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Space-Puncturing Design with Glass Facades and Reinforced Concrete for Urban Living

Authors:
Ayman Assem, Mohamed Hassan, Sherif Abdelmohsen, Hesham Khaled
Space-Puncturing Design with Glass Facades and Reinforced Concrete for Urban Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing space-puncturing techniques and volumetric clustering, the design integrates glass facades with reinforced concrete to create adaptable urban housing that fosters community interaction in Hong Kong.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular unit configurations allow for versatile living arrangements.
02
The design incorporates communal terraces to enhance social interaction.
03
Transparent glass facades maximize natural light and urban connectivity.
04
Reinforced concrete provides structural resilience in a densely populated area.
05
Volumetric clustering promotes efficient use of limited space.

### Project Overview

Located in Hong Kong, the design focuses on developing innovative housing solutions within a densely populated urban environment. The project, named "Punctured Space," seeks to reclaim underutilized areas through modular housing units, addressing significant urban housing challenges while fostering community interaction and optimizing space efficiency.

### Reclamation and Utilization of Space

The design strategy centers on "puncturing" existing urban structures to capture and repurpose lost space. This methodology allows for the flexible integration of various functions within a compact footprint, effectively maximizing real estate in a city characterized by high density. The approach diverges from traditional housing designs by employing a multi-dimensional framework for space utilization, encouraging active lifestyles and facilitating fluid circulation in residential zones. By rethinking conventional home layouts, the design creates units that incorporate voids and shared social spaces, effectively fostering interactive urban environments where communal and private areas coexist.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Material choices play a critical role in both the environmental sustainability and aesthetic integrity of the project. Key materials include:

1. **Glass**: The use of transparent facades optimizes natural light intake and enhances visual coherence with the surrounding context.
2. **Concrete**: Reinforced concrete offers structural durability and resilience, ensuring long-term performance.
3. **Metal**: Steel components, such as railings and balcony structures, provide an industrial aesthetic while prioritizing safety.
4. **Green Elements**: Integrated planters and landscaping features create a link to nature, enhancing the urban experience for residents.
5. **Prefabricated Elements**: The implementation of prefabricated modular units facilitates an efficient construction process and minimizes waste.

### Spatial Configuration and Community Interaction

The design incorporates volumetric clustering of housing units, enabling atypical spatial configurations that foster opportunities for resident interaction while preserving individual privacy. Central to the layout are strategically designed communal areas, including terraces, social gardens, and recreation spaces that enhance sociability among occupants. Additionally, the project's flexible unit designs accommodate varying resident needs, offering a range of configurations from one-bedroom to duplex and studio apartments, empowering occupants to select layouts that fit their lifestyles.

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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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