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Community Engagement Through Integrated Eco-Systems and Vertical Living

Authors:
ZHAO WEI KIM, YANN HERNG YEOW, LIN PHUAH
Community Engagement Through Integrated Eco-Systems and Vertical Living

Project in-detail

Integrated eco-systems and vertical living define a sustainable response to Hong Kong’s housing crisis, offering modular units designed for affordability and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Vertical Pixel Community integrates eco-systems into its design to enhance sustainability.
02
The project features modular units that adapt to different resident needs.
03
Cultural elements are embedded to reflect local identity within the living spaces.
04
An innovative structural bracing system allows flexible internal configurations.
05
Community spaces promote social interaction and collaboration among residents.

The Vertical Pixel Community aims to address the housing crisis in Hong Kong by focusing on affordable living for low- to medium-income groups. Located in a densely populated urban area, the project confronts the challenges posed by high property prices and the scarcity of livable spaces. The design concept integrates community needs with local culture, offering flexible and modular housing solutions that adapt to various lifestyles.

Design Strategy

The approach is built on a four-stage strategy: PIXELATE, PAIRING, CONFIGURE, and INSERT. PIXELATE focuses on incorporating local cultural elements into everyday living, enriching the resident experience. In PAIRING, the emphasis is on matching residents with essential services and infrastructure, creating a network that promotes accessibility throughout the community.



Spatial Organization

An efficient spatial layout characterizes the design, featuring a 10m x 10m slab with an L-shaped circulation space. This arrangement optimizes the limited urban areas, allowing effective movement and interaction among residents. The use of a structural bracing system provides the flexibility needed for various internal configurations, accommodating different household types.



Sustainability Measures

Sustainability is a crucial aspect of the design, featuring ideas about reusability and adapting to the local climate. Although the specific materials have not been detailed, the project indicates a commitment to environmentally friendly practices. Lightweight construction methods are suggested, helping minimize the carbon footprint. Additionally, the integration of systems for rainwater harvesting and solar energy contributes to self-sufficiency in the community.



Community Interaction

The design prioritizes social interaction and community connection by creating spaces that encourage collaboration among residents. By addressing the isolation often found in high-density living, the Vertical Pixel Community seeks to foster a sense of belonging. It integrates communal areas designed for engagement, aiming to enhance the quality of life in urban settings.



The project brings together ecological systems with lively communal spaces, resulting in an environment that supports both individual needs and community well-being.

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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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