Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Adaptive Reuse of Concrete Structures Featuring Modular Wood Elements for Urban Housing

Authors:
Chang Lu, Tianyu Zhao, Shaha Maiteh
Adaptive Reuse of Concrete Structures Featuring Modular Wood Elements for Urban Housing

Project in-detail

Repurposing existing concrete parking structures into modular residential units with wooden elements, this initiative addresses urban housing needs while maximizing space efficiency and community interaction in a dense metropolitan context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Repurposes existing parking garages into multifunctional residential spaces.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
04
Includes communal terraces designed to foster resident interaction and community living.
05
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to maximize natural light and spatial flexibility.

The architectural project titled "Parking a House" presents a focused response to urban housing needs through the innovative repurposing of existing parking structures in San Francisco, California. This initiative aims to transform underutilized spaces into efficient residential units, addressing the pressing demand for affordable housing in densely populated urban environments. By utilizing existing infrastructure, the project emphasizes sustainability and urban regeneration.

Repurposing Urban Structures The primary function of "Parking a House" is to convert parking garages into livable residential units. This project seeks to support a range of household needs, offering a variety of living configurations tailored to singles, couples, and families. The design includes compact units, communal living spaces, and shared terraces, promoting interaction among residents while maximizing the efficient use of space. The architectural layouts demonstrate flexibility, enabling personalization based on individual occupant requirements.

Unique Design Approaches What differentiates this project from standard housing developments is its innovative approach to blending residential and commercial architecture. The use of modular designs allows for easy adaptation to changes in housing demand, while the external façade treatments enhance the aesthetic integration of these units into the urban landscape. The architectural concepts emphasize functionality without compromising design quality, showcasing how parking structures can be transformed into viable homes.

Architectural Elements and Details The project utilizes a selection of robust materials, including concrete for structural elements, metal cladding for durability, glass for natural light, and wood for interior finishes. These materials contribute to both the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the design. Furthermore, the project considers sustainability by maximizing the potential of existing infrastructure and minimizing new land use, thereby adhering to principles of environmental responsibility.

For a thorough understanding of the architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers are encouraged to explore the detailed presentation of this project. Insights into the architectural ideas behind "Parking a House" can enrich one's perspective on contemporary urban living solutions.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy