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Vertical Structure With Sustainable Steel Framework and Glass Facades For Urban Living

Authors:
Yukang Yang, Jingwen Cui
Vertical Structure With Sustainable Steel Framework and Glass Facades For Urban Living

Project in-detail

Constructed with a steel framework and expansive glass facades, this vertical residential complex maximizes urban space while promoting community interaction through innovative modular design.
5 key facts about this project
01
Features a modular design that allows for flexible living arrangements tailored to resident needs.
02
Incorporates expansive glass facades to maximize natural light and enhance urban views.
03
Utilizes a steel framework for structural integrity while maintaining adaptability in space configurations.
04
Includes communal green spaces integrated within the vertical structure to promote environmental sustainability.
05
Integrates advanced water recycling systems to support efficient resource management in urban living.

## Project Overview
Located in Hong Kong, the "Upside-Down Machine" is a residential development that seeks to address the challenges of space utilization, community interaction, and environmental integration within a densely populated urban context. The design emphasizes a modular approach, typologizing residential units as individual components that together create a cohesive and adaptable living environment. This configuration aims to enhance social connections among residents while reflecting the complexities of modern urban life.

## Spatial Strategy and User Interaction
The project features an intricate spatial organization, with modular units strategically arranged within a defined structural framework. Each unit is oriented to maximize natural light and airflow, contributing to vibrant and livable spaces. The layout includes shared communal areas, such as gardens and activity halls, designed to facilitate interaction among occupants while maintaining necessary privacy for individual units. Vertical connectivity is emphasized through strategically placed stairs and elevators, encouraging ease of movement and engagement throughout the structure. The incorporation of terraces and green spaces within the design ensures the presence of natural elements, providing residents with communal areas for relaxation and recreation.

## Material Selection and Sustainability
The material palette is carefully chosen to balance aesthetics with functionality. A steel framework lends structural integrity while allowing for design flexibility. Expansive glass paneling enhances views and invites natural light into living areas. Concrete serves as a durable foundation, ensuring the building’s resilience in an urban environment. Green roof systems are integrated to manage stormwater and improve insulation, contributing to the building’s environmental performance. Additionally, features such as natural ventilation and water recycling technologies reflect a commitment to sustainability, showcasing innovative strategies for minimizing ecological impact. The diversity of unit types accommodates varying household compositions, thus promoting inclusivity and catering to a broad demographic spectrum.

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

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Competition organisers

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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