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

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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.

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