Urban Trellis: Growing a Greener Future Through Sustainable Architecture

Shortlisted Entry of the Seed Bank Competition | Designed by Agata Mila

In the heart of Hong Kong, where density and verticality dominate, Urban Trellis proposes a powerful counter-narrative through sustainable architecture. Designed by Agata Mila and shortlisted for the Seed Bank Competition, the project reimagines the site of the former Central Market—once a crucial node in the city’s network of trade and communication—as a vibrant green hub for urban regeneration.

Inspired by the concept of a vine trellis, the design is composed of an irregular grid of modular wooden structures. This skeletal frame fosters organic growth, both literally and socially. The central void is a multifunctional passage, while the surrounding levels host a dynamic blend of uses—food markets, workshops, archives, seed banks, and more. The structure supports greenery throughout, dispersing the density of the urban surroundings and radically improving air circulation and daylight access.

The lower levels include a food market that anchors the public experience. Above it, a layering of programs—research labs, cafes, seed preservation rooms, vertical farms, and exhibition spaces—contributes to a resilient and inclusive ecosystem. At its base, the underground seed bank reinforces the project’s mission of biodiversity preservation, creating a continuum between past traditions and future needs.

Constructed using solid acacia wood and cross-laminated timber (CLT), the structure showcases material efficiency and environmental responsibility. The grid system allows for spatial flexibility, with modules that can adapt and grow over time. The building’s facade is irregular, glazed, and cloaked in vegetation—further blurring the boundary between architecture and nature.

In this way, Urban Trellis is more than just a building—it’s a living system. It reclaims underutilized space and transforms it into a thriving urban ecosystem that puts people, plants, and the planet first. It is a model of sustainable architecture that grows with the city, for the city.