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Charred Wood Shingles and Flexible Spaces Redefining Urban Living in High-Density Environments

Authors:
Ka Lok Chow, Yuk Sum Lai, Man Kan Tong
Charred Wood Shingles and Flexible Spaces Redefining Urban Living in High-Density Environments

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood shingles and reinforced concrete, the design creates adaptable living spaces that foster community interaction within a dense urban context, addressing the needs of low-income residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a flexible layout that adapts to the varying needs of low-income families.
04
Includes communal rooftop gardens to foster social interaction and urban biodiversity.
05
Designed with a bent A-frame structure to optimize natural light and ventilation throughout the space.

### Project Overview

"Order Within Disorder" is situated in the Mong Kok district of Hong Kong, a densely populated urban area marked by a mixture of residential and commercial spaces. This initiative addresses the complexities encountered by low-income communities, seeking to establish a built environment that fosters community, sustainability, and adaptability while responding to the specific socio-economic challenges of the region.

### Community Engagement and Spatial Organization

The design promotes communal living through the integration of shared spaces such as gardens, rooftop terraces, and multi-purpose areas. These features are intended to facilitate social interaction and encourage personal development among residents. Furthermore, the spatial configurations are adaptable, allowing for flexible living arrangements that can accommodate varying family sizes or communal lifestyles, thereby enhancing the overall user experience.

### Sustainability and Material Selection

Sustainability is a core principle of the design, employing eco-friendly technologies and materials to minimize environmental impact and improve energy efficiency. The material palette is likely to include reinforced concrete for structural integrity, large glass panels to maximize natural light, and steel for structural supports, all contributing to the building's resilience. Additionally, the use of recyclable materials aligns with environmental goals while reducing the project's carbon footprint.

The design's outcomes reflect a commitment to integrating seamlessly with the existing urban fabric, acknowledging the historical context of Mong Kok while introducing modern elements. By incorporating diverse architectural styles, it responds to the cultural hybridity of Hong Kong, providing a living environment that resonates with the community's identity. Enhanced access to natural light and greenery aims to improve residents' mental and physical well-being, addressing the stressors associated with high-density urban living.

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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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