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Reimagining Urban Living With Shipping Containers Beneath a Bridge

Authors:
Tsz Wai Tse, An Ching Tiffany Chan
Reimagining Urban Living With Shipping Containers Beneath a Bridge

Project in-detail

Utilizing repurposed shipping containers beneath the Ting Kau Bridge, this residential development enhances urban density while fostering community through shared spaces in a sustainable and modular framework.
5 key facts about this project
01
Located beneath the Ting Kau Bridge, maximizing underutilized urban space.
02
Comprises 216 residential units designed from repurposed shipping containers.
03
Features modular units that allow for flexible reconfiguration over time.
04
Incorporates communal gardens and spaces to foster community interaction.
05
Utilizes sustainable materials to minimize environmental impact and enhance durability.

### Overview
The Under Bridge | Ting Kau Grid project is located in Hong Kong, an area significantly influenced by maritime activity, exemplified by its proximity to the Kwai Tsing Container Terminal. The design aims to merge residential functionality with logistical efficiency, utilizing the unique urban context to address pressing housing shortages in the region.

### Spatial Strategy and User Interaction
The structure consists of stacked modules containing 216 residential units, varying from studio apartments to double-cargo family units. The residential layouts prioritize natural light and ventilation while optimizing spatial efficiency, with unit sizes of 14 sqm for studios, 28 sqm for two-bedroom units, and 50 sqm for family units. A key feature of the design is the incorporation of communal areas, including pocket parks, playgrounds, and shared gardens, promoting social interaction among residents and fostering a sense of community within an urban setting.

### Material Selection and Environmental Considerations
The project utilizes a distinctive material palette that includes steel frames for structural integrity, concrete elements for foundation support, and repurposed shipping containers as modular living units. This choice not only meets functional requirements but also resonates with the industrial character of the surrounding port area. The use of recycled materials addresses environmental sustainability concerns while facilitating adaptability for potential future modifications to meet the evolving needs of residents.

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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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