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Dynamic Facade of Staggered Units in Colorful Concrete Housing

Author:
Leonid Emdin
Dynamic Facade of Staggered Units in Colorful Concrete Housing

Project in-detail

A vibrant mosaic of staggered concrete units, this housing development integrates vertical planters and a playful color scheme, efficiently addressing the needs of urban living while fostering community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building's design incorporates a dynamic, pixelated arrangement of colorfully staggered concrete units.
02
Vertical planters are integrated into the external staircases, enhancing urban greenery and biodiversity.
03
Each residential unit varies in size and layout, addressing the diverse needs of families.
04
The vibrant color palette features seven distinct shades, contributing to the building's visual identity.
05
Natural light is maximized through expansive reinforced glass windows, creating airy living spaces.

**Overview**
Located in Hong Kong, the Pixel Homes project presents an innovative solution to the challenges of high-density urban living. The design capitalizes on modularity, characterized by a series of interlinked volumetric units that represent individual living spaces, or "pixels." Each unit is arranged in a dynamic formation, slightly shifting from its neighbors to create a visually stimulating façade that reflects the complexities of urban life. The intent is to foster a diverse community within a compact urban fabric while addressing the spatial constraints typical of high-density environments.

**Spatial Strategy and Access**
The building features a unique structural configuration with a square base measuring 10 by 10 meters, structured in a vertical, spiraling arrangement. A central elevator shaft optimizes vertical circulation, while open, interconnected staircases provide external access to residences. These staircases integrate planters that enhance the interplay between built structures and greenery, promoting a harmonious relationship with nature. The layout encourages movement and interaction among residents, reinforcing community engagement in an otherwise densely populated area.

**Material and Color Palette**
The design employs vibrant colors and diverse textures to evoke a lively atmosphere. The exterior showcases seven distinct finishes—red, orange, yellow, green, blue, dark blue, and purple—while the pixelated wall textures echo digital imagery, emphasizing themes of connectivity. Notable materials include concrete for structural integrity, reinforced glass for natural lighting, and painted finishes that contribute to both aesthetic diversity and environmental adaptation. Vertical green spaces are incorporated through planters, further enhancing the ecological footprint of the project and promoting air quality improvement within the urban landscape.

**Community and Sustainability Principles**
The integration of external staircases and green spaces cultivates opportunities for social interaction, fostering a sense of community among residents. In addition to aesthetic benefits, the vegetation supports urban biodiversity and enhances ecological performance by utilizing local climate conditions for sustainable design. The expressive façade not only enriches the visual identity of the building but also facilitates a participatory experience for residents and visitors alike, aligning with contemporary architectural practices focused on user-centered environments.

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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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