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Pond-Centered Communal Living with Art Integration

Authors:
Hong kiu Wong, Tsz chiu Lau
Pond-Centered Communal Living with Art Integration

Project in-detail

A pond at the heart of the development serves as a communal gathering point, enhancing social interaction while integrating a gallery space for NFT art within a multifaceted residential environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Pond serves as a central gathering space, enhancing social interactions.
02
Includes a dedicated room for exhibiting NFT art, merging culture and technology.
03
Rooms are tailored for specific functions, promoting personal and communal experiences.
04
Design elements reflect local historical influences, reinforcing cultural identity.
05
Meditation balcony provides a quiet retreat within the urban setting.

CUBE YOUR HOME explores the connection between personal identity and community living in the busy urban environment of Hong Kong. It reconsiders residential spaces to better promote interaction among residents. By addressing the impact of commodification on housing, the design seeks to create living environments that encourage engagement and foster a sense of belonging.

Design Concept

At the heart of the design is the idea of spaces defined by the residents themselves. The project recognizes that many communal interactions have faded in recent years. By creating areas where people can come together, it aims to revive the lively community spirit of the past. The influence of traditional communal practices, where children would play in hallways and adults would gather on balconies, serves as a driving force in the design approach. There is a focus on creating environments that celebrate the diversity of lifestyles across the city.

Spatial Configuration

CUBE YOUR HOME features several specialized rooms, including the Room of Spirit, Room of Traveller, and Room of Erudite. Each area is carefully designed for specific activities or experiences, allowing residents to engage with both themselves and their neighbors. The Work Room serves a dual purpose as a gallery for NFT art. This mix of cultural and technological elements offers a platform for residents to express their creativity while living in a shared space.

Community Engagement

The design prioritizes communal areas meant to promote social interactions. A pond on the lower level acts as a focal point for gatherings, encouraging conversations among residents. Above, an exhibition room displays art, while a meditation balcony provides a quiet space for reflection amidst the city’s hustle. Together, these features create opportunities for residents to connect. The goal is to encourage collaboration and support within the community.

Final Design Detail

The overall architectural language balances both function and expression. Thoughtful design choices enhance user experience while also paying tribute to the cultural background of Hong Kong. The play of light and shadow across the structure adds visual depth and connects the building to its surroundings. This dynamic interaction reflects the life and diversity of the people who call this place home.

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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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