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Integrating Green Roofs and Spiral Staircases Beneath Urban Infrastructure

Integrating Green Roofs and Spiral Staircases Beneath Urban Infrastructure
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Nestled beneath the Golden Gate Bridge, the design uniquely combines green roofs with a dynamic spiral staircase to create a series of affordable housing units that enhance community connectivity in an urban setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
Nestled beneath the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, optimizing an underutilized urban space.
02
Eight distinct housing types designed to meet diverse resident needs and socioeconomic backgrounds.
03
Integrated green roofs enhance insulation and promote biodiversity in an urban environment.
04
A spiraling staircase serves as a unique vertical transportation element and visual focal point.
05
Shared outdoor spaces foster community engagement and social interaction among residents.

### Concept Overview
The Under Bridge project is situated beneath the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California, aiming to address the demand for affordable housing while enriching the social and environmental fabric of the area. By repurposing an underutilized space, the initiative seeks to foster community interaction and optimize land use through innovative architectural solutions.

### Spatial Configuration and Diversity
This project incorporates a variety of eight distinct housing types, each designed to accommodate differing family structures, lifestyle preferences, and economic situations. The layout is purposefully articulated to encourage resident interaction while preserving individual privacy. Shared outdoor spaces and gardens serve as focal points for social engagement, featuring amenities designed for families, including play areas and communal gathering spots.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The design employs a thoughtful selection of materials, including concrete for robust structural support, glass for enhanced natural light and visual connectivity, and steel for reinforcement in the bridge infrastructure. Green roofs on each unit contribute to environmental sustainability by improving insulation and managing stormwater. Additionally, provisions for rainwater harvesting and natural cooling strategies are embedded within the design, underlining a commitment to reducing the ecological footprint associated with urban living. A spiraling green staircase not only facilitates vertical transportation but also enhances the aesthetic appeal and functionality of the space, exemplifying the integration of form and utility in this urban housing solution.

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Enter an open architecture
competition now

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

`
Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 18 February 2026

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

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