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Modular Housing Crafted With Bamboo Cladding and OSB for Sustainable Urban Living

Authors:
YUSER ALMUTAWA, Yasmeen Alkandari, - -, b -, - -
Modular Housing Crafted With Bamboo Cladding and OSB for Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Crafted from bamboo cladding and supported by a modular steel framework, this residential building in Kowloon enhances communal living through adaptable spaces and efficient cross-ventilation strategies.
5 key facts about this project
01
Designed with a modular layout to allow future reconfiguration of living spaces.
02
Incorporates extensive green roofs to enhance biodiversity and reduce urban heat.
03
Features a steel frame to support structural flexibility in a dense urban environment.
04
Utilizes passive cooling techniques through strategic window placement and shaded areas.
05
Integrates communal gardens to foster social interactions among residents.

## Overview

Situated at 18 Cornwall Street in Kowloon, Hong Kong, the JRB-Jenga Residence Building addresses the pressing demand for innovative urban housing solutions within a high-density environment. The design is rooted in sustainability, affordability, and functionality, utilizing a modular configuration reminiscent of Jenga blocks. This approach aims to create adaptable living spaces that cater to diverse communal needs while maximizing environmental performance.

## Spatial Strategy and Functional Layout

The interior organization of the JRB-Jenga Residence distinctly separates public and private areas. Public zones encompass a reception area, green spaces, a café, and facilities available for hire, fostering community interaction. In contrast, private zones consist of various residential unit configurations, including studio apartments, one-bedroom duplexes, and two-bedroom duplexes. This strategic zoning is intended to balance communal engagement with personal privacy, enhancing the overall living experience.

## Material Selection and Sustainability Measures

The building’s structural framework utilizes a steel frame system that ensures safety and enhances natural ventilation and daylight access. Key materials include oriented strand board (OSB) for wall insulation, which promotes energy efficiency, and aluminum and bamboo cladding that facilitate passive cooling by reducing heat retention. The glazing incorporates varying solar heat gain coefficients to optimize natural light while minimizing thermal gain. Noteworthy sustainability features include cross-ventilation systems and designated areas for bicycle parking, encouraging eco-friendly transport options. These elements collectively contribute to the project's commitment to low-carbon design and sustainable 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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