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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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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

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