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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Download Press Kit № 170530 Mixed Use for Hao Zhong and Yuchen Qiu by Hao Zhong to access high-res images, essential texts, translations, and exclusive interviews—all in one.
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Spira Silva by Hao Zhong
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Mixed Use by Hao Zhong
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Hao Zhong Spira Silva
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Hao Zhong Mixed Use
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Hao Zhong Design Team Photo
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Hao Zhong Interview
Press Access: An insightful interview with Hao Zhong, estimated at 1327 words, is now available for use in your stories free of charge. Download access provided. Access Hao Zhong Interview Now.
Spira Silva Mixed Use Press Releases
For Spira Silva, we offer press releases in multiple languages, including: English.
Spira Silva Mixed Use Translations
Excited to make Spira Silva accessible in many languages through our translations: Mixed Use EN, Gemengde Gebruik AF, Përdorim i Përzier SQ, ድብልቅ አጠቃቀም AM, استخدام مختلط AR, Խառը Նշանակություն HY, মিশ্ৰিত ব্যৱহাৰ AS, Qarışıq İstifadə AZ, Erabilera Mistoa EU, Змешанае выкарыстанне BE, মিশ্র ব্যবহার BN, Mješovita namjena BS, Смесено предназначение BG, ရောနှောအသုံးပြုမှု MY, Ús Mixt CA, Sagol nga Gamit CEB, Ntchito Zosiyanasiyana NY, 混合用途 ZY, 混合用途 ZH, Usu Mistu CO, Mješovita namjena HR, Smíšené využití CS, Blandet Anvendelse DA, Multifunctioneel NL, Segakasutus ET, Sekatoiminto FI, Usage Mixte FR, Ioma-Chleachdadh GD, Uso Mixto GL, შერეული დანიშნულება KA, Mischnutzung DE, Μικτή Χρήση EL, Opaichagua Jeporu GN, મિશ્ર ઉપયોગ GU, Itilizasyon Miltip HT, Amfani Iri-iri HA, Hoʻohana Hui Pū HAW, שימוש מעורב HE, मिश्रित उपयोग HI, Siv Ntau Yam HMN, Vegyes Funkciójú HU, Blandað Not IS, Ojiji Dị Iche Iche IG, Fungsi Campuran ID, Úsáid Mheasctha GA, Uso Misto IT, 複合用途 JA, Fungsi Campuran JV, ಬಹುಪಯೋಗಿ KN, Аралас Мақсатты KK, អគារពហុមុខងារ KM, Ikoreshwa ry'Ibikorwa Bitandukanye RW, 복합용도 KO, بەکارهێنانی تێکەڵ KU, Аралаш Колдонуу KY, ການນຳໃຊ້ປະສົມປະສານ LO, Usus Mixtus LA, Jaukta lietojuma LV, Mišrios paskirties LT, Gemëscht Notzung LB, Мешовита Намена MK, Fampiasana Isan-karazany MG, Guna Campuran MS, മിശ്ര ഉപയോഗം ML, Użu Mikst MT, Whakamahinga Kanorau MI, मिश्र वापर MR, Холимог Зориулалт MN, मिश्रित उपयोग NE, Blandet Bruk NO, Blandet bruk NB, Usatge Mixt OC, ମିଶ୍ରିତ ବ୍ୟବହାର OR, ګډ کارونه PS, کاربری مختلط FA, Funkcja Mieszana PL, Uso Misto PT, ਮਿਸ਼ਰਤ ਵਰਤੋਂ PA, Imaymana Ruwayniyuq QU, Uz Mixt RO, Смешанное использование RU, Fa'aoga Fefiloi SM, मिश्रित उपयोग SA, Mešovita namena SR, Kushandiswa Kwakasiyana-siyana SN, مخلوط استعمال SD, මිශ්ර භාවිතය SI, Zmiešané využitie SK, Mešana uporaba SL, Isticmaal Isku Dhafan SO, Tshebediso e Tswakantsweng ST, Uso Mixto ES, Fungsi Campuran SU, Matumizi Mchanganyiko SW, Blandat bruk SV, Maramihang Gamit TL, Истифодаи Омехта TG, கலப்பு பயன்பாடு TA, Катнаш Куллану TT, మిశ్రమ ఉపయోగం TE, อาคารผสมผสาน TH, འདྲེས་མའི་བཀོལ་སྤྱོད། BO, ዝተሓዋወሰ ጥቕሚ TI, Karma Kullanım TR, Garyşyk maksatly TK, Змішане використання UK, مخلوط استعمال UR, كۆپ مەخسەتلىك ئىشلىتىش UG, Aralash Funksiyali UZ, Hỗn Hợp VI, Defnydd Cymysg CY, Mingd Brûk FY, Ukusetyenziswa Okuxubeneyo XH, געמישטע נוצונג YI, Lílò Onírúurú YO, Ukusetshenziswa Okuxubile ZU.
Spira Silva Mixed Use Media Articles
Utilize our prepared articles to feature Spira Silva, available in the languages: Turkish, Indonesian, Dutch, Italian, English, Russian, Japanese, Portuguese, Chinese (Mandarin), French, Korean, Arabic (Standard), Hindi, German and Spanish.
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 was recognized with the coveted Golden A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Spira Silva Mixed Use.
Hao Zhong Press Releases
Journalists and media members can enrich their content with our press releases on Hao Zhong, available for free use. Immediate access is granted to 1 press releases for all journalists.
Spira Silva Wins Golden A' Design Award for Pioneering Twisted Timber High-Rise in Williamsburg
Hao Zhong and Yuchen Qiu's Spira Silva, a groundbreaking mixed-use high-rise featuring innovative twisted CLT construction, has been honored with the Golden A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award 2025 for its sustainable and expressive approach to urban living in Williamsburg, New York.
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