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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.

## Project Overview
TINYTYP addresses the housing challenges faced by low-income residents in Hong Kong's densely populated urban context. Its design intends to optimize limited living space while enhancing the quality of life for its occupants. By implementing innovative strategies to maximize spatial efficiency, the project seeks to redefine contemporary urban living.

## Spatial Composition and Layout
The layout features compact living units designed to host multiple inhabitants—up to seven individuals in a 400 square-foot area. A thoughtful arrangement delineates private and communal spaces, utilizing sliding doors and adaptable furniture to create areas for interaction and solitude. Interior spatial modules cater to essential activities such as eating, resting, and socializing, with integrated bathrooms and kitchens that prioritize space efficiency and flexibility.

## Materiality and Sustainability
Material selection plays a significant role in the architecture of TINYTYP. Concrete forms the structural framework, providing a robust foundation, while natural wood finishes in cabinetry and partitions introduce warmth and texture. Glass elements enhance light penetration and maintain visual connections to the surrounding cityscape. This combination of durable materials also reduces maintenance challenges, aligning with sustainable living objectives in an urban environment. Through these choices, the design fosters a living environment that is both functional and responsive to the needs of its inhabitants.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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