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Vertical Living Through Modular Design and Sustainable Materials in Urban Housing

Authors:
HAIMING WANG, ZIYUE YU, YUANYE ZHAO, ZICHUN YANG
Vertical Living Through Modular Design and Sustainable Materials in Urban Housing

Project in-detail

Modular living units arranged vertically incorporate sustainable materials and green spaces to address Hong Kong's urban housing needs through an innovative approach to community dwelling.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units are designed for flexibility, accommodating various household types within the same structure.
02
Vertical gardens are integrated into the facade to enhance urban biodiversity and resident well-being.
03
The project utilizes charred wooden shingles to improve durability and reduce maintenance needs.
04
Natural light is maximized through strategically placed glass facades in each living unit.
05
Community spaces are seamlessly incorporated at multiple levels to foster social interaction among residents.

## Project Overview

"The Overhead Department" is an architectural design conceived for the urban landscape of Hong Kong, aimed at addressing the pressing housing crisis through sustainable and affordable solutions. The project leverages a modular design approach that maximizes vertical space, aligning with the diverse needs of the city's varied demographics. By embedding housing solutions within the urban fabric, it seeks to integrate living spaces into the densely populated environment.

### Spatial Strategy and Public Interaction

The design employs a **pixelated modular housing system** tailored to the spatial constraints of Hong Kong. This strategy allows for a range of living options, including shared units for couples, singles, and families, thus accommodating various household configurations. The vertical arrangement of units permits natural light and air to permeate the building and enhances ground-level public spaces. Outdoor terraces and communal green areas are integral to the design, fostering social interaction and community engagement among residents.

### Material and Environmental Performance

The project prioritizes durability and sustainability in its choice of materials. Anticipated materials include reinforced concrete for structural integrity, steel framing for flexibility, and glass facades to enhance natural lighting while offering a contemporary aesthetic. Additionally, eco-friendly finishes are intended to promote environmental conservation within interior spaces. The incorporation of vertical gardens and balconies supports biodiversity, creating a serene atmosphere that contrasts with the surrounding urban environment.

The careful design and strategic material selection serve to enhance urban density while promoting a sense of community and addressing the housing needs of a growing population. The focus on connectivity and transparency further emphasizes the project's commitment to an open living environment conducive to collaboration and resident interaction.

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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
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