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Kinetic Footbridges and Bamboo Structures for Adaptive Urban Living

Authors:
CHRISTIAN FRANCIS HERNANDEZ, CHARISHMA HUNJAN, VICTOR LIMPAWUCHARA
Kinetic Footbridges and Bamboo Structures for Adaptive Urban Living

Project in-detail

Harnessing kinetic energy through footbridge-integrated walkways and utilizing bamboo for modular housing, this development reflects a comprehensive approach to flexible urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project incorporates kinetic tiles that generate energy from foot traffic.
02
Bamboo is used extensively as a sustainable primary structural element.
03
Modular design allows for flexible unit configurations tailored to residents' needs.
04
Translucent polycarbonate panels enhance natural lighting while maintaining privacy.
05
Community nodes provide shared spaces that integrate residential and retail functions.

## Project Overview
Located in the densely populated urban environment of Hong Kong, "Multiplicity" addresses critical challenges of space constraints, accessibility, and community integration through an innovative housing design. The intent is to create adaptable living spaces that cater to the diverse needs of residents while optimizing the use of existing infrastructure, such as footbridges, to enhance connectivity between neighborhoods and encourage the efficient use of green spaces.

## Modular Framework
The project's modular design employs a grid-like structure based on 8x8 tiles, permitting configurations that maximize space utilization and adaptability. This system facilitates future modifications, allowing residents to personalize their living environments as their requirements evolve. The placement of strategically designed nodes with vertical cores fosters interaction among housing units, retail areas, and public amenities.

### Key Features:
- **Modular Configuration**: Each housing unit can be individually expanded, promoting flexibility for various family sizes and lifestyles.
- **Connectivity**: The design interlinks with existing urban infrastructure to enhance community accessibility and mobility.

## Communal Nodes and Sustainability
Central to the framework are "nodes," which act as communal spaces under 100 square meters that integrate housing with public areas, retail, and community interactions. These nodes support vertical expansion, maximizing land use in the limited horizontal space available.

### Distinctive Aspects:
- **Vertical Growth**: The design allows for upward development, mitigating the constraints of horizontal expansion.
- **Interconnected Community**: Nodes facilitate connections among different community sections, fostering a sense of belonging.

## Design Materiality
The choice of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and economic viability. Notable materials include:
- **Bamboo Framework**: Chosen for its strength and sustainability, providing a lightweight structural support system.
- **Recycled Corrugated Metal**: Offers durability while maintaining cost-effectiveness for external finishes.
- **Translucent Polycarbonate Panels**: Allow natural light penetration and privacy, contributing to an aesthetically pleasing facade.

This material selection underscores the project's focus on creating a functional, visually appealing residential environment while adhering to sustainable practices.

## Design Outcomes
The design incorporates public and green spaces to enhance social interactions and promote well-being. Features such as kinetic tiles in walkways convert foot traffic into energy, exemplifying the initiative's emphasis on sustainable living.

### Notable Outcomes:
- **Integration of Spaces**: Private residential areas are thoughtfully connected to public nodes, fostering community interaction.
- **Energy Generation**: Innovative use of technology in public spaces underlines the commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility.

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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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