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Modular Housing Solution with Prefabricated Wooden Units and Integrated Community Facilities

Author:
Michael Raila
Modular Housing Solution with Prefabricated Wooden Units and Integrated Community Facilities
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Constructed from prefabricated wooden modules, the design integrates a grocery store and café within a densely populated area, addressing the urgent need for affordable housing in San Francisco.
5 key facts about this project
01
The project utilizes prefabricated wooden modules for efficient construction.
02
It integrates a grocery store and café to enhance community interaction.
03
Located next to Balboa Park Station for convenient transit access.
04
Design focuses on creating green spaces as natural sound barriers.
05
Each modular unit is approximately 25 square meters in size.

The Stop-Over offers a thoughtful response to the urgent need for affordable housing in San Francisco, a city facing high living costs. Located in the Upper Yard near Balboa Park Station, it is designed to serve both residents and those who commute daily. The concept focuses on modular housing, creating spaces that adapt to the varied needs of urban dwellers.

Modular Design

The project includes 164 housing units designed as modular components. Each unit measures approximately 25 square meters. This setup allows individual units to be combined or used separately, accommodating different household sizes. The emphasis on modularity makes efficient use of space while supporting the diverse lifestyles of city inhabitants.

Integration of Amenities

The design incorporates essential community facilities within the Upper Yard. A grocery store and a café or restaurant are included, improving daily life for residents and offering convenience to commuters. This integration enhances quality of life and encourages social connections, making the area more vibrant and welcoming to everyone who passes through.

Environmental Considerations

Sustainability plays a key role in the design through the use of green spaces throughout the project. Trees and other landscaping elements act as natural barriers, helping to reduce noise from the surrounding roads. These features enhance both the look and feel of the environment while creating a more pleasant living experience.

The prefabricated nature of the modules supports quicker construction and lowers costs, reflecting modern approaches to housing challenges. The project aims for practicality without sacrificing style. Architectural details are designed to fit well within the context of San Francisco, contributing to the ongoing conversation about urban living in crowded cities.

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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 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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