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Bamboo-Centric Living Above Marketplace Integrating Communal Spaces

Authors:
GeonWoo KIM, Eunji LEE, Juhyun JUNG
Bamboo-Centric Living Above Marketplace Integrating Communal Spaces

Project in-detail

Elevated living units constructed with bamboo scaffolding seamlessly integrate communal spaces above a bustling marketplace, providing a sustainable solution for housing in Hong Kong's densely populated urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Bamboo scaffolding serves as the primary structural element, promoting sustainability.
02
Residential units are elevated above a marketplace, enhancing accessibility to essential services.
03
Public spaces include multifunctional areas, encouraging community interaction among residents.
04
Adaptable module designs accommodate varying family sizes and living arrangements.
05
Courtyards offer green recreational areas, integrating nature into urban living.

The project addresses housing needs in Hong Kong, a city known for its high population density and rising real estate costs. It focuses on changing neglected urban spaces into functional living units equipped with basic living amenities. The overall design concept emphasizes communal areas to promote social interaction among residents, while ensuring the efficient use of limited land.

Design Framework

Bamboo scaffolding forms the main structural framework of the design, taking inspiration from local construction methods and the region's climate. This choice supports quick assembly and sustainability. Bamboo, being lightweight, helps build modular living units that can be erected with ease, making it a fitting material for the urban environment.

Community-Oriented Spaces

A major feature is the emphasis on communal living. The layout organizes key areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms as public spaces. In contrast, bedrooms are private. This arrangement encourages connection and interaction among residents while allowing for personal space. Public areas become places for gathering, enhancing daily life in this densely populated setting.

Residential Typologies

The design includes residential courtyards that utilize spaces between buildings. These courtyards support units designed for two to four family members, sized between two and two-and-a-half modules. Ample outdoor areas serve as parks or communal spaces for recreation. This flexibility accommodates various family sizes while making the best use of the available land.

Integrated Living and Commercial Spaces

The design also raises residential units above a marketplace, creating a connection between living and commerce. This arrangement supports the neighborhood's economic health while providing residents easy access to daily necessities. By separating living spaces from bustling commercial activities, the design allows for a comfortable urban lifestyle.

Thoughtful design moves and efficient space utilization characterize the project. Each part addresses specific challenges of urban life while fostering a sense of purpose in the community. The arrangement of spaces not only meets practical needs but also contributes positively to the surrounding environment.

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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

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