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Interlocking Steel Frames With Natural Wood Accents for Community Living

Authors:
Daniel Wang, Frisly Colop
Interlocking Steel Frames With Natural Wood Accents for Community Living

Project in-detail

Interlocking steel frames combined with natural wood elements create adaptable urban living units that foster community engagement in a densely populated environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Interlocking units allow for varied configurations in response to site conditions.
02
Steel frameworks enhance structural integrity while minimizing material use.
03
Natural wood accents create warm, inviting interiors in urban settings.
04
Adaptable living spaces support diverse household sizes and lifestyles.
05
Community gardens are integrated into the design to foster social interaction.

### Project Overview
Hong Kong Pixel Homes addresses the pressing housing challenges in Hong Kong by proposing an adaptable urban housing model that emphasizes flexibility, community interaction, and sustainable living. The project focuses on creating modular units that respond to local cultural contexts and environmental conditions, utilizing an interlocking design that facilitates both communal living and individual privacy.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Integration
The design is centered around modularity and flexibility, allowing units to be configured in various arrangements to suit different site conditions and household sizes. Each unit maintains a maximum area of 100 square meters and can be connected both horizontally and vertically, promoting social interactions among residents while fostering a sense of community. This adaptable approach not only enhances residential experience but also addresses urban density challenges.

### Materiality and Aesthetics
The construction employs modern materials that prioritize durability and aesthetic simplicity. Steel serves as the primary structural element, providing strength and adaptability. Cladding materials, including wood and metal siding, contribute to insulation and visual warmth, while glass elements enhance natural lighting. The integration of concrete for foundations ensures stability, resulting in a cohesive design that balances functionality and contemporary appeal. The project demonstrates a commitment to sustainability by optimizing natural light and ventilation, supporting environmentally conscious living practices.

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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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