Spira Silva
Mixed Use for Hao Zhong and Yuchen Qiu
The Spira Silva, in Williamsburg's redeveloped waterfront, envisions a vibrant, eco conscious future by integrating nature with urbanism. Unlike traditional timber buildings, the project utilizes twisted CLT panels for both aesthetics and efficiency. Interior spaces vary across floors, offering flexible configurations and adaptable layouts. The Spira Silva challenges conventional skyscraper design, fostering a welcoming atmosphere and promoting sustainable urban living.
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Spira Silva by Hao Zhong amp Yuchen Qiu
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Mixed Use by Hao Zhong amp Yuchen Qiu
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Hao Zhong amp Yuchen Qiu Spira Silva
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Hao Zhong amp Yuchen Qiu Mixed Use
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Hao Zhong amp Yuchen Qiu Design Team Photo
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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.
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.
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.
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.
Image Credits
Hao Zhong, Yuchen Qiu
Project Overview
Spira Silva Mixed Use has been a Golden winner in the Architecture, Building and Structure Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Gold A' Design Award is granted to designs that demonstrate a high level of innovation and a significant impact on their intended audience. Recognized as a major achievement by the A' Design Awards, these designs are characterized by their visionary approach and the exceptional skill of their creators. Winners of the Gold A' Design Award are noted for their ability to push the envelope in art, science, design, and technology, delivering solutions that not only meet but exceed expectations. These designs serve as benchmarks for excellence, encouraging further innovation and inspiring future generations of designers.
Golden Recognition
Hao Zhong & Yuchen Qiu was recognized with the coveted Golden A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Spira Silva Mixed Use.
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