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 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
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
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.

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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 28 May 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
Rome 
Rain Rooms

Design rain rooms for Rome

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 28 May 2026
Mujassam Watan 
Urban Sculpture Challenge #8

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 28 May 2026
new
Portugal Long Table 
Restaurant

Design a slow-living restaurant in Portugal

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 8 July 2026
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 16 September 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

MICROHOME 2026

Design a new concept of small-scale home and share a prize fund of 100,000€

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 27 May 2026
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #8 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
Final registration deadline 18 June 2026
new
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 18 June 2026
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 2 July 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 9 July 2026
Underbridge #2

Design housing in underutilized bridge spaces

Affordable Housing Edition #20 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 July 2026

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

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy