Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Vertical Integration of Flexible Living Spaces with Concrete and Elastic Materials

Authors:
Fatima Yilmaz, Jinglin Cai, Xiangyue Guan
Vertical Integration of Flexible Living Spaces with Concrete and Elastic Materials
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Utilizing elastic materials and a modular design approach, this development seamlessly integrates new residential units within the urban gaps of Hong Kong, addressing the city's housing challenges while promoting community connectivity and sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units adapt to varying site conditions, maximizing functionality in constrained spaces.
02
Incorporates external staircases and communal balconies to enhance social connectivity.
03
Utilizes elastic materials in the facade for improved ventilation and aesthetic appeal.
04
Features green terraces that promote biodiversity and mitigate urban heat.
05
Designed to seamlessly fill architectural gaps in existing structures without disruption.

**Overview**

Located in the densely populated urban context of Hong Kong, the project focuses on addressing housing demands by utilizing available gaps within the existing urban fabric for new construction. The intention is to create sustainable living solutions for the local population, particularly for residents facing socio-economic challenges. By integrating modern design sensibilities into established neighborhoods, the initiative promotes a more cohesive urban environment.

**Site Integration and Spatial Strategy**

The design responds to the complexities of the existing landscape, enabling the incorporation of new structures without compromising the integrity of older buildings. The strategy focuses on vertical expansion within narrow sites, optimizing space use while acknowledging infrastructural constraints. This modular approach supports various residential layouts, accommodating diverse family structures and enhancing community interaction through carefully designed common spaces.

**Material and Environmental Considerations**

A selection of materials has been made to ensure structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. This includes concrete for durability, steel for framework support, and glass to foster an open atmosphere. Timber is used for terraces, providing warmth and visual contrast, while elastic board is proposed for facades to enhance natural ventilation. Emphasizing sustainability, the design incorporates green terraces, large glass panels, and other features that promote biodiversity and environmental responsibility. The project also prioritizes safety through the use of fireproof materials, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown

`
Competition organisers

The Vancouver Tall Challenge: Building Higher Downtown is an international architecture competition organized by Buildner in collaboration with the City of Vancouver and the University of British Columbia’s School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (SALA). The competition invites architects, designers, planners, and creative thinkers to explore innovative approaches to tall buildings in Vancouver’s downtown core, focusing on sustainability, livability, urban density, public space, and the city’s strong connection to nature. As Vancouver continues to grow, participants are challenged to rethink how vertical development can enhance urban life and contribute to a more vibrant, inclusive, and resilient city identity.

The competition offers a total prize fund of $15,000 CAD, with winning proposals selected by an international jury of architects, planners, academics, and city-building professionals. Key dates include the final registration deadline on October 29, 2026, submission deadline on November 30, 2026, and winners announcement on January 26, 2027. Full competition details, requirements, and registration information are available at architecturecompetitions.com/VancouverTallChallenge

Vancouver Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
New York High Falls 
Riverfront Market

Design a New Riverfront Market in Rochester, New York

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 7 October 2026
Valli Wine 
Tasting Room

Design a wine tasting room in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 8 October 2026
The 
Quiet 
Tower

Design an observation tower in Latvia

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 October 2026
Vancouver 
Tall Challenge

Design the future of Vancouver’s skyline

Building higher downtown ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 29 October 2026
The Oak 
Moon 
Pavilion

Design a yoga pavilion in Italy

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 5 November 2026
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 9 December 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 October 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #9 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 12 November 2026
The 
Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Stockholm Furniture Fair Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award + Exhibition at Stockholm Furniture Fair
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 3 December 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a 50,000€ prize

50,000€ Prize / 2027 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 4 February 2027

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in