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Elevated Living Spaces with Integrated Community Areas

Authors:
Erik Vodenik, Simon Magerl
Elevated Living Spaces with Integrated Community Areas
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Elevated above the treetops, the design incorporates community interaction and public spaces, transforming urban living into a connected experience that addresses the need for affordable housing in San Francisco.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated residential units provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
02
Public spaces are strategically placed to encourage community engagement.
03
Integration with Golden Gate Park enhances access to nature.
04
The design maximizes natural light through large windows.
05
Vertical living redefines urban space utilization and accessibility.

"Living Above Treetop" is located in San Francisco and seeks to address the need for affordable housing in urban areas. The design promotes an elevated living experience that connects residents with the surrounding landscape. By focusing on verticality, the project creates spaces that enhance both light and views, allowing for a new perspective on life in the city.

Design Concept

The project’s main idea revolves around lifting residential units above the treetops. This design choice not only offers sweeping views but also maximizes the entry of natural light into the living spaces. By raising the homes, residents gain access to a broader experience of their environment, enjoying a lifestyle that incorporates both the city and nature.

Public Spaces

An integral part of the design is the inclusion of public spaces. These areas encourage social interaction among residents, creating opportunities for community bonding. They act as common areas where people can come together, fostering a sense of belonging and shared experiences. The thoughtful placement of these spaces ensures they are easy to access for everyone living in the building.

Integration with Surroundings

The project carefully considers its relationship with the surrounding environment, particularly its closeness to Golden Gate Park. This connection to the park allows residents to enjoy easy access to green spaces for recreation and relaxation. By integrating with the natural elements of the area, the design enhances daily life and encourages exploration of the outdoor setting.

Functional Layout

The floor plans and building sections are designed to balance private and communal areas effectively. This organization offers both quiet spaces for individual residents and shared areas for relaxation and socialization. The deliberate spacing reflects a commitment to creating a functional living environment that supports community ties and interactions among neighbors.

The façade of the building showcases a modern design approach. It features simple lines and large windows that welcome natural light while promoting energy efficiency. This aspect not only improves the quality of life for residents but also emphasizes the connection to the environment, making the concept of "Living Above Treetop" tangible and practical.

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

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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.

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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

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