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Elevated Living Spaces Enclosed in Concrete and Steel with Enhanced Natural Light

Authors:
Richard Prugger, Simon Kimmel
Elevated Living Spaces Enclosed in Concrete and Steel with Enhanced Natural Light
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Stacked residential units crafted with steel and concrete, enhanced by natural light, create adaptable living environments that foster community interactions in a densely populated urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Vertical stacking of residential units maximizes limited ground space.
02
Adaptable interior partitions allow for personalized living configurations.
03
Communal platforms at various heights encourage resident interaction.
04
Use of locally sourced materials enhances sustainability and reduces environmental impact.
05
Natural light is emphasized through strategically placed glass elements throughout the structure.

### Overview
Located in Hong Kong, the project addresses the city's significant housing challenges through a focus on vertical living. This design concept transforms spatial limitations into opportunities for community engagement, organizing residential units in a towering structure that optimizes land use while facilitating social interactions among residents. The architectural framework encourages a reevaluation of urban living, promoting flexibility and adaptability within densely populated environments.

### Vertical Organization
A key aspect of the design is the strict vertical arrangement of residential units, which maximizes the use of limited ground space. Residential towers are interconnected by shared platforms, fostering a sense of community and encouraging resident interaction. This organization distinguishes between micro and macro living spaces: compact units for individual or dual occupancy are complemented by communal areas that accommodate larger gatherings, thereby enhancing both personal privacy and social connectivity.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Material selection is integral to the project's functionality, affordability, and sustainability. The central core structure utilizes concrete to provide necessary strength, while steel supports the vertical framework, allowing for flexible spatial configurations. Glass elements enhance natural light, creating visual connections between the interiors and the surrounding environment. Timber is introduced in select areas to evoke warmth, counterbalancing the modern materials employed throughout. Textiles, such as curtains and partition panels, are designed for easy customization, adapting to the residents' needs. The overall approach emphasizes minimalism and sustainability, ensuring the design addresses both economic viability and environmental stewardship.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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