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Repurposed Shipping Containers with Vertical Gardens in a High-Density Urban District

Authors:
Sama Jabr, Jawad Hamdan, Nour El Qirem, Lamis Jalabneh
Repurposed Shipping Containers with Vertical Gardens in a High-Density Urban District

Project in-detail

Repurposed shipping containers are transformed into a high-density residential district adorned with vertical gardens, enhancing community living while addressing the challenges of urban housing in Hong Kong.
5 key facts about this project
01
Repurposes retired shipping containers for residential units.
02
Incorporates vertical gardens throughout the building for sustainability.
03
Features a concrete circulation core providing structural stability.
04
Facilitates community interaction with rooftop activity spaces.
05
Focuses on natural ventilation to enhance indoor air quality.

The design presents a high-density vertical district in Hong Kong, focusing on affordable living and community connection. This solution addresses the needs of a growing urban population while offering a modern approach to residential life. The concept aims to redefine the tower as a community hub, encouraging interaction among residents and blending private and shared spaces.

Housing Units

The residential units are categorized into three types: small, medium, and large. Small units accommodate up to two residents, making efficient use of space with features like foldable beds and multifunctional furniture. Medium units are suitable for up to four people, equipped with a transformable double bed and necessary amenities, ensuring practical living arrangements. Large units combine elements of both small and medium units, allowing for up to six residents and fostering a family-friendly atmosphere.

Structural Composition

A concrete circulation core provides stability to the building, serving as the main supporting element. Housing units are constructed from retired shipping containers, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and resourcefulness. This choice not only minimizes waste but also includes thermal insulation, ensuring energy efficiency in line with modern living standards.

Common Spaces

Common areas are thoughtfully placed at the top of the tower, encouraging social activities and interaction among residents. These spaces feature gardens and activity centers, which enhance the community feel and create opportunities for residents to gather. The arrangement of these amenities emphasizes vertical living, allowing for a sense of connection in a compact urban environment, with outdoor spaces that invite interaction.

Sustainability Features

Natural ventilation plays a crucial role in the design, promoting airflow throughout the residential units and improving indoor air quality. The approach minimizes dependence on mechanical systems for climate control. Passive design elements focus on achieving sustainability while addressing the challenges associated with high-density urban areas. Additionally, smart furniture solutions within the units support a flexible living experience, adapting to the varied lifestyles of urban residents.

The design encourages a vibrant community where residents can thrive within the bustling environment of Hong Kong. Elements such as green spaces and thoughtful layouts create an engaging living experience that responds to the demands of urban life while fostering a sense of belonging.

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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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