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Charred Wooden Shingles and Prefabricated Units Redefining Urban Living Spaces

Authors:
SIYING CAI, JINGWEN LUO
Charred Wooden Shingles and Prefabricated Units Redefining Urban Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and modular prefabricated units, the design enhances vertical living in a densely populated urban context, offering flexible residential spaces that adapt to diverse family needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates flexible modular units that adapt to varying family sizes and needs.
03
Features advanced light modulation systems for improved indoor lighting control.
04
Employs prefabrication methods to streamline construction and reduce waste.
05
Integrates community spaces within the residential design to foster social interaction.

## Project Overview

The Hong Kong Pixel Homes project addresses significant challenges related to land utilization in Hong Kong's densely populated urban environment. By focusing on vertical living, the initiative employs a modular design strategy that maximizes efficiency within limited space, emphasizing adaptability to the evolving needs of the community.

## Spatial Efficiency and Design Flexibility

The project features a modular system comprising three types of residential units, each approximately 35 square meters, and a transportation unit designed to integrate various configurations. This approach facilitates the stacking and combination of units, allowing for diverse living arrangements that can accommodate multiple families within a compact footprint. Vertical circulation is enhanced by designated transportation units, ensuring efficient movement across the residential spaces.

## Materiality and Sustainability

Material selection plays a vital role in both sustainability and aesthetic appeal. Structural elements are constructed from concrete for durability, while glass façades are incorporated to maximize natural light and views. Interior wood finishes contribute warmth to living spaces, fostering a comfortable environment. The use of prefabricated components minimizes construction waste and reduces build time, aligning with contemporary sustainable practices in architecture.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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