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Pixel-Cube Housing with Precast Concrete and Integrated Greenery

Authors:
YI JUN OOI, YI HUI TAN
Pixel-Cube Housing with Precast Concrete and Integrated Greenery

Project in-detail

Combining pixel-cube housing units with precast concrete and integrated greenery, the design addresses urban density in Hong Kong while providing functional residential space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Pixel-cube units create diverse residential configurations.
02
Precast concrete enhances rapid assembly and structural efficiency.
03
Integrated greenery promotes ecological balance and resident well-being.
04
Vertical stacking maximizes limited urban space in dense settings.
05
Shaded pocket spaces offer semi-indoor environments for recreation.

The Upsurge Tower in Hong Kong provides a practical solution to the issues of heavy urban density and limited space. Located in a busy area of the city, the tower aims to improve the living experience for residents by combining green spaces with community areas. The design focuses on creating pocket spaces that allow residents to engage with nature, offering a pleasant contrast to the surrounding concrete structures.

Design Concept

The building features a design based on pixel-cube shapes for the housing units, arranged in an irregular way. This setup breaks the monotony of the skyline, adding variety and interest to the visual landscape. Each housing unit is modular, measuring 5 x 5 meters, which optimizes space through vertical stacking. This arrangement addresses the need for more housing in a densely populated urban environment.

Greenery Integration

A key aspect of the Upsurge Tower is the inclusion of greenery within the architecture. Plants are intentionally placed in the gaps between the housing units, creating outdoor areas for residents to enjoy. These green pockets serve both an aesthetic purpose and provide functional spaces for recreation, allowing people to connect with nature in an urban setting.

Structural Organization

The building’s design incorporates a lift core and staircase situated on the side, ensuring structural support while keeping the interior open and accessible. Some residential units feature extended balconies that blend with greenery, enhancing the outdoor experience for residents. This thoughtful layout encourages social interaction and increases the usable outdoor areas for the community.

Sustainability and Construction Efficiency

Sustainability is an important focus of the design, seen in the facade that enhances air circulation and promotes a balanced ecosystem. Precast concrete is used for the walls and floors, allowing for quick assembly—a vital consideration in Hong Kong's fast-paced construction landscape. This choice of material not only supports durability but also aligns with the project’s aim to minimize environmental impact.

The Upsurge Tower exemplifies how green spaces can become part of living environments, creating a meaningful connection between residents and their surroundings. Each area filled with greenery adds both beauty and utility, promoting a healthier lifestyle while offsetting the challenges of urban living.

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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

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