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Integrating Green Roofs and Spiral Staircases Beneath Urban Infrastructure

Author:
Emma Kryštofová
Integrating Green Roofs and Spiral Staircases Beneath Urban Infrastructure

Project in-detail

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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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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