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Bamboo-Infused Helix Tower for Sustainable Communal Living

Authors:
Shruti Shankar, Helen Cheuk, Lynn Azali, David Nicholson
Bamboo-Infused Helix Tower for Sustainable Communal Living

Project in-detail

The Helix Tower incorporates bamboo and innovative stacking methods to create adaptable communal housing aimed at addressing urban living challenges in Hong Kong.
5 key facts about this project
01
Helix Tower design maximizes vertical space through a spiral layout for communal living.
02
Bamboo is used as a primary structural element, enhancing sustainability.
03
Modular stacking allows for flexibility in residential unit configurations.
04
Community investment model encourages resident ownership and engagement.
05
Integrates shared workspaces and urban farming within the residential environment.
The architectural design project CO/OPportunity addresses the pressing housing crisis in Hong Kong through an innovative and modular approach to communal living. Designed to create affordable housing solutions within a dense urban environment, this project emphasizes community engagement, sustainability, and economic viability. The architecture reflects a response to the unique socio-economic dynamics of Hong Kong, making it a significant development in urban housing.

The design employs a Helix Tower structure that allows for vertical communal living. This creates an integrated residential environment offering both private spaces and communal facilities. The project focuses on optimizing land use by transforming interstitial urban areas into valuable housing resources. Through its modular and scalable design, CO/OPportunity supports adaptability, fostering spaces conducive to diverse communal and personal needs.

Innovative Design Approaches

What distinguishes CO/OPportunity from traditional housing projects is its emphasis on community-centered design. The incorporation of shared spaces such as urban farms, workshops, and communal gathering areas encourages social interaction and collaboration among residents. By prioritizing mixed-use facilities, the design acknowledges the intertwined nature of living and working within urban settings.

The project's funding strategy is equally noteworthy. It utilizes community investment models that allow residents to participate as equity stakeholders. This approach fosters a sense of ownership and strengthens community bonds while ensuring that housing remains affordable and accessible.

Sustainable materiality plays a crucial role in the project's design. The use of bamboo, steel, fiberglass, PVC membrane, and corrugated fiberglass contributes to both the structural integrity and environmental resilience of the building. These materials not only reduce resource consumption but also enhance the aesthetic qualities of the architecture, aligning with sustainable construction practices.

Adaptive and Functional Spaces

The Helix Tower enables a stacking of residential units that can expand or contract based on demand, which provides a flexible housing solution. The architectural plans reflect this adaptability, featuring designs that prioritize efficiency without compromising on quality of life. Each residential floor is designed to serve multiple functions, thereby enhancing usability and reducing the need for extensive land use.

The architectural sections of the CO/OPportunity project illustrate a commitment to innovative space utilization. Units are designed to cater to various lifestyles, with layouts that facilitate both private living and community interaction. This design philosophy promotes a holistic urban living experience, encouraging residents to engage actively in their environments.

To gain a deeper understanding of the CO/OPportunity project, including its architectural plans, design sections, and functional layouts, readers are encouraged to explore the complete project presentation. Insights into the architectural concepts and the environmental considerations further showcase how this project effectively addresses the challenges of housing in a rapidly urbanizing world.
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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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