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Balconies and Communal Spaces in Subdivided Units with Porcelain Tile Facades

Author:
Siu San Li
Balconies and Communal Spaces in Subdivided Units with Porcelain Tile Facades

Project in-detail

With porcelain tile facades and carefully designed communal spaces, the redevelopment along Ma Tau Wai Road enhances the living experience of low-income families through flexible housing options and abundant natural light.
5 key facts about this project
01
Flexible apartment layouts allow for combinations of units to meet diverse family needs.
02
Communal areas are strategically placed to encourage social interaction among residents.
03
South-facing openings maximize natural light and reduce energy consumption.
04
Wheelchair-accessible designs ensure inclusivity for all residents.
05
Porcelain tile facades provide a modern aesthetic with low maintenance requirements.

The redevelopment site along Ma Tau Wai Road in Hung Hom addresses the urgent need for affordable housing in Hong Kong, focusing on low-income families residing in Tong Lau and subdivided units. It aims to provide high-quality living spaces while encouraging community interaction. The design concept emphasizes psychological comfort and social connection, recognizing that a home is not just a dwelling but a place where families can thrive together.

Housing Typologies

The project features a range of apartment types to accommodate various family sizes and lifestyles. Type A units are compact, measuring 25m², and are designed for flexibility, allowing residents to combine them for larger living areas. Type B units offer more privacy and additional storage. For those with accessibility needs, Type C apartments come with wheelchair-friendly designs. Types D and E present larger living spaces, including balconies that allow for outdoor enjoyment and maximize access to sunlight.

Community Integration

A key aspect of the design is its focus on communal spaces that promote interaction among residents. These shared areas are thoughtfully placed throughout the development, providing opportunities for social gatherings and community activities. The layout encourages residents to connect, creating a sense of belonging and support within the neighborhood.

Natural Light and Sustainability

Maximizing natural light is central to the design approach. South-facing openings are incorporated into the layout, ensuring that apartments receive abundant daylight. This enhances comfort and also contributes to energy efficiency. Proper use of natural light can significantly lower energy consumption while providing a healthier atmosphere for residents.

Material Selection

The materials chosen for the façades include reinforced concrete, which provides strength and durability. Porcelain tile is also used for its modern look and low maintenance. These selections reflect contemporary housing designs while addressing practical requirements. The combination helps create a visually appealing structure that fits within its urban environment.

The balconies attached to larger apartments offer outdoor space, allowing residents to step outside and engage with their surroundings. These areas add value to the overall design and encourage interaction with the urban landscape.

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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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