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Modular Housing Integrated with Recycled Metal and Vertical Gardens for Sustainable Urban Living

Authors:
Pedro Belloni, Juan Javier Segovia, Carlos Ramiro Carrizo, - -
Modular Housing Integrated with Recycled Metal and Vertical Gardens for Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Incorporating recycled metal and modular units, this architectural endeavor features vertical gardens and sustainable systems, providing an innovative solution to urban housing needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates vertical gardens on each residential level to enhance biodiversity.
02
Utilizes prefabricated modules built from recycled metal to streamline construction.
03
Features translucent facades that maximize natural light while ensuring privacy.
04
Designed with a central circulatory core for efficient resident movement.
05
Modular housing units integrate flexible living spaces tailored to diverse needs.

## Overview

The ECO 100 Tower is located in Hong Kong, a city facing significant urban challenges due to its high population density. With a height of 120 meters, the tower aims to address pressing housing needs by employing innovative design strategies that enhance land use efficiency. The project focuses on providing compact and sustainable residential solutions while fostering community interactions through shared spaces.

### Spatial Organization and Community Integration

The tower's design features a vertical living model characterized by a square base of 10 meters on each side, allowing for various residential units organized in a helical layout. This spatial arrangement creates distinct zones within the building, accommodating two primary housing types: Type A units of approximately 37 m² for larger families and Type B units of about 19 m² for smaller households. The central vertical circulatory core includes four elevators and stairs, facilitating efficient movement while integrating community spaces on each level to promote resident interactions.

### Material Selection and Environmental Considerations

The construction employs a variety of materials that reinforce the building's durability and sustainability. Reinforced concrete forms the primary structural framework, while translucent materials are utilized for elevator shafts and some facades, enhancing the tower’s lightness. The incorporation of recycled metal in the structure and facade underscores a commitment to eco-friendly practices. Prefabricated modules made from recyclable materials streamline the construction process and reduce waste. Internally, wood finishes create a welcoming atmosphere.

The ECO 100 Tower emphasizes energy efficiency through the use of natural ventilation, operable windows, and green gardens on each floor. It integrates rainwater collection systems and low-energy appliances to minimize environmental impact, while strategically placed solar panels contribute to overall energy savings and sustainability.

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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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