Spira Silva Fa'aoga Fefiloi by Hao Zhong and Yuchen Qiu

Spira Silva Fa'aoga Fefiloi by Hao Zhong and Yuchen Qiu is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award Auro in Mamanu Fausaga Fale Competition Category.

AuroFausaga Fale· 2025

Spira Silva Fa'aoga Fefiloi

by Hao Zhong and Yuchen Qiu

Client: Hao Zhong and Yuchen Qiu

A' Design Award Auro Winner in Fausaga Fale 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 Fa'aoga Fefiloi

O le Spira Silva, i le matafaga ua toe atia'e o Williamsburg, o lo'o va'aia ai se lumana'i olaola ma naunau fa'aletalatonu e ala i le tu'ufa'atasiga o le natura ma le fa'ata'ita'iga aai. E ese mai fale laau masani, o lo'o fa'aogaina e le poloketi laupapa CLT milosia mo le matagofie ma le lelei o le faiga. E eseese avanoa totonu i luga o fola, ma ofoina atu fa'atulagaga fetuuna'i ma fuafuaga fesui'ai. O le Spira Silva o lo'o lu'itauina fa'atauga masani o fale maualuluga, fa'atupuina se si'osi'omaga taliaina ma fa'alauiloa ai le ola fa'aaai tumau.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Auro

O le A' Design Award Auro na manumalo ai Spira Silva Fa'aoga Fefiloi, o se faamaoniga matuā mamalu e tuuina atu i mamanu o le tulaga muamua, matagofie ma maoaʻe. O ē manumalo i le Auro o galuega fou tele, matuā vaai i le lumanaʻi ma susulu e faaalia ai le atamai, le poto ma le tomai o tagata mamanu. E faamoemoeina Spira Silva Fa'aoga Fefiloi e avea ma mea fou e matuā vivii, e faatulaga ai uiga fou ma tetele, e tuuina mai ai se tau e leʻi iai muamua. O lenei mamanu na manumalo i le A' Design Award Auro o se galuega ofoofogia, ua faaaloalogia, e aogā tele ma tuleia atu tapulaʻa o le faatufugaga, saienisi, mamanu ma tekonolosi. Spira Silva Fa'aoga Fefiloi e fatuina ai lagona malosi o le manaʻo, faaosofia le tuinanau, faalauiloa le fatufatuaʻi ma faamalosia i tatou.

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