The Pitstop is the winning scheme of the Innovative Youth Housing Design Competition in Hong Kong, which called for the design of a 15-square-metre and 3.7-metre tall prototype living space catered to the youth.

The winning team, comprising Andrew Chan, Derek Lau, Duncan Fok, Jonathan Chan and Yannis Chan, designed three prototypes of the same volume, each possessing different heights and areas to offer a variety of spaces to suit different needs. The three prototypes can be organised into a “Co-living” complex featuring furnished communal spaces such as reading rooms, open theatres, and common rooms to carry out activities for the community. “The three prototypes in various combinations give different forms of communal spaces. The flexibility can cultivate diverse young communities,” says Yannis Chan. He adds, “The communal spaces are informal and convenient to use.”

A mock-up of one of the prototypes is now on show at the Hong Kong Science Park. The 15-square-metre flat features an attic that serves as a bedroom, freeing up more space on the ground for a decent size living and working area. It also has an open kitchen and a bathroom. To help eliminate the feeling of confinement due to the small area, the flat features a large window to invite natural light into the space. Another window at the top facilitates ventilation. “We would like to create a hopeful and warm feeling in the flat,” says Chan.

A movable wall opens up the flat to a common area shared by different tenants. This extends private spaces to the communal area, allowing tenants to enjoy more space through sharing. It’s also designed to create a community where young people can support each other and share their creativity. “The community will be vibrant, energetic, and at the same time diverse and inclusive. Architecture should foster connections between people. The Pitstop is where young people can recharge and gear up,” says Chan.

The winning design will be on show at the Bio-Informatics Centre, Hong Kong Science Park until 26 March 2017.

Images courtesy of The Pit Stop