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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
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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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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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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 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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