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Vertical Living with Natural Ventilation and Sustainable Materials

Authors:
Ck Cheuk Kin Kong, Koon Kau Ho, Anthony Ka Ho Leung, Wallace Chung Cheuk Hang
Vertical Living with Natural Ventilation and Sustainable Materials

Project in-detail

Combining natural ventilation with a modular vertical design, the tower integrates healthcare, quarantine, and community spaces to create a functional urban living solution in response to contemporary health challenges.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a wind tunnel design to enhance natural ventilation.
02
Features modular living units with independent access for safety during health crises.
03
Integrates dedicated healthcare facilities within a vertical urban structure.
04
Utilizes sustainable materials, including recycled components and charred wood.
05
Prioritizes communal spaces to foster social interaction and community cohesion.
The COVID Verti-City Tower is an architectural project situated in Hong Kong, designed to confront the challenges posed by urban living in the context of a global health crisis. This structure encompasses various essential functions, including residential spaces, healthcare facilities, and communal areas, organized vertically to optimize land use in a densely populated city. Its design integrates a multifactorial approach to ensure safety, accessibility, and community interaction.

Unique Zonal Organization

A defining feature of the COVID Verti-City Tower is its vertical zoning. The project is compartmentalized into distinct areas that serve specific purposes. The Quarantine Zone is designed for individual living units, providing residents privacy and safety during health emergencies. Adjacent to this, the Health Zone includes dedicated healthcare facilities, ensuring that medical services are readily accessible. Below these zones, Public and Activity Zones promote community engagement and social interactions, essential for fostering a sense of belonging, especially during times of physical distancing.

Another unique design approach is the implementation of a central vertical circulation system. This system facilitates organized movement within the tower, ensuring that transitions between various zones can occur without compromising safety protocols. The design incorporates independent entrances for quarantine units, further enhancing privacy while allowing for straightforward access to essential services.

Innovative Environmental Considerations

Environmental sustainability is a critical aspect of the COVID Verti-City Tower. The architectural design includes features like a wind gap that channels natural ventilation throughout the building, improving indoor air quality. This element not only reduces reliance on mechanical systems but also addresses public health concerns often exacerbated by urban pollution.

The selection of materials also reflects a commitment to sustainability. The use of glass for facades maximizes natural light, while concrete and metal elements ensure structural integrity. Carefully considered spaces for green infrastructure, such as gardens and terraces, play a role in enhancing the living experience, contributing to both aesthetic appeal and environmental performance.

The COVID Verti-City Tower exemplifies a forward-thinking architectural response to the pressing need for adaptive living solutions in urban environments. Through its thoughtful organization of space, focus on health and safety, and sustainable design practices, the project sets a new standard for future urban developments.

For a deeper understanding of this innovative architectural project, explore the architectural plans, sections, and designs that delineate the design ideas and spatial organization in greater detail.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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