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Acoustic Isolation and Natural Light in Concrete Facades for Urban Living

Authors:
Tim Williams, Max Martin, Jon Martin
Acoustic Isolation and Natural Light in Concrete Facades for Urban Living

Project in-detail

The combination of acoustic isolation and strategically placed sun scoops in a concrete facade creates a unique living environment that fosters both tranquility and community engagement in urban settings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Façade design incorporates exposed steel reinforcement for added durability.
02
Sun scoops diffuse natural light while maintaining privacy from surrounding buildings.
03
Acoustic isolation enhances living conditions in a densely populated urban area.
04
Transitional spaces feature small gardens, allowing residents a connection with nature.
05
Community areas are strategically placed every six to nine floors for social interaction.

The design addresses the challenges of urban density in Hong Kong, which has limited land and high demand for housing. It focuses on creating living spaces that offer both personal comfort and opportunities for community interaction. The main concept emphasizes a building that shields residents from city noise while welcoming in natural light. This approach aims to provide a retreat amid the fast pace of urban life.

Facade Design

The building features a façade inspired by the urban context of Hong Kong. It has a deconstructed look that mimics a concrete wall with exposed steel reinforcement. This design enhances durability and creates a distinctive appearance. The weathered finish helps the building blend into the surrounding area and connects with the traditional bamboo scaffolding frequently found in the city. The façade acts as a barrier to the bustling street life while simultaneously allowing light to enter the living spaces.

Living Spaces

Each living unit focuses on comfort and privacy within the busy environment. These units are acoustically isolated, which greatly reduces outside noise, providing a peaceful atmosphere for residents. Thoughtful placement of sun scoops lets natural light in while blocking unwanted views from neighboring buildings. This arrangement creates welcoming interiors that balance functionality with a pleasant living experience.

Community Amenities

Communal areas within the building play a crucial role in promoting social interaction. These spaces include shared kitchens and dining areas, encouraging residents to engage with one another. By keeping these amenities separate from private living units, the design allows for an easy transition from public areas to personal spaces. Transitional zones, which feature shower pods and small gardens, promote a sense of calm and give residents an opportunity to cultivate a connection with nature, further distancing themselves from city stresses.

Flexible Design Approach

The design incorporates a flexible approach to the distribution of communal spaces throughout the building. By placing these areas every six to nine floors, it can adjust to the unique demands of different neighborhoods in Hong Kong. This adaptability allows the project to respond effectively to its context while maintaining a consistent identity.

The entrance greets residents with a clear path from the busy street to the shared social areas. This design creates a sense of connection between private living and community interaction, enhancing the overall living experience.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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