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Modular Community Living with Urban Gardens and Rainwater Harvesting

Authors:
Liz Gonzalez, Roshermi Castillo
Modular Community Living with Urban Gardens and Rainwater Harvesting

Project in-detail

Combining modular construction with urban gardens and a rainwater harvesting system, this development in San Francisco’s Mission District offers a sustainable approach to community living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design allows for flexible housing configurations.
02
Urban gardens enhance community engagement and food production.
03
Rainwater harvesting system supports irrigation for green spaces.
04
Strategically designed to promote accessibility and ease of movement.
05
Located in the culturally rich Mission District of San Francisco.

Pixel Gate is a housing development located in the Mission District of San Francisco, specifically on 24th Street between Capp and Lilac Streets. The design follows a modular approach that emphasizes sustainability and community connection. The goal is to create spaces that foster social interaction while allowing residents to enjoy their personal privacy.

Architectural Approach

The layout balances public and private areas, ensuring easy movement within the development. By combining urban gardens and communal spaces with residential units, the design encourages interaction among residents. This setup creates a lively atmosphere where people can engage with each other while also having their personal retreat.

Housing Configurations

The project features a range of housing types, with business and community spaces situated on Level 1. Levels 2 to 5 hold various residential options, including studios and apartments with up to three rooms. This flexible arrangement accommodates different lifestyles, catering to singles, couples, families, and those seeking shared living environments.

Sustainability Features

A major focus is on sustainability through the integration of urban gardens. These spaces not only improve the visual appeal of the development but also allow residents the chance to grow their own food. The project also includes a rainwater harvesting system that collects water from green roofs, providing irrigation for the gardens. This approach promotes responsible water usage and enhances the community's connection to nature.

Design Detailing

Elevation and sectional views reveal the vertical arrangements and spatial dynamics of the development. The careful placement of greenery alongside residential units contributes to a lively environment that is both functional and attractive. Each element has been thoughtfully considered, creating a living space that reflects the energy of urban life while nurturing a sense of community among its residents.

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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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