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Vertical Gardens and Eco Finishes in High-Rise Communal Living Solutions

Authors:
Desmond Chang, Tsz Long Chan, Quoc An Andy Ly, Kit Yeung Garrick Chan
Vertical Gardens and Eco Finishes in High-Rise Communal Living Solutions

Project in-detail

Incorporating vertical gardens and eco finishes, the design promotes sustainable living while offering flexible communal spaces within a high-rise residential framework.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates vertical gardens that enhance biodiversity and natural cooling.
02
Features flexible living units designed for diverse occupancy needs.
03
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency.
04
Includes large glass windows for optimal natural light penetration.
05
Integrates communal spaces to foster social interaction among residents.

### Overview
Located within Hong Kong's dense urban environment, the project addresses ongoing housing challenges while fostering community engagement and promoting sustainable living. It emphasizes innovative spatial configurations and various living arrangements designed to accommodate a range of demographic needs.

### Spatial Strategy
The design features a multi-story framework that optimizes vertical space utilization. Living units are arranged to balance communal areas with private spaces, encouraging social interaction while maintaining individual privacy. Shared amenities, such as communal dining and kitchen facilities, are central to the layout, facilitating resident engagement.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The structure utilizes a combination of reinforced concrete and steel framing, ensuring durability and adaptability. Large glass windows provide natural light, enhancing the occupants' connection to the outdoors and improving overall living conditions. Incorporating green roofs and vertical gardens contributes to biodiversity and climate regulation in an urban setting. Energy-efficient systems and water conservation strategies further reflect a commitment to sustainable practices throughout the design.

### Community Cohesion
Multifunctional spaces, including study areas and recreational facilities, aim to promote a sense of belonging among residents. By integrating these community-oriented amenities, the design addresses social disparities that often arise in high-density cities, fostering inclusivity and collaboration within the community.

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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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