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Sustainable Green Walls and Modular Construction in High-Density Urban Housing

Authors:
Hiu Chun Kam, Bentoon Boon-Itt
Sustainable Green Walls and Modular Construction in High-Density Urban Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing modular construction and integrated green walls, this high-density housing solution addresses urban living challenges in Hong Kong, providing adaptable and sustainable residences.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular pods allow for rapid assembly and customization based on tenant preferences.
02
Integrated green walls enhance biodiversity while improving thermal performance.
03
Adaptable design supports varying site conditions for urban contexts in Hong Kong.
04
Construction utilizes prefabricated elements to reduce waste and environmental impact.
05
Community-focused spaces promote social interaction among residents.

### Overview

Sky-Pod housing is located in Hong Kong and addresses ongoing housing shortages in rapidly urbanizing areas. Designed with affordability and adaptability in mind, the project utilizes prefabricated construction methods combined with a modular approach to facilitate efficient assembly. The structural framework consists of reinforced concrete arranged in a grid system of nine blocks, allowing for flexibility in spatial arrangements that cater to tenant preferences.

### Modular Design and Spatial Flexibility

The modular design of Sky-Pod comprises prefabricated units, each incorporating essential living spaces, including bedrooms, kitchens, and bathrooms. This system enables customization while fostering community interaction among diverse demographics. The layout accommodates various site conditions, including infill, corner, and edge sites, enhancing the project’s adaptability to distinct urban contexts. Such versatility allows the design to optimize site usage while maximizing natural light and ventilation, essential elements in urban construction.

### Sustainable Material Choices

Material selection plays a crucial role in the project’s sustainability and aesthetic coherence. The primary materials include:

- **Reinforced Concrete:** Provides necessary structural integrity and longevity.
- **Concrete Render:** Offers durability and resistance to weather exposure on external surfaces.
- **Green Wall:** Enhances aesthetic appeal while contributing to environmental cooling and biodiversity.
- **Mineral Rock Wool:** Employed for insulation to improve thermal efficiency.
- **Plasterboard Finish:** Used for interior surfaces, ensuring a polished aesthetic.

These materials collectively emphasize energy efficiency and durability, minimizing the environmental footprint of the housing scheme. The assembly process further contributes to sustainability, incorporating systematic stages that reduce on-site construction time and waste.

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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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