Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Metal Mesh Facade and Modular Design in Sustainable Urban Living

Author:
Marina Stosic
Metal Mesh Facade and Modular Design in Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Combining a dynamic metal mesh facade with modular living units, the design redefines sustainable urban housing in Hong Kong while promoting community interaction and ecological harmony.
5 key facts about this project
01
Dynamic metal mesh facade enhances ventilation and light.
02
Modular living units allow adaptable residential configurations.
03
Integrated rainwater harvesting system supports sustainability.
04
Public and private spaces promote community interaction.
05
Strategic solar panel placement reduces energy reliance.

### Overview

The "Dragon Tail," located in Hong Kong, addresses the challenges posed by urban density and land scarcity. The design concept draws inspiration from the symbolic fluidity of a dragon's tail, linking local heritage with modern living needs. Aimed at providing adaptable housing solutions, the project incorporates cultural elements while responding to the demands of contemporary urban life.

### Spatial Configuration and User Experience

The design prioritizes a flexible spatial strategy that accommodates various household types, offering a mix of apartment configurations suitable for singles, families, and diverse lifestyles. Four distinct apartment types are integrated into the layout, enabling options that range from compact units to spacious duplexes. The arrangement fosters both community interaction through designated public spaces and the privacy required for residential living, balancing shared and individual experiences within the urban context.

### Materiality and Environmental Integration

The building features a distinctive metal mesh façade that enhances its visual appeal while improving energy efficiency through natural ventilation. Adjacent energy-efficient glazing coupled with strategically positioned solar panels provides supplemental energy generation. Additionally, passive design strategies include angled windows that optimize natural light while minimizing heat gain. The incorporation of a rainwater harvesting system further enhances sustainability by ensuring efficient water management. Surrounding vegetation is integrated into the landscape design to support local biodiversity, contributing to the ecological balance within the urban environment.

### Innovative Features

Key innovative aspects include the adaptive residential unit designs that reflect the flexibility required in a rapidly evolving demographic landscape and an integrated energy management system that efficiently utilizes renewable solar energy for multiple functions, including electricity generation and water heating. The overall approach represents a forward-thinking model for urban residential architecture.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy