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Modular Living Spaces Crafted with Recycled Materials and Traditional Tong Lau Features

Authors:
MERT KALKAN, ZEHRA ÇETİNKAYA, ESRA BARAN, SELMA KÜÇÜKER
Modular Living Spaces Crafted with Recycled Materials and Traditional Tong Lau Features

Project in-detail

Utilizing a modular system of recycled materials and incorporating traditional Tong Lau characteristics, the design fosters community interaction while addressing the need for sustainable housing in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a prefabricated modular system for rapid on-site assembly.
02
Incorporates traditional Tong Lau architecture to maintain cultural relevance.
03
Features a public ground floor designed to enhance community interaction.
04
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
05
Integrates high-performance insulation materials for energy efficiency.

## Overview

The Hong Kong Pixel Homes project was developed as part of a competition focused on addressing housing challenges in Hong Kong's densely populated urban environment. The design aims to maximize utility within limited living space while considering the cultural and architectural context, particularly the traditional Tong Lau style prevalent in the region from the mid-19th to mid-20th century.

### Spatial Configuration

The design includes two distinct building typologies: attached and detached. The attached buildings feature a ground floor designed as a public passageway, which enhances community connectivity. In contrast, the detached buildings allow for individual living spaces while fostering social interaction through common areas that are strategically placed. This configuration reflects a modular design philosophy, facilitating adaptability to various family sizes and individual preferences without necessitating significant structural alterations.

### Sustainability and Material Choices

The material selection is integral to both the visual identity and function of the buildings. Primary materials include concrete for structural stability, glass to optimize natural light and ventilation, and recycled materials to minimize environmental impact. High-performance insulation materials contribute to energy efficiency. The project employs a prefabricated construction system, utilizing wall and floor modules that simplify assembly and reduce construction time and costs. Each wall module is 1.20 m wide, 2.40 m high, and 0.15 m thick, while the floor modules share the same dimensions. Additional sustainability features include rainwater harvesting, greywater reuse, and the use of materials that offer air purification properties, demonstrating a commitment to addressing urban pollution effectively.

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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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