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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
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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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Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

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