Aur Arquitectura · 2025
Spira Silva Usatge Mixt
- A' Design Award d'Aur 2025 in Arquitectura
- CLIENT: Hao Zhong and Yuchen Qiu
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 72,830
- Verification code EAB64EC7CA · Verify this award
Colors
About Spira Silva Usatge Mixt
Lo Spira Silva, dins la fronta maritima redesvolopada de Williamsburg, envisatja un futur vibrant e ecoresponsable en integrant la natura amb l'urbanisme. A diferéncia dels edificis tradicionals de fusta, lo projècte utiliza panèls CLT torsats tant per l'estetica coma per l'eficiéncia. Los espacis interiors varían entre los plancièrs, oferissent de configuracions flexiblas e de disposicions adaptablas. Lo Spira Silva remet en question la concepcion convencional dels graciels, favorissent una atmosfèra acuelhenta e promovent una vida urbana durabla.
About the A' Design Award d'Aur
Spira Silva Usatge Mixt a ganhat la distincion A' Design Award d'Aur, una reconeissença immensament prestigiosa acordada a de designs de primièra qualitat, meravilhoses e excellents. Los ganhaires de l'Aur son de creacions extrèmament innovantas, visionàrias e esbleugissentas, que reflectisson lo prodigi, la sabença e la proeça de lors designers. S'espèra que Spira Silva Usatge Mixt siá una invencion fòrça lausada, que dintra de tendéncias e monumentala, que provesís un valor sens precedent. Aqueste design ganhaire de la distincion A' Design Award d'Aur es un projècte espectaclós e respectat, que fa un grand ben e fa avançar las frontièras de l'art, de la sciéncia, del design e de la tecnologia. Spira Silva Usatge Mixt crea de sentiments intensos de desirs, evòca la passion, encoratja la creativitat e fascina.
Press Kit
- 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.
- Image Credits
- Hao Zhong, Yuchen Qiu
