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Bamboo-Focused Living with Communal Spaces and Flexible Units

Author:
Misak Terzibasiyan
Bamboo-Focused Living with Communal Spaces and Flexible Units

Project in-detail

Constructed with bamboo and designed for flexibility, the living and working spaces prioritize communal interaction while addressing the challenges of urban density in Hong Kong.
5 key facts about this project
01
Bamboo is prominently featured as a primary building material.
02
The design includes an irregular open space system for communal activities.
03
Three distinct unit types cater to varying occupancy needs.
04
A lightweight, circular building system enhances structural efficiency.
05
Natural light access is maximized for all living units.

The project located in Hong Kong addresses the significant challenges that come with high population density and limited resources. It focuses on integrating living and working spaces within a flexible structure. This approach aims to make better use of available space while improving the quality of life for residents. The design encourages social interaction and enhances community engagement.

Open Space System

An irregular open space system is central to the design. These areas function as both pathways and communal zones where various activities can take place. By promoting social engagement among occupants, the project creates a lively atmosphere. The flexibility of the layout allows for straightforward adjustments in the size of office, retail, and residential units, ensuring the design remains responsive to the community's changing needs.

Unit Configuration

In the living area, three distinct unit types cater to a range of occupancy requirements. Type A units are compact and designed for 1-3 occupants, maximizing space efficiency. Type B units provide accommodation for 4-6 occupants, creating a more spacious environment suitable for families or groups. Type C offers a duplex option for 6-7 occupants, making it ideal for larger households and family living arrangements.

Material Selection

Materials are an important aspect of the design, influencing both function and appearance. Key materials include wood, steel, bamboo, fabric, plaster, and adobe. Wood and steel form a lightweight building system that promotes structural efficiency. Bamboo is incorporated due to its local availability, supporting sustainability and reducing environmental impact. The use of fabric in living spaces allows for adaptability, and plaster and adobe enhance the visual and functional coherence of the design.

Spatial Configuration

The bamboo-patterned structure facilitates a flexible spatial arrangement that optimizes access to natural light and provides good window views. This design strategy improves aesthetics and helps maintain privacy among occupants while nurturing an inviting atmosphere. Additionally, the layout ensures ample sunlight reaches both communal and private spaces, enhancing comfort and overall ambiance throughout the building.

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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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