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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

Project in-detail

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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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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