In response to the increasing prevalence of single-person households in urban environments, this thesis investigates new forms of solo living through a modular, adaptable, and socially responsive residential model. Set in Central, Hong Kong—a high-density, transit-connected neighborhood—the project aims to reframe solo living not as a compromise, but as an intentional and fulfilling urban lifestyle.

Grounded in research on the psychological, spatial, and social needs of solo dwellers, the project proposes six distinct housing typologies that range in levels of autonomy and collectivity. These typologies address varied life rhythms and preferences, from independent micro-studios to co-living flats with shared amenities. The design embraces solitude and community as complementary needs rather than opposing ones, ensuring flexibility in how users interact with their space and neighbors over time.

At the core of the proposal is a modular timber construction system, developed through structural research into high-rise, bio-based materials. The structural strategy blends timber and steel in a hybrid system, allowing for technical feasibility, vertical expansion, and long-term adaptability. This approach supports the overarching design goals of spatial customization and environmental sustainability.

The methodology integrates iterative design development with precedent analysis, digital mapping, and site-sensitive modeling. Housing precedents emphasizing community integration and public-private interface—such as collective housing projects in Japan and the Netherlands—informed the layout and shared spatial strategies. Parallel research into the structural behavior of hybrid timber systems helped translate these architectural ambitions into a viable building framework.

While the design is rooted in theoretical and precedent-based knowledge, one limitation is the lack of direct engagement with end users. Community-building strategies were derived from case studies rather than participatory input. Future development of the project would benefit from incorporating user interviews or co-design processes to test and refine social assumptions.

This thesis contributes to the academic discourse on alternative housing models in the context of rising urban density and demographic shifts. It situates solo living within a broader societal conversation around autonomy, affordability, and mental well-being. The architectural proposal is not only a response to spatial constraints but also a statement on how cities can care for the individuals who live in them—without isolating them.

The project offers a framework for future urban housing that is technically flexible, socially grounded, and environmentally responsible. It invites further exploration into policy, material systems, and participatory design tools that could make such models more scalable and inclusive. Ultimately, it suggests that by rethinking both the private dwelling and its surrounding social infrastructure, architects can help shape a more resilient and dignified urban future for solo dwellers.