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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
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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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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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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.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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