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Elevated Housing Solutions Along the Seine River

Author:
Navid Simanian
Elevated Housing Solutions Along the Seine River
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Elevated prefabricated units along the Seine River transform underutilized urban spaces into adaptable housing solutions, offering customizable living environments for residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated units create minimal ground footprint to enhance street-level activity.
02
Customizable panel arrangements allow for personalized living experiences.
03
Integration of riverfront locations capitalizes on unique urban opportunities.
04
Adaptable housing accommodates diverse family sizes and needs.
05
Use of prefabricated methods supports rapid onsite assembly and efficiency.

The design introduces a new approach to affordable housing in the urban landscape of Paris. It focuses on utilizing underused spaces and offers housing solutions that fit the historical and modern context of the city. The central concept revolves around prefabricated units that are elevated off the ground. This approach allows for less disruption to the urban environment while promoting more activity at street level.

Typological Diversity

The design examines six different types of housing units that respond to various site conditions, maintaining a consistent appearance throughout. One of the key opportunities lies in the use of blank walls and facades that often go unnoticed. By transforming these areas into residential spaces, the design contributes positively to the urban setting, making it feel more lively and connected to the community.

Contextual Integration

The placement of some units along the Seine River is an essential part of the design. This positioning creates a connection between the housing and the city's infrastructure. Utilizing gaps in structures such as bridges and overpasses allows additional housing to fit into existing spaces naturally. The proposal also considers artificial islands in the river as viable areas for housing development, enhancing the potential for more living options.

User-Centric Design

Each housing unit is around 50 square meters and is designed to accommodate up to six residents. The layout allows for customization, with panels and windows that residents can adjust to their preferences. This focus on personalization helps residents feel more at home, creating a sense of ownership over their living spaces and improving their overall experience within the dense urban environment.

Material Considerations

While the design does not specify materials in detail, the emphasis on prefabricated units suggests a focus on efficiency in construction. Such materials typically allow for quicker assembly on-site while maintaining durability and adaptability. The structural elements reinforce the overall strategy for creating sustainable and functional living spaces within the urban landscape of Paris.

This thoughtful blend of elevated housing units, personalized environments, and connections to the river contributes to a coherent design that adds value to the community. The project opens up opportunities for living in a vibrant, interconnected urban setting.

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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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Competition organisers

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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