Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Bamboo-Laminated Towers Enhancing Communal Living in Urban Landscapes

Authors:
Siu Tai Cheng, Lai Shun Lam
Bamboo-Laminated Towers Enhancing Communal Living in Urban Landscapes

Project in-detail

Crafted with laminated bamboo and designed for communal living, the Timeshare Timber Towers address Hong Kong's housing crisis by transforming vacant urban sites into multifunctional residential spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Timeshare programs integrate communal resources with private living spaces.
02
The design activates vacant lots near historical tenement houses, enhancing local heritage.
03
Vertical zoning allows for distinct residential areas while maintaining open communal environments.
04
Operable folding glass louvre doors provide flexibility between private and shared spaces.
05
Laminated bamboo serves as a primary material, supporting sustainability goals.

The Timeshare Timber Towers project responds to the significant housing challenges present in Hong Kong. Here, many people find it difficult to afford suitable homes amid rising property prices. Located in the bustling urban core, the design includes multifunctional residential towers that aim to support communal living and provide more affordable housing options. This initiative seeks to breathe new life into neglected sites while respecting historical structures, addressing individual housing needs as well as the social context in which they exist.

Architectural Concept

The design centers on activating vacant lots found near historical tenement houses, locally called tonglaus. By placing the towers near workplaces and essential services, the project helps lessen the stress of commuting for residents. This thoughtful positioning not only provides better access to jobs and social networks but also improves the overall quality of urban living for those who call this area home.

Communal Spaces

A key aspect of the design is the inclusion of communal spaces, crafted to encourage community interaction. Shared facilities like daycare services and recreational areas complement private living quarters. The use of operable folding glass louvre doors helps blur the line between private and communal areas. This flexibility allows residents to make choices about their living environment while still enjoying the benefits of shared spaces.

Interior Environment

The interior layout has been designed to counteract the pressure of living in a high-density area. By organizing residential programs across different levels, the design creates distinct zones for both privacy and social interaction. This approach fosters a welcoming and adaptable living space that can cater to the varied lifestyle needs of its residents while promoting a sense of community.

Materiality

Concrete and laminated bamboo products are the primary materials used in the construction of the Timeshare Timber Towers. The choice of materials provides necessary structural support while also reflecting a commitment to sustainability. Bamboo, known for its fast growth, serves as a renewable resource. Using these materials contributes to a lower carbon footprint during the building process, reinforcing the aim of promoting environmentally responsible urban living.

The combined design elements create a layered living experience that balances individual privacy with opportunities for community engagement. Each tower stands as more than just a place to live; it becomes an integral part of a thriving urban environment.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy