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Effective Micro-Community Design With Shared Kitchens and Modular Units

Authors:
Tsz Wai Yvonne Yuen, Doi Yee Lau
Effective Micro-Community Design With Shared Kitchens and Modular Units

Project in-detail

With modular units designed for families and individuals, this micro-community emphasizes shared kitchens and communal activity spaces to create a cohesive living environment in a high-density urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a continuous corridor that acts as a communal hub for residents.
02
Shared kitchens are included in individual units to promote social interaction and resource efficiency.
03
Over 50% of the floor area is dedicated to public and communal spaces.
04
Three different modular unit types cater to families, couples, and individuals.
05
The stacking method allows for adaptability to site-specific conditions, enhancing urban integration.

A new approach to micro-community living has emerged, aimed at addressing significant housing challenges in the densely populated urban landscape of Hong Kong. The design focuses on creating minimal footprint living units suitable for families, individuals, and couples. By emphasizing shared spaces and practical design, the project promotes a sense of community and maximizes the use of limited urban space.

Family Unit and Shared Amenities

The design includes a family unit structured as a 3-module apartment that balances private and communal areas. An activity space extends to the exterior, allowing for outdoor interaction and connection with the surrounding environment. The project also features a 1.25-module apartment for individuals, where a shared kitchen encourages socialization and resource efficiency. A 1.5-module apartment designed for couples reflects the project's versatility in meeting diverse living needs.

Spatial Efficiency and Innovative Prototypes

Spatial efficiency is one of the project's strengths, achieved through four distinct prototypes. The "Stack + Rotate" configuration includes openings in various orientations, adapting to different site conditions while ensuring sufficient natural light and ventilation. The "Stack" method enhances density by making optimal use of vertical space. The "Unfold + Stack" approach effectively addresses housing needs in narrow sites, showcasing flexibility in design.

Open Ground Lobby and Community Interaction

An open ground lobby is central to the design, featuring a continuous corridor with varying heights and public spaces assigned to every 20 units. This communal area serves as a meeting point for residents, fostering a sense of connection and belonging. Additionally, a viewing platform provides a space for relaxation and social gatherings, further supporting social interaction within the community.

Design Details and Urban Context

The dimensions of the units are set at 25m x 4m and 10m x 10m, reflecting careful consideration of urban living requirements. This compact design maintains practicality and functionality, prioritizing efficient living environments. The integration of shared spaces with private units creates a layout that accommodates both individual preferences and communal well-being in a high-density urban context.

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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

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