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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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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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