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Revitalizing Historical Neighborhoods Through Community Hubs in Kuala Lumpur

Authors:
Kai yi Wong, Li mei Tan, Vicky wei kee Lee, Yi Shu
Revitalizing Historical Neighborhoods Through Community Hubs in Kuala Lumpur

Project in-detail

With a focus on community hubs set in the historical districts of Chinatown and Medan Pasar, the design revitalizes urban living through co-living spaces that support social interaction while enhancing sustainable practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrated off-grid systems promote environmental sustainability.
02
Developed in historical neighborhoods fostering cultural preservation.
03
Focused on flexible co-living spaces for diverse household needs.
04
Encourages community interaction through thoughtfully designed communal areas.
05
Utilizes energy-efficient design principles for enhanced livability.

Affordable housing is becoming increasingly important for young professionals and millennials in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Located in historically rich areas like Chinatown and Medan Pasar, the design of new living spaces aims to meet the needs of urban dwellers. It focuses on creating social connections through shared spaces, enhancing community life while revitalizing these urban neighborhoods.

Community Interaction

The design emphasizes communal areas that promote social engagement among diverse groups. Local residents and newcomers can come together in these shared spaces, fostering relationships that strengthen the community. By organizing the layout to encourage interaction, the project helps address housing needs while creating an environment that supports meaningful connections.

Sustainability Measures

An essential aspect of the design is its commitment to sustainability, reflected in the incorporation of off-grid systems. While specific materials are not detailed, the proposal suggests the use of environmentally friendly construction techniques. Off-site prefabrication is mentioned as a way to reduce waste, cut down on construction time, and lessen costs. This aligns well with the values of a younger audience that emphasizes sustainable living.

Historical Context

The decision to develop in areas like Chinatown and Medan Pasar allows for a blend of tradition and modern needs. The design respects the character of these neighborhoods, aiming to breathe new life into their historical context. By enhancing the existing urban fabric, the project encourages a vibrant community while honoring the past.

Design Detailing

Attention to detail is evident in various architectural elements that contribute to livability. The design includes flexible housing options, accommodating different household types and sizes. Natural light and ventilation are prioritized, creating comfortable indoor environments. This focus on practical design enhances daily living, ensuring that residents enjoy a supportive and efficient space.

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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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