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Terraced Rooftop Gardens with Steel Cores and Flexible Living Spaces in Urban Housing

Authors:
Hamid Aghashahi, Erin Allen
Terraced Rooftop Gardens with Steel Cores and Flexible Living Spaces in Urban Housing

Project in-detail

Incorporating terraced rooftop gardens and steel cores, this urban housing solution enhances community engagement while offering flexible living spaces in response to the challenges of high-density environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates terraced green roofs to enhance insulation and air quality.
02
Utilizes a unique bent A-frame design to maximize vertical space.
03
Features communal cores that improve natural light distribution throughout units.
04
Includes flexible interior layouts that adapt to various resident needs.
05
Employs charred wooden shingles for improved durability and aesthetic appeal.
The architectural project "The Hong Kong Solution" addresses the critical challenges of urban housing in Hong Kong, a city characterized by high population density and limited living space. The design focuses on creating adaptable and sustainable living environments within a compact framework. The project responds to the pressing need for innovative housing solutions that enhance social interaction while improving living conditions.

The housing scheme includes a diverse range of unit types catering to different family structures and lifestyles. Studio apartments measuring approximately 8 m² offer a minimalist living experience, while larger units at 16.5 m² provide more flexibility for open-plan living. Furthermore, private rooms measuring 17.5 m² ensure that privacy is maintained, with shared facilities designed to foster community engagement. The architectural layout promotes the efficient use of space, emphasizing a multi-functional approach to urban living.

Unique Design Approaches

One notable feature of "The Hong Kong Solution" is the integration of vertical space through a mezzanine approach. This design strategy allows for the creation of communal areas and private living units within a single structure, optimizing the use of available land. The architectural cores are designed to enhance the flow of natural light and air, essential for improving indoor conditions in Hong Kong's humid climate. These cores serve as central nuclei where residents can interact and connect, thereby promoting a sense of community.

Additionally, the design incorporates rooftop gardens and terraced green spaces. This green architecture not only contributes to aesthetic value but also serves practical purposes, such as providing insulation and improving air quality. The roofs are designed to accommodate wind canopies and vegetation, creating ecological pockets that benefit both residents and the urban environment.

Important Architectural Elements

The project prominently features a robust material palette aimed at sustainability and durability. Steel structures comprise the primary framework, providing necessary support for the vertical configuration and allowing for adaptability in interior layouts. Common zones, including kitchens and communal gathering spaces, are strategically placed to encourage social interaction among residents. This design ensures that while private units are compact and efficient, there are ample opportunities for engagement in shared spaces.

To understand the full scope of "The Hong Kong Solution," readers are encouraged to explore architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs that illustrate the innovative approaches employed. Engaging with these elements will provide valuable insights into the project’s functionality, structural integrity, and overall vision for urban living in one of the world's most populous cities.
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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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