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Modular Living Spaces Utilizing Concrete and Natural Wood in High-Density Urban Environments

Author:
Marta Panizzi
Modular Living Spaces Utilizing Concrete and Natural Wood in High-Density Urban Environments

Project in-detail

Constructed from concrete and accented with natural wood, this modular living solution addresses urban density issues by creating adaptable spaces that promote community interaction among low-income residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a modular system that allows for easy reconfiguration of living spaces.
02
Features concrete structural elements combined with natural wood finishes to enhance warmth.
03
Incorporates flexible partitions enabling customizable privacy and communal areas.
04
Maximizes daylight through strategically placed glass elements in a compact footprint.
05
Designed to optimize urban land use while supporting community interaction and shared resources.

The project, referred to as TINYTYP, responds to the housing challenges faced by low-income residents in Hong Kong. Focused on optimizing living space in a densely populated urban environment, TINYTYP rethinks small-scale living by integrating functional design elements with communal and private spaces. The project merges contemporary architectural ideas with practical solutions, aiming to improve the quality of life for its occupants.

Spatial Efficiency and Versatility

The architectural design emphasizes maximizing space efficiency through a modular layout that supports various lifestyles. The project incorporates compact living units, allowing for high-density occupancy. Each unit is designed to accommodate multiple residents while providing essential amenities such as kitchen and bathroom facilities. The layout incorporates flexible partitions and multifunctional furniture, enabling residents to adjust their living environment according to their needs. This adaptability is fundamental to the overall design, promoting both individual privacy and community interaction.

Material Selection and Environmental Considerations

Material choice plays a critical role in the project's identity. Concrete is utilized for structural elements, providing durability and minimal maintenance requirements. Wood finishes are introduced to soften the harshness of the concrete, enhancing the overall aesthetics and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Glass elements are strategically placed to optimize natural light inflow, contributing to a more pleasant living experience. This careful selection of materials aligns with the project’s aim to create sustainable, efficient living environments while addressing the demands of a tropical climate.

Innovative Living Solutions

What distinguishes TINYTYP from other residential designs is its integration of collaborative living spaces. The architecture includes shared areas that encourage social interaction among residents, fostering a sense of community. The design features modular privacy options that can be adjusted based on personal preferences, allowing for dynamic living arrangements. The project also prioritizes accessibility by being strategically located near public transport links, enhancing connectivity with the broader urban environment.

Exploring architectural plans, sections, and designs for TINYTYP will provide deeper insights into the innovative approaches employed in this project. For those interested in contemporary architectural ideas addressing urban challenges, the full presentation of TINYTYP offers valuable details and considerations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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