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Sustainable Urban Infill with FSC-Certified Timber and Rainwater Harvesting Solutions

Authors:
Chin hooi man , Yap Yin Ying , Looi Yuet Si
Sustainable Urban Infill with FSC-Certified Timber and Rainwater Harvesting Solutions

Project in-detail

Incorporating FSC-certified timber and innovative rainwater harvesting, this urban infill solution maximizes compact living spaces while fostering community connectivity through modular housing units.
5 key facts about this project
01
FSC-certified timber is used throughout the construction for enhanced sustainability.
02
A plug-in system allows for flexible expansion or reduction of housing units.
03
Rainwater harvesting systems minimize water consumption and promote eco-efficiency.
04
Large, strategically placed windows optimize natural ventilation and light.
05
Shared community spaces are integrated to foster resident interaction and connectivity.
The Pocket Housing project focuses on urban infill development in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This project aims to optimize the use of compact, underutilized plots in a densely populated city, resulting in versatile residential units. The design emphasizes modularity and adaptability, allowing it to cater to various occupant needs and preferences.

This architectural design represents a significant step toward addressing housing shortages in urban areas while fostering community engagement and sustainability. The Pocket Housing project includes multiple interconnected units that can be customized according to individual requirements, thus promoting flexibility in living arrangements. Each unit is designed to maximize space efficiency, ensuring that residents have access to essential amenities within a compact footprint.

The project employs several unique design approaches that distinguish it from conventional housing solutions. The modular system is one of its standout features, allowing for expansion and reconfiguration. This adaptability enables users to adjust their living space according to changing family dynamics or lifestyle preferences, promoting a more efficient use of resources and fostering long-term residency in urban settings. The plug-in/plug-out mechanism enhances this flexibility, affording residents the ability to add or remove units as needed.

Furthermore, the project integrates sustainable materials including FSC-certified timber, KingSpan external cladding, and solar panels, ensuring both environmental responsibility and energy efficiency. The use of rainwater harvesting systems underscores the commitment to sustainability. Large windows and open spaces enhance natural lighting and ventilation, contributing to comfortable living conditions that are responsive to the hot and humid climate of Kuala Lumpur.

The design also emphasizes community-oriented spaces that encourage social interaction among residents. Shared areas, strategically placed within the layout, facilitate community engagement while providing privacy for individual units. By incorporating these elements, the project seeks to foster a sense of belonging and interconnectedness, essential components in urban living environments.

For those interested in further examining the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas, visiting the project presentation will offer deeper insights into its functionality and innovative features. This exploration can provide an understanding of how the Pocket Housing project carefully balances individual needs with broader community goals, making it a noteworthy case study in contemporary architecture.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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