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Charred Wooden Shingles and Metal Mesh Create Serenity in Urban Living

Authors:
Tim Williams, Max Martin, Jon Martin
Charred Wooden Shingles and Metal Mesh Create Serenity in Urban Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and a facade of metal mesh, the design fosters a seamless connection between private retreats and communal spaces, providing a tranquil living environment in the heart of Hong Kong's urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and enhanced durability against weathering.
02
Integrated metal mesh facades allow for natural light while maintaining privacy.
03
Innovative light scoops channel daylight deep into interior spaces.
04
Flexible floor plans accommodate diverse living arrangements and promote adaptability.
05
Living gardens are strategically placed to improve microclimate and resident well-being.

### Architectural Design Project Report: Tranquility in Hong Kong

#### Overview
Located in the heart of Hong Kong, this residential project addresses the challenges of urban density by providing a serene living environment amidst the vibrancy of the city. The design ethos centers around offering a sanctuary that promotes psychological well-being while still integrating residents with the surrounding community. The approach draws on local cultural and geographical contexts, aiming to create spaces that facilitate moments of peace and reflection.

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#### Visual Aesthetics and Spatial Organization
The building's facade embodies a dialogue between local construction traditions and contemporary design, utilizing exposed concrete alongside a grid structure inspired by bamboo scaffolding commonly used in Hong Kong. Each residential unit is slightly projected, contributing to dynamic shadows and optimizing natural light penetration. The layout fosters an engaging spatial experience that allows each apartment to function as a personal retreat while remaining connected to communal areas.

The architectural narrative promotes flexibility in the floor plans, accommodating diverse lifestyles. Features such as light scoops enhance daylight access without compromising privacy, while designated living gardens provide green spaces that invite nature into daily life. Communal spaces, including shared kitchens and lounge areas, are intentionally designed to encourage social interaction among residents, addressing the isolation often felt in urban environments.

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#### Materiality and User Experience
A careful selection of materials is central to the project’s identity, contributing to both functionality and aesthetic experience. Key materials include reinforced concrete for structural integrity, metal mesh for privacy and light filtration, glass to enhance transparency and connections to the outdoors, and wood for interior elements that add warmth. This combination creates a sensory experience that evolves throughout the day with changing light conditions.

To ensure residents' comfort, special attention is given to sound insulation and the use of visual barriers between living units. Acoustic treatments provide quiet spaces free from external disturbances, aligning with the project’s intention to mitigate the psychological stresses associated with living in a high-density urban setting. The thoughtful integration of these elements leads to an environment that prioritizes both individual well-being and community coherence.

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

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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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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
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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