Liu Xian Dong Micro Housing

Shenzhen

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China
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Client

Shenzhen Vanke

Project

150.000 m² block containing micro residential units, hotel, retail, supporting uses

Stages

2014 Concept
2015 – 19 Design Development, Construction Supervision
2019 Completion

Team

Emiel Koole, Reza Al-Kaabi, Chunyang, Chang, Markus Appenzeller, Gerard Maccreanor, Brechtje Spreeuwers
CAPOL (Executive Architect), Zhang Cao (Photography)

Awards

2019 Developer Competition 1st Prize

We changed

From low quality accommodation to an attractive and aff ordable home for well educated workforce

Transformation

+ High quality architecture despite extremely repetitive programme
+ Carefully sculpted building volume, instead of monotonous blocks or fashionable dress up

Climate

+ More than a single room: a whole community
+ Well thought out tiny apartments, around naturally ventilated green courtyards, surrounded by most functions of everyday life

Collaboration

+ Leading collaboration with client’s design team
+ Design process included sharpening the design brief and the operations model
+ Advising executive architects during construction
The shortage of affordable and attractive housing is impacting many people, and even the competitiveness of whole cities. Beyond the low incomers, it also hits other segments of society: aspiring well-educated talents, or single women looking for a safe neighbourhood to live in. Shenzhen is a global tech hub. Companies are competing for talents, facing exactly this problem. Interestingly, high-density offers one solution. This talent housing design is pioneering a housing model with individual and communal qualities. It tackles affordability by offering small 18m² studio units for rent. Only essential functions remain inside the units, such as sleeping area, bathroom and storage spaces. Other non-essential spaces, such as living room and kitchen, are taken out of the private unit and incorporated into shared common areas in the building. The small unit is designed, so it remains adaptable for residents to decorate and utilize it according to their preferences. Beyond the individual home, community is crucial. This complex integrates a variety of social and communal spaces, including thoughtfully designed courtyards and outdoor areas that invite active use as they are designed with local climate in mind. The ground floor hosts various commercial spaces, catering to the fast-paced lives of young residents. Every design decision has been carefully crafted to foster the development of a more closely-knit and interconnected community. The project actively promotes community building to foster a feeling of safety and comfort. The community acts as a guardian, overseeing the well-being of all its residents, while also nurturing a mutual support system among its members.

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