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Ash-Infused Concrete Structures Offering Community Niche Solutions in Urban Living

Authors:
JIONGHUI LIN, CHEN-CHIEH CHAN
Ash-Infused Concrete Structures Offering Community Niche Solutions in Urban Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing ash-infused concrete to create communal niches, the design redefines memory integration in urban living by providing a sustainable solution to Hong Kong's burial challenges.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes ash-infused concrete, integrating ancestral memory into the structure.
02
Features communal niches for ashes, reimagining urban memorial practices.
03
Incorporates vertical gardens to enhance biodiversity in a dense environment.
04
Employs adaptive space planning to accommodate diverse community needs.
05
Addresses landfill challenges through innovative waste management strategies.
This architectural project titled "Coexistence of Nihility & Existence" addresses the unique socio-cultural context of Hong Kong, a city characterized by high population density and limited land availability. The design focuses on providing a sustainable alternative to traditional burial practices, reflecting on themes of remembrance and the integration of waste management strategies. The project merges cultural memory with contemporary architectural solutions, conceptualized as a resource-efficient communal space.

Sustainable Integration of Memory and Waste Management

One of the distinguishing elements of this project is its approach to memorialization within a densely populated urban environment. The project incorporates niches for storing the ashes of loved ones, transforming a typical memorialization process into an integral aspect of residential living. This connection to ancestry is developed further through the innovative use of building materials, where ashes are mixed with concrete, creating a sustainable composite material. This not only acknowledges cultural traditions but also provides an ecological response to waste management, leveraging a unique solution to Hong Kong's landfill issues.

Versatile Space Planning and Community Engagement

The architectural design prioritizes adaptability and flexibility, allowing spaces to be modified according to the needs of the inhabitants. This feature encourages a communal approach, fostering interaction among residents while accommodating diverse family structures. The design includes green terraces and vertical gardens, enhancing biodiversity and contributing to the overall aesthetic of the building while promoting an environment conducive to community living. The interplay of light and shadow created by the extensive glass facade not only serves aesthetic purposes but also enhances the overall spatial experience within, solidifying the project's status as a comprehensive living solution.

To gain deeper insights into the spatial configuration and structural integrity of the design, readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural ideas that outline the project. This exploration will provide a more thorough understanding of how the project redefines the intersections of life and memory within an urban framework.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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