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Charred Wood Facades and Communal Balconies Redefine Urban Living Solutions

Author:
Donald Jim
Charred Wood Facades and Communal Balconies Redefine Urban Living Solutions

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wood facades and modular designs, this residential solution offers adaptable living spaces that foster community interaction within the dense urban context of Hong Kong.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability and fire resistance.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels offer lightweight structural support.
03
Modular unit configurations allow for flexible living arrangements.
04
Communal balconies promote social interaction among residents.
05
Vertical arrangement maximizes natural light and air circulation.

### Overview
Located in the densely populated Mong Kok area of Hong Kong, the project addresses the severe housing crisis through innovative architectural strategies. By maximizing limited land, this design targets the diverse needs of urban residents, offering a flexible living arrangement that is sensitive to the complexities of modern city life. The project emphasizes the importance of community integration within its conceptual framework and aims to promote sustainability while optimizing living conditions.

### Spatial Organization and User Adaptability
The structural layout incorporates a modular design to create various housing units, including configurations for singles, couples, and families. This flexibility allows residents to adapt their living spaces according to their needs, promoting a dynamic environment. The vertical arrangement of units encourages interaction through shared staircases and communal balconies, fostering a sense of community among residents. To optimize natural light and air circulation, the building’s height and volume are carefully calibrated, enhancing the overall livability in an urban setting.

### Sustainable Material Use
Emphasizing environmental responsibility, the design incorporates sustainable materials throughout the construction process. Energy-efficient glazing enhances thermal performance while minimizing energy consumption. Recycled steel trusses and panels are utilized to maintain structural integrity and promote the use of local resources. Additionally, certified wooden flooring contributes to both aesthetic appeal and sustainability, while recycled board in partition panels exemplifies a commitment to reducing waste. The combination of lightweight aluminum panels provides durability and an efficient exterior finish, further reinforcing the project’s focus on sustainable architectural practices.

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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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