Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Pixelated Clusters of Reinforced Concrete and Metal Grilles in a Flexible Urban Habitat

Author:
Ching Akina Lee
Pixelated Clusters of Reinforced Concrete and Metal Grilles in a Flexible Urban Habitat

Project in-detail

Comprising modular clusters of reinforced concrete and metal grilles, this flexible urban habitat redefines residential living in To Kwa Wan by fostering community interaction within a compact, adaptive space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow for easy reconfiguration to adapt to changing resident needs.
02
The design incorporates extensive communal areas to promote social interaction among residents.
03
Natural ventilation is optimized through strategic placement of open-concept spaces and metal grilles.
04
The project utilizes locally sourced materials to enhance sustainability within the urban context.
05
Each unit features flexible layouts that accommodate various family types and living preferences.

## Project Overview
The Habitat of 99-Pixels is located in the To Kwa Wan district of Hong Kong, an area characterized by high population density and limited land availability. The design aims to address the urgent housing demands through modular construction that promotes community-oriented living and adaptability to diverse residential needs.

### Modular Design Strategy
Central to the project is a pixel-like modularity that allows residential units to be arranged in a flexible grid system, optimizing land utilization. This approach facilitates density while fostering social cohesion among residents. The building blocks consist of plug-in clusters made from common, cost-effective materials, ensuring that they can be easily added or modified in response to evolving housing demands. The layout includes various configurations, such as one-room apartments and open studio units, accommodating different family structures and lifestyles.

### Material Selection and Sustainability
The material palette emphasizes functionality, aesthetic integration, and sustainability. Reinforced concrete provides structural durability, while metal grilles facilitate ventilation and light infiltration without compromising security. Transparent glass elements enhance visual connections within the community, and wooden finishes add warmth to living spaces. The design prioritizes sustainable urban living by incorporating open spaces and efficient land use, alongside promoting social interaction through semi-private and communal areas, contributing to a vibrant urban life.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy