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Cylindrical Housing Units with Structural Panels and Shared Courtyards in San Francisco

Authors:
Ankur Sharma, Anurag Pandey
Cylindrical Housing Units with Structural Panels and Shared Courtyards in San Francisco
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Radial arrangements of cylindrical housing units atop existing rooftops create sustainable living solutions in San Francisco, enhanced by shared courtyards and environmentally conscious design elements.
5 key facts about this project
01
Radial housing units utilize existing rooftops for efficient space usage.
02
Each unit accommodates up to 40 residents at urban intersections.
03
Shared courtyards promote community interaction and social engagement.
04
Constructed with structural insulated panels for enhanced energy efficiency.
05
Urban advertising elements provide funding while serving a communal purpose.

The architectural design proposed for San Francisco aims to address the growing demand for housing in a city facing significant pressures on its housing supply. With a sharp increase in population and rents over the past decade, there is an urgent need to find new ways to utilize urban spaces. The design focuses on integrating housing units into the existing urban grid, taking advantage of the city’s unique layout to develop practical living solutions.

Concept and Design Approach
The core idea involves placing new housing units on rooftops at city intersections. This strategy allows for a radial arrangement of cylindrical housing units, accommodating around 40 individuals at each site. This design makes efficient use of land while preserving the characteristic urban fabric of San Francisco. Existing structures serve as the foundation for these new units, maintaining the continuity of the environment.

Community Interaction
An important feature of this design is its encouragement of community engagement. Shared courtyards are incorporated to promote social activities among residents, reflecting a traditional aspect of San Francisco's urban planning. Central hammocks in these courtyards are intended to provide relaxing spaces for people to gather and interact. The inclusion of urban advertising serves a practical purpose: it generates revenue to support construction costs while also functioning as a platform for broadcasting local events, thereby enhancing the social fabric of the area.

Proposed Locations
Three potential sites have been identified for this initiative: Ellsworth Street, Hanover Street, and S Van Ness Avenue. Each location presents unique opportunities for blending the new housing with existing neighborhoods, contributing to the overall revitalization of these urban areas.

Materials and Sustainability
The project outlines specific materials intended to enhance durability and ensure sustainability. Structural insulated panels will provide both insulation and structural support while remaining lightweight. Renewable cork sheets will be used in kitchens and bathrooms, chosen for their cost-effectiveness. Recycled plastic tiles are also included to promote environmentally friendly practices. Glazed windows will enhance natural lighting, and thin solar film will be used to improve energy efficiency throughout the residential units.

The design thoughtfully addresses the housing needs of the community while maintaining a connection to the existing urban landscape. The central courtyards not only invite interaction but also generate a sense of place, encouraging a vibrant community atmosphere within the city.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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