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Community Engagement Through Shared Spaces in Modular Urban Living

Authors:
TANIA GEBAUER, EUGENIO ORTUZAR, Tal SUSTIEL
Community Engagement Through Shared Spaces in Modular Urban Living

Project in-detail

Modular living units are combined with strategically designed communal spaces to create a cohesive residential tower that fosters community interaction in a densely populated urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Community spaces are integrated within the modular configuration for social interaction.
02
Each module allows for flexibility in size and arrangement to meet diverse needs.
03
The central nucleus serves as a vertical circulation core for efficient movement.
04
Ventilated facades enhance airflow and contribute to environmental quality.
05
Communal areas are oriented to maximize natural light and views for residents.

The Jenga Tower is located in Hong Kong, a city characterized by its dense urban environment. The design features modular residential units that work together to create a vertical living community. This approach addresses the challenges of urban living by providing both individual privacy and opportunities for social interaction among residents.

Community Integration

At the heart of the Jenga Tower's design is the concept of community. For every five residential modules, one is set aside as a shared space. This allows residents to come together, fostering connections and social activities. The communal areas are thoughtfully positioned to capture natural light and air flow, which enhances the living experience. This focus on social engagement in a busy city recognizes the importance of community within vertical living settings.

Modular Flexibility

Flexibility is a key feature of the tower. Each module can stand alone as a living unit while being capable of adjusting in size and arrangement. This adaptability meets the needs of different residents and accommodates changing lifestyles. The structure allows for various residential setups, ensuring that individuals and families can find a suitable home within the same building. This consideration is vital in a diverse urban population.

Structural Organization

The design includes a central nucleus that serves as a main route for circulation throughout the tower. This core supports the structure and allows easy movement between different levels. The incorporation of ventilated facades enhances air quality and promotes natural ventilation, which is important for comfort and sustainability. These elements reinforce the building’s purpose as a functional and livable space.

Overall, the Jenga Tower balances communal living with individual needs. Its careful design fosters interaction while offering residents a personal retreat. The arrangement of living spaces and shared areas creates a welcoming environment, blending into the urban landscape of Hong Kong.

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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
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