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Floating Residences Crafted from Shipping Containers with Integrated Green Roofs

Authors:
Z. Sunderland, John Durkee
Floating Residences Crafted from Shipping Containers with Integrated Green Roofs

Project in-detail

Crafted from repurposed shipping containers and designed with integrated green roofs, the floating residences redefine urban living by merging sustainable practices with the need for affordable housing.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted entirely from repurposed shipping containers, maximizing material efficiency.
02
Incorporates integrated green roofs to enhance urban biodiversity and energy performance.
03
Designed with a focus on modular units for flexible living arrangements and adaptability.
04
Located on the San Francisco waterfront, promoting innovative use of marine space.
05
Features a community layout that combines residential and commercial zones for accessibility.
The OutFill City project is a comprehensive architectural initiative aimed at addressing San Francisco's pressing affordable housing crisis by utilizing underdeveloped maritime infrastructure. The design proposes a series of floating residential structures that expand the city's envelope into the Bay, creating innovative living spaces while redefining urban landscapes. This project actively engages with critical urban planning issues and seeks to challenge traditional constraints on housing development.

Unique Design Approaches

A hallmark of the OutFill City project is its use of standard shipping containers as modular building units. This decision not only facilitates rapid construction but also promotes sustainability by repurposing materials that are otherwise in surplus. The architectural design prioritizes efficient space utilization, employing a high-density model for maximizing available area while maintaining a human-scale environment. The integration of flexible living spaces allows for adaptability across residential needs, further emphasizing the project’s focus on community-oriented living.

Each floating neighborhood is thoughtfully designed to incorporate essential amenities, including parks and commercial spaces that foster interaction among residents. The materials selected for the project, including structural steel and concrete, ensure durability and resilience, particularly against environmental factors such as tidal movements and seismic activities endemic to the region.

Environmental Resilience and Urban Integration

The project intricately incorporates environmental resilience into its framework. The buoyant nature of the structures, anchored by robust foundations, addresses the practical challenges of construction over water. This method not only enhances the safety of the inhabitants but also engages with the dynamics of waterfront living. The architectural design effectively integrates public and private spaces, prioritizing accessibility and communal engagement while aiding in the organization of the floating community.

In summary, the OutFill City project presents a forward-thinking architectural response to the complexities of urban housing in San Francisco. Its innovative use of materials, community-oriented spaces, and environmental considerations set it apart from conventional housing developments. Interested readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for more in-depth insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that shape this compelling urban solution.
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Enter an open architecture
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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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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
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