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Mirrored Facades with Vertical Gardens Creating Community-Centric Living Spaces

Authors:
Cyrus Penarroyo, Kevin Sani
Mirrored Facades with Vertical Gardens Creating Community-Centric Living Spaces
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Mirrored glass facades and integrated vertical gardens redefine high-density living in Hong Kong, creating a sustainable residential environment that fosters community interaction and individual privacy.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mirrored glass facades reflect the surrounding landscape, enhancing the integration of nature and architecture.
02
Vertical gardens are incorporated into the design, promoting biodiversity and improving air quality.
03
Modular units allow for flexible living arrangements tailored to a diverse community.
04
Community spaces are strategically designed to encourage social interaction among residents.
05
The building’s non-linear configuration adapts to the unique topography of the site.

## Overview

Located in Hong Kong, the project addresses the complexities of high-density urban living by responding to both the natural landscape and the existing urban fabric. The design prioritizes community engagement and sustainability, drawing inspiration from the surrounding mountainous terrain and the vibrancy of local high-rise developments. By utilizing verticality and an innovative spatial strategy, the proposal aims to integrate housing into the urban context while promoting social interaction and aesthetic harmony.

## Facade Innovation

The facade design incorporates a diverse array of materials to enhance its reflective qualities and create an engaging visual interplay with the environment. Mirrored glass facades amplify the surrounding landscape, creating an illusion of depth and blurring the boundaries between the built and natural realms. The addition of colored panels evokes the appearance of natural foliage, while mesh panels introduce texture and structural support. Furthermore, the integration of vertical gardens not only enhances aesthetics but fosters biodiversity and improves air quality within the urban setting. This dynamic facade responds to changing light conditions, offering a visually appealing exterior that evolves throughout the day.

## Housing Configuration

The interior layouts are designed to optimize flexibility and community interaction. Modular units can be adapted into various configurations, including studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments. Each design facilitates a balance between private and communal living, featuring shared bathrooms and private balconies to promote social connectivity. Specific plans, such as those allowing for combined studio and three-bedroom configurations alongside shared outdoor spaces, demonstrate a thoughtful approach to accommodating diverse living arrangements within a compact urban environment. This versatility not only addresses individual privacy needs but also fosters a sense of community among residents.

## Sustainable Strategies

Sustainability is woven into the project through multiple strategies, including the incorporation of vertical greenery and energy-efficient materials. The use of mirrored glass helps minimize artificial lighting requirements, while the building's shape and orientation are optimized for natural ventilation, contributing to energy efficiency throughout the year. Vertical gardens significantly enhance urban biodiversity, serving as a living component within the architectural framework. These strategies collectively reinforce a commitment to ecological responsibility while addressing the demands of urban living.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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