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Rooftop Living Through Modular Micro-Units and Community Greenery

Authors:
Diego Ramirez, Ksenia Dyusembaeva
Rooftop Living Through Modular Micro-Units and Community Greenery

Project in-detail

Utilizing the underused rooftops of Hong Kong's skyscrapers, the design incorporates modular micro-units and green features to create affordable living spaces that promote community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Rooftop units maximize unused vertical space in urban settings.
02
Modular design allows for flexible living arrangements tailored to resident needs.
03
Green features enhance biodiversity and promote eco-friendly practices.
04
Vertical core ensures efficient circulation while maximizing natural light.
05
Community-oriented layout encourages social interaction among residents.

Rooftoppers: Micro Productive Housing addresses the urgent issue of affordable housing in Hong Kong, a city facing high property prices and limited land availability. This project reimagines residential units as micro-productive spaces. By focusing on the rarely used rooftops of existing skyscrapers, the design aims to create new living environments that promote community interaction and sustainability.

Use of Rooftop Spaces

The design makes effective use of rooftops to expand residential options vertically. This approach not only tackles the issue of land scarcity but also enhances the city’s skyline. By transforming these overlooked spaces into functional housing, Rooftoppers offers a fresh perspective on urban living. It underscores the importance of maximizing available resources in densely populated areas.

Modular Housing Units

At its core, the project features a modular housing system that begins with a base unit. This unit can be divided into smaller micro-units, accommodating different living arrangements. This modularity provides flexibility, making the system adaptable to various residential needs. The design also encourages community through shared spaces that foster social connections among residents.

Integration of Vertical Core

To support circulation within the units, a vertical core is included in the design. This core features staircases and elevators, facilitating easy movement throughout the building. By ensuring access to natural light and fresh air, it promotes a comfortable living environment. The focus on these practical elements balances the need for functionality with a pleasant atmosphere.

Sustainability Features

Rooftoppers incorporates green housing units that aim to enhance biodiversity and promote eco-friendly practices. This aspect reinforces the commitment to sustainability, aligning with current trends in urban design. The project recognizes the importance of creating living spaces that contribute positively to the environment. This focus on green features also aims to improve the overall quality of life for residents.

The thoughtful arrangement of housing units and communal areas creates a cohesive layout. It allows for both privacy and social interaction, encouraging residents to engage with their environment.

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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
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