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Bamboo Scaffolding Meets Tiered Living in Urban Residential Design

Authors:
Ka Leung Chan, Sicheng Hu
Bamboo Scaffolding Meets Tiered Living in Urban Residential Design

Project in-detail

Utilizing bamboo scaffolding as a structural element, the design integrates a tiered geometric form that fosters community spaces within a high-density urban residence.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes bamboo scaffolding as a primary structural element.
02
Features a tiered design that promotes communal interaction.
03
Incorporates vertical gardens to enhance biodiversity.
04
Maximizes natural light through extensive glass facades.
05
Adapts modular living spaces for varying residential needs.

### Overview

Located in Hong Kong, the architectural design addresses contemporary urban living challenges by blending traditional techniques with modern construction methods. Central to the design is the innovative use of bamboo scaffolding, a culturally significant practice that reflects local heritage while providing a sustainable alternative to conventional construction.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Integration

The building deviates from conventional skyscraper forms, favoring a sculptural design that interacts thoughtfully with its urban context. The elongated and tiered structure not only contributes to the skyline but also creates sheltered communal spaces that encourage social interaction among residents. This approach addresses the need for community engagement within a densely populated area, allowing the design to absorb irregular urban pockets and foster a sense of belonging.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The primary materials employed in the project include bamboo, concrete, glass, and wood. Bamboo serves as a key construction element, highlighting its sustainability and strength, while concrete provides structural stability. Glass elements enhance the availability of natural light and extend visual connections to the surroundings, effectively merging indoor and outdoor experiences. Wood is used to introduce warmth and textural diversity, complementing the architectural narrative established by the bamboo scaffolding techniques. The modular design further enhances adaptability to various site conditions, ensuring both cost-effectiveness and efficient use of resources throughout the construction process.

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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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