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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
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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
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Eligibility Open to all
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