Platinum Winner of the International Architecture & Design Awards 2025
Architect / Designer:
Giancarlo Zema
Studio:
Giancarlo Zema Design Group
Design Team:
Client: eVertiSKY
Consultants: MIEEG + Solapave
Copyright:
Giancarlo Zema Design Group
Country:
Saudi Arabia
Hamamelis is the innovative solar-powered vertiport from which electric drone-taxis and vertical take-off aircraft depart, as “seeds” of a new way of moving, autonomous and eco-sustainable, promoted by the eVertiSKY company. It is inspired by the tapered fruit of the Hamamelis, a plant of Chinese origin capable of launching its seeds remotely to perpetuate the species. An eco-sustainable project with organic and emotional shapes with large photovoltaic surfaces, multi-function, contains within itself a series of common areas, reception, cafeteria, restaurant, exhibition spaces, surrounded by green outdoor areas, furnished with products and solutions for smart cities by Luminexence. The 80 m diameter steel and glass structure with aluminum panel cover opens upwards, protecting the landing platform for electric aircraft from the wind. The floor, with wireless charging, is made up of special latest generation non-slip photovoltaic panels, produced by the English company Solapave, capable of generating over 1.5 MW per day, which integrate inside LED plates for lighting and nocturnal signage. The vertiport is completely eco-sustainable and self-sufficient from an energy point of view because it uses renewable sources and above all thanks to the partnership with MIEEG company, it uses hydrogen combustion system to generate all the energy it needs, a world’s first. The Hamamelis vertiport, ideal both on water and on land, is born in collaboration with Manta Aircraft with their high-performance hybrid eV/STOL aircraft ANN2.
Giancarlo Zema Design Group
The Giancarlo Zema Design Group (GZDG) is an innovative architecture firm based in Rome. The studio aims to develop smart eco-sustainable projects, intelligent infrastrutture, self-sufficient floating habitats, intriguing yacht and interior design. Founded in 2001 by the architect and entrepreneur Giancarlo Zema as a dynamic and flexible organisation, it covers the entire design process, from concept to the executive details. The main characteristics of our emotional design are soft lines that clearly recall biomorphic forms. We believe that only when architecture and design blend with each other, something new has been created. With our work group, we research, develop and combine the best technologies available on the global market, enriching our projects with highly innovative systems and contents, becoming pioneers in the various design sectors.