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Hydroponic Community Hub with Cross-Laminated Timber Integrating Living and Working Spaces

Author:
Wing laam Sze
Hydroponic Community Hub with Cross-Laminated Timber Integrating Living and Working Spaces

Project in-detail

Incorporating a hydroponic farm within a cross-laminated timber structure, the design merges residential units with workspaces to create a functional community hub that adapts to modern living needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates a hydroponic food garden for sustainable food sourcing.
02
Features a hybrid construction of Modular Integrated Construction and traditional timber.
03
Housing units are designed for core office members, facilitating work-life balance.
04
Each unit includes sky windows for enhanced natural light and ventilation.
05
Common areas promote social interaction and community engagement.

The WFH Office Tower is located at the northern end of Queensway in Bayswater. Designed to reflect the changing nature of work, it combines living and office spaces in a way that focuses on health, sustainability, and community connection. With modern residential features integrated into the workplace, the structure aims to meet the needs of its users, particularly during times of uncertainty such as pandemics.

Hybrid Structure

The design uses a hybrid approach that incorporates Modular Integrated Construction (MiC). This technique combines ready-made elements for housing, retail areas, and food court booths with traditional timber construction for the office spaces. This combination allows for efficient construction and flexibility in usage, making it easier for people to adapt the space to their daily activities.

Sustainable Elements

A significant feature of the WFH Office Tower is the inclusion of a hydroponic farm. This farm is a sustainable source of food for both residents and visitors. It plays an important role in ensuring a food supply that can withstand shortages. This focus on self-sufficiency reduces the dependence on outside food sources at critical times.

Health and Wellness

The design emphasizes well-being by integrating natural ventilation and green spaces throughout the building. The presence of communal areas, such as the food court and retail shops, not only serves the daily needs of users but also encourages social interaction. This aspect is vital for building a strong sense of community in an urban environment.

Housing Units

The housing units are designed with a floor-to-floor height of 2.5 meters, with each unit typically accommodating two apartments. Sky windows are part of the design, allowing natural light and fresh air to circulate. By prioritizing comfort and quality of life, the architecture effectively supports both work and home life.

The layout of the WFH Office Tower demonstrates a thoughtful balance of practical use and user-friendly design. It creates an environment that meets the demands of contemporary living and working.

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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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