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Charred Shingles and Steel Frames Redefining Urban Living Through Modular Housing

Charred Shingles and Steel Frames Redefining Urban Living Through Modular Housing
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and steel frames, the design offers modular housing solutions that seamlessly integrate with San Francisco's urban landscape while fostering community interaction and sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for improved structural integrity and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that optimizes interior space and light distribution.
04
Includes vertical gardens to promote urban biodiversity and improve air quality.
05
Integrates modular housing units, allowing flexibility in layout and occupancy.

**Overview and Context**

Located near the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, Baylink Habitat addresses the city's pressing housing crisis by integrating innovative residential units with public amenities. This project leverages underutilized urban spaces, particularly those beneath the bridge, to create a cohesive living environment that balances land use with environmental stewardship. The architectural design promotes a narrative of urban living that emphasizes community interaction, diverse housing options, and accessibility.

**Spatial Strategy and Configurations**

The Baylink Habitat employs a modular arrangement of living units designed to accommodate a variety of residents, ranging from singles to families. Unit types vary from one-bedroom to three-bedroom configurations, allowing for flexibility in residency. The layout promotes an open-floor concept, fostering social interaction and maximizing spatial efficiency. Additionally, public walkways are strategically designed to connect residential units to outdoor gardens and community hubs, thus enhancing engagement among residents.

**Materiality and Sustainability**

The selection of materials for Baylink Habitat reflects a commitment to durability and ecological responsibility. Bright red steel frames provide structural integrity and visual connectivity to the adjacent Golden Gate Bridge, while large glass facades allow for natural light and visual continuity with the surrounding environment. Sustainable timber is used in key areas for warmth, and the incorporation of green roofs and vertical gardens enhances urban biodiversity. This material strategy not only supports the project’s aesthetic goals but also aligns with sustainable building practices that promote ecological health.

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MICROHOME 2026
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The Next House: USA
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20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
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100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
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