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Modular Living Units Featuring Precast Concrete and Solar Integration In A Urban Residential Design

Authors:
Helia Saadat, Narges Rezaie, Mohaddese Haddadzade
Modular Living Units Featuring Precast Concrete and Solar Integration In A Urban Residential Design

Project in-detail

With a focus on modularity and precast concrete construction, the design introduces versatile living units that utilize solar energy and efficient layouts to address contemporary urban housing needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular living units allow for adaptable configurations tailored to resident needs.
02
Precast concrete construction enables efficient assembly and durability in urban settings.
03
Hydraulic elevators ensure accessibility across all unit types and levels.
04
Integrated solar panels promote energy efficiency while supporting sustainable living.
05
Varied unit layouts accommodate a diverse range of households from singles to families.

### Project Overview

Located on King Lam Street in Cheung Sha Wan, Hong Kong, the Rubik’s project addresses contemporary urban housing challenges, focusing on affordable and sustainable living solutions. The design employs a modular approach, incorporating various living configurations into a unified structure that aims to foster community interaction. By utilizing simple cubic forms, the project provides flexible living spaces that adapt to the needs of individuals, couples, and small families.

### Spatial Strategy and Unit Composition

The architectural layout encompasses four distinct unit types, each designed to accommodate varying lifestyles:

1. **Type A (12 m²)**: A compact studio that integrates living and sleeping areas into a multifunctional space.

2. **Type B (38 m²)**: A family-oriented unit featuring separate living, dining, and sleeping areas, catering to small families.

3. **Type C (32 m²)**: This two-level unit includes communal spaces on the ground floor and private sleeping quarters above, balancing family interaction with privacy.

4. **Type D (18 m²)**: Designed for couples or individuals, this unit emphasizes functionality through an open arrangement that optimizes space.

Elevators serve Types C and D, enhancing vertical accessibility while minimizing disruptions to daily routines.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The choice of materials reflects a commitment to sustainability and comfort. Precast concrete provides structural durability and efficient assembly, while extensive use of glass allows for natural light penetration, promoting bright living environments and visual connectivity. Wood finishes add warmth, improving the overall ambiance of the interiors.

The roof hosts solar panels, contributing to energy efficiency and encouraging self-sufficiency through rainwater collection systems. This integration of renewable energy sources embodies the project's dedication to sustainable living while addressing urban needs. The modular design ensures adaptability, thus supporting a diverse residential community and establishing a model for future urban developments.

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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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