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Modular Living Spaces Featuring Bamboo Construction and Steel Framework in Urban Setting

Authors:
Davide Saramin, Giacomo Murador
Modular Living Spaces Featuring Bamboo Construction and Steel Framework in Urban Setting
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Employing a modular design of interlocking bamboo and steel components, the project addresses urban density challenges by creating adaptable living spaces that promote community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units can be easily reconfigured to accommodate changing family sizes.
02
Constructed primarily from locally sourced bamboo to enhance sustainability.
03
Interlocking steel framework increases structural integrity while minimizing material use.
04
Design includes communal outdoor spaces designed for interaction among residents.
05
Natural ventilation is optimized through strategically placed openings throughout the structure.

### Location Context

Tetris Houses is located in the densely populated urban environment of Hong Kong, characterized by high-rise structures and limited space. This context presents significant challenges for housing, necessitating innovative architectural solutions. The design utilizes adaptive modular elements to create flexible living spaces that respond to the high demand for urban housing.

### Spatial Efficiency and User Adaptability

The conceptual framework of the project draws inspiration from the modular design inherent in the game Tetris. Each living unit functions as a "pixel," allowing residents to adjust their living spaces based on evolving needs, such as family size and lifestyle preferences. The compact footprint of the structure is strategically positioned among existing skyscrapers, promoting integration with the urban fabric.

The design includes a multi-level arrangement featuring a façade with a rhythmic interplay of solid and void elements, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. This configuration optimizes natural ventilation and light, creating bright, shared spaces that foster community interaction. Shared gardens and recreational areas are incorporated to enhance communal living in a city where privacy is often limited.

### Material Selection and Construction Method

The materials selected for Tetris Houses underscore a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. The primary structural component is steel, valued for its strength, durability, and recyclability. Bamboo serves both structural and aesthetic roles, reflecting its availability and sustainable properties within the region. Large glass windows promote natural light and blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces, enhancing residents' quality of life.

The project embraces a dry construction method, minimizing environmental disruption during assembly and allowing for efficient, cost-effective building processes. Each unit's modular design facilitates easy customization and modification, promoting a balance between privacy and community engagement in the urban landscape.

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Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

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Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

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