaw sab hauv sib txawv thoob plaws cov pem teb, muab cov kev teeb tsa hloov tau thiab cov qauv tsim hloov tau. Lub Spira Silva tawm tsam cov qauv tsim tsev siab ib txwm muaj, txhawb kom muaj huab cua txais tos thiab txhawb kev nyob hauv nroog kom ruaj khov.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Kub

Spira Silva Siv Ntau Yam yog tus yeej ntawm A' Design Award Kub, ib qho kev lees paub muaj meej mom heev uas muab rau cov qauv tsim qib ib, zoo kawg nkaus thiab tshwj xeeb. Cov neeg yeej Kub yog cov khoom tsim tshiab heev, pom deb heev thiab ci ntsa iab uas qhia txog kev txawj ntse, kev txawj thiab lub zog ntawm cov kws tsim qauv. Spira Silva Siv Ntau Yam xav tias yuav yog ib qho kev tsim uas tau txais kev qhuas ntau, tsim kev nyiam tshiab thiab loj uas ua rau muaj nqi tsis tau muaj dua. Cov qauv tsim yeej A' Design Award Kub no yog ib qho haujlwm zoo kawg nkaus thiab muaj kev hwm uas pab tau ntau thiab nthuav dav ciam teb ntawm kev kos duab, kev tshawb fawb, kev tsim qauv thiab thev naus laus zis. Spira Silva Siv Ntau Yam ua rau muaj kev xav tau heev, txhawb kev mob siab, txhawb kev tsim tshiab thiab ua rau peb xav tsis thoob.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: Unlike traditional timber buildings, the project utilizes twisted CLT panels as its primary structure members, creating a dynamic architectural language while maintaining structural efficiency. Tthe interior spaces vary across floors, offering open layouts, enclosed areas, and adaptable configurations for different functions. The design fosters warmth, vitality, and a sense of belonging to occupants.
Dimensions & Packaging: typical CLT wall panel: 12'-6" x 14'-0" x 1'-0 3/8"
typical glulam column: 1'-6" x 1'-0"
typical CLT floor panel: 14'-0" x 24'-0" x 1'-0 3/8"
wood-look metal panel: 4'-0" x 12'-0" x 0'-2"
Tags: twisted CLT construction, innovative structure, sustainable high-rise, dynamic spatial design, urban timber, eco-conscious design, iconic landmark
Production Technology: The project integrates innovative CLT construction with advanced digital modeling techniques. The twisting structure is achieved by programming the CLT panels to create dynamic forms that balance both aesthetic and structural efficiency. The use of parametric design tools enabled the creation of complex, fluid geometries, while sustainable materials were prioritized to reduce the carbon footprint.
Design Challenge: The deisgners utilized paramatric design tool and structural anaylsis tool to evaluate the structural feasibilty and efficiency of our design iterations. Daylight analysis tool is used to adjust twisting effect of building elements.
Research: The designers came across a project uses CLT panels with varying moisture levels to self-shape into twisted forms, reducing energy use and material waste while enabling complex, sustainable designs. They see this potential in pushing CLT construction beyond conventional stacking methods, allowing for the creation of expressive, sustainable and unconventional high-rises, which can foster warmth, vitality, and a sense of belonging for occupants.
Inspiration: Several years ago, the designers had the opportunity to visit a timber factory in Spokane, where they became deeply intrigued by the potential of timber construction. While timber structures are rare in New York, timber high-rises are even more so. They sought to challenge this norm by envisioning something entirely innovative, pushing CLT construction beyond traditional stacking methods. Their goal was to create expressive, sustainable, and unconventional high-rises, fostering a connection to nature, akin to living within a giant tree.
Project Duration: This design started in 2023. The building is situated in the waterfront district of Williamsburg, right adjacent to Domino Park and Williamsburg Bridge.
Operation Flow: Spira Silva fosters dynamic interaction between occupants and space. Its twisted CLT structure creates flexible interior layouts, offering varying spatial experiences from open to enclosed areas. The design encourages natural light and airflow through strategically placed apertures, enhancing occupant comfort. Adaptive spaces support diverse activities, from collaborative work to private retreats. The building's sustainability and versatility improve occupant well-being and energy efficiency, delivering a more engaging urban environment.
Team Members: Hao Zhong, Yuchen Qiu
Image Credits: Hao Zhong, Yuchen Qiu