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Half-Built Community Spaces with Precast Modular Units

Authors:
Dik Man Leung, Wui Chun Ng
Half-Built Community Spaces with Precast Modular Units

Project in-detail

Integrating half-built structures with precast modular units, the design addresses the housing needs of growing families while promoting community interaction through shared spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units designed for varying family sizes promote long-term adaptability.
02
Communal areas foster social interaction and community building among residents.
03
Half-built structures allow for individualized expansion as family needs change.
04
Use of precast elements streamlines construction and reduces time on-site.
05
Integrated roof gardens provide green spaces within the urban environment.

The design responds to housing challenges faced by middle and low-income families in Hong Kong. It is set in a densely populated urban area, addressing the need for effective living solutions. The concept focuses on adaptability and communal living, aiming to create functional spaces that evolve as families grow.

Modular Living Units

The project features modular living units that cater to different family sizes. There are Single Units for 1-2 individuals, Duo Units for 3-6 individuals, and Trio Units for 6-8 individuals. This structure allows families to choose an initial living space that fits their current needs. As circumstances change, families can expand their units. This approach ensures that housing remains relevant over time.

Communal Spaces

An important aspect of the design is the inclusion of communal spaces, such as study rooms, libraries, and playgrounds. These areas encourage social interaction among residents. The design promotes shared kitchens and living rooms, which helps build connections within the community. Unlike traditional high-density housing, this design emphasizes the importance of social ties.

Construction Strategy

The design uses the concept of half-built buildings instead of complete residential towers. This offers families the flexibility to acquire more space or develop their units independently. Utilizing precast floor slabs and partition walls supports efficient construction. It makes building faster and more cost-effective while still upholding quality.

Vertical Circulation and Green Spaces

Efficient vertical circulation is ensured with well-placed lifts and staircases, making it easy to move around the building. Roof gardens enhance the structure’s appearance and create recreational areas for residents. These gardens provide essential green space within the urban environment, improving the overall living experience.

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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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