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Vertical Greenery and Glass Façade Define Compact Urban Living In Sham Shui Po

Authors:
YUCHEN QIU, RUISHENG YANG, SheungYee Fung, Gechang Xu
Vertical Greenery and Glass Façade Define Compact Urban Living In Sham Shui Po

Project in-detail

Incorporating vertical greenery and a transparent glass façade, this nine-story mixed-use development in Sham Shui Po balances compact urban living with communal interaction, redefining the residential experience in a dense city environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates vertical gardens to enhance biodiversity in an urban setting.
02
Utilizes a transparent glass façade to maximize natural light and connection to surroundings.
03
Features modular units that optimize living space in a compact footprint.
04
Includes a double-height communal lounge, fostering social interaction among residents.
05
Designed with pedestrian-friendly access that promotes active street engagement.

### Overview

Located in the Sham Shui Po district of Hong Kong, the project involves a nine-story mixed-use complex that addresses the complexities of urban living while enhancing social connectivity among residents. The design draws inspiration from the dense urban fabric and seeks to integrate seamlessly into the existing street pattern, which prioritizes pedestrian movement. By reinterpreting the volume and spatial organization, the structure aims to create adaptive environments that meet the needs of the community.

### Spatial Strategy and Organization

The site, measuring 5m x 19m, presents typical urban challenges but allows for an innovative mixed-use approach that harmonizes commercial and residential functions. The design includes communal areas and private residences, with the ground floor dedicated to fostering public interaction, and upper levels providing residential privacy. Housing options range from compact studios to two-bedroom units, ensuring flexibility for various demographics. Shared amenities are strategically placed throughout the building, promoting engagement among residents while maintaining individual privacy.

### Materiality and Sustainability

A thoughtful selection of materials underscores the project's commitment to sustainability and functional design. Key components include reinforced concrete for structural integrity, glass for enhancing natural light and visual connections to the outdoors, and steel for efficient construction methods. The design features communal farming terraces, a double-height lounge, and designated quiet areas, promoting diverse use of space and encouraging both social interaction and reflective solitude amid the urban setting. Overall, the materials and configurations reinforce a cohesive architectural language that responds to the site’s context and community needs.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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