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Glass Plenums and Gable Roofs Shape Multi-Family Community Living

Authors:
Jamilla Afandi, Ashish Bhandari
Glass Plenums and Gable Roofs Shape Multi-Family Community Living

Project in-detail

Connecting residential units through glass plenums and embracing gable roof forms, this multi-family development fosters community relationships while providing affordable housing in San Francisco.
5 key facts about this project
01
Unit connections through glass plenums promote social interaction among residents.
02
Diverse unit sizes address varying household needs within the community.
03
Rooftop gardens provide communal green space for families.
04
Gable roofs reflect a familiar residential aesthetic while utilizing modern design.
05
Integrated circulation paths enhance accessibility and movement throughout the complex.

Triptych Housing responds to the urgent need for affordable multi-family housing in San Francisco, a city facing rising living costs and the displacement of families. The project combines elements of traditional design, such as gable roofs, with modern features that prioritize community connection. Glass plenums link the residential units, promoting interaction while allowing for individual privacy. This thoughtful approach aims to create a supportive living environment for families.

Functional Design
The layout of Triptych Housing is centered on encouraging community interaction among residents. Open connections between living spaces and shared areas, including a rooftop garden and play zones, invite families outdoors. This design fosters a vibrant community atmosphere and enhances overall well-being for individuals living in the complex. It is a design that considers the importance of social ties in urban living.

Unit Configuration
The variety of unit sizes in Triptych Housing accommodates different family structures and needs. It includes no-bedroom, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three- to four-bedroom units. This diversity ensures that the development remains accessible to a wide range of households in San Francisco, reflecting the various living situations present in the city. By offering different options, the design supports inclusivity and versatility.

Architectural Features
The building’s form and elevations create a contemporary addition to the urban landscape. Thoughtful section views reveal the arrangement of communal and private spaces, while the use of glass throughout maximizes natural light for each unit. Careful planning of movement pathways enhances the livability of the complex, reducing obstacles and encouraging connection among residents.

Each design element in Triptych Housing works cohesively, where the glass plenums serve as a central feature. They bring people together in a shared space while still allowing them to retreat to their individual homes, embodying a balance between community and privacy.

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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.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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