Spira Silva Nepapan Tequitl by Hao Zhong and Yuchen Qiu

Spira Silva Nepapan Tequitl by Hao Zhong and Yuchen Qiu is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 Mahuizolli A' Design Award Cozticteocuitlatl in Calchihualiztli, Calmanaliztli ihuan Tlatecpanaliztli Tlachihchihualiztli Competition Category.

CozticteocuitlatlCalchihualiztli· 2025

Spira Silva Nepapan Tequitl

by Hao Zhong and Yuchen Qiu

Client: Hao Zhong and Yuchen Qiu

Mahuizolli A' Design Award Cozticteocuitlatl Winner in Calchihualiztli Category

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Colors

The Design

About Spira Silva Nepapan Tequitl

Spira Silva, Williamsburg atenco yancuic chihualli ipan, quittaya ce pachihuiztli cuauhtla ihuan altepetl netlaliztli ica, tlalticpactli mocuitlahuiaya. Amo cuauhcalli zanyo, in tequitl quipiya cuepalli CLT cuauhpaneltli inic cualnezi auh yecchihualli. Itic ceceyaca tlatlaceh nepapan, mochihua patlachihualiztli auh mopatla nenepanoliztli. Spira Silva tlahtlacuepaya hueyac calli chihualiztli, quichihua paccanezcayotl auh quimachtiya chicahuac altepeyotl nemiliztli.

The Recognition

About the Mahuizolli A' Design Award Cozticteocuitlatl

Spira Silva Nepapan Tequitl ca in quicuic in Mahuizolli A' Design Award Cozticteocuitlatl, huel mahuiztic tlamahuizoliztli tlen momaca in achtopa, huel cualli ihuan mahuiztic tlachihualli. In quicuicah Cozticteocuitlatl ca cenca yancuic, tlachiyani ihuan tlanextic tlachihualli in quinextia in tlamatiliztli ihuan toltecayotl. Ca quinequi in Spira Silva Nepapan Tequitl quitlalizque yancuic tlamantli ihuan quimacazque tlazohtli. Ni dizayno in quicuic Cozticteocuitlatl ca mahuiztic tlamantli in quihuelitia in toltecayotl, tlamatiliztli, dizayno ihuan teknolohia. Spira Silva Nepapan Tequitl quiyolchicahua ihuan quipaquiltia in tlacah.

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