Get inspired!

16,979 architecture projects

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

Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhance Urban Co-Housing with Adaptive Shared Spaces

Authors:
Nourhanne Rabah, Valia Anagnostopoulou, Maria Jose Cashau, Alvaro Pedrayes Santos
Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enhance Urban Co-Housing with Adaptive Shared Spaces

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber panels and a design focused on modular adaptability, this urban co-housing development fosters community interaction through shared spaces while prioritizing sustainability and flexibility in urban living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Cross-laminated timber panels provide structural stability while enhancing design flexibility.
02
Charred wooden shingles create a low-maintenance exterior that improves durability.
03
A bent A-frame design maximizes interior space and light penetration.
04
Modular layouts allow for customized living configurations based on occupant needs.
05
Shared amenities are integrated to promote community engagement and resource efficiency.
The project located at 401 Geneva Avenue, San Francisco, illustrates a contemporary approach to urban housing, emphasizing modularity, community interaction, and sustainable living. Designed to meet the needs of modern inhabitants, this architectural endeavor reflects a shift towards flexible living spaces that promote shared resources while allowing for personal autonomy.

The primary objective of the project is to create a living environment conducive to communal interaction. The trilevel modular units serve as a solution to urban density, allowing residents to modify their living spaces according to individual needs while still having access to communal areas. By blending private and shared spaces, the architecture seeks to foster social ties among residents, enhancing community cohesion.

The layout incorporates adaptable modules that can be adjusted in response to changing requirements. This design approach promotes flexibility, allowing residents the agency to create conducive living environments. The integration of communal areas strategically located between private units encourages interaction among inhabitants. These social spaces are designed as multifunctional areas, adaptable for various activities, enhancing the overall livability of the project.

The unique aspects of this architectural design stem from its focus on technological integration and sustainability. Each unit is equipped with smart technology, providing residents control over their environments, enabling adjustments based on real-time data. This feature not only enhances comfort but also informs users about optimal energy usage, supporting eco-friendly living.

The material palette is thoughtfully selected to reconcile aesthetic appeal and functionality. Concrete serves as a robust structural element, while glass façades allow natural light to permeate the interiors, establishing a connection between the indoor and outdoor environments. Wooden finishes add warmth, enhancing the sense of home for residents. Steel frameworks provide further durability, ensuring long-term structural integrity.

Attention to regional context is reflected in the design's response to the San Francisco climate and urban landscape. The project capitalizes on the location to prioritize accessibility to public transport and local amenities, creating an integrated lifestyle for residents.

For a deeper understanding of this architectural project, including specific architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs, readers are encouraged to explore the comprehensive project presentation. Engaging with the architectural ideas presented will provide further insights into the innovative aspects that distinguish this project within urban housing discourse.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16,979 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