Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Modular Living Units with Aluminum Composite Panels and Natural Wood Elements for Urban Housing Solutions

Author:
Valentine Bagot
Modular Living Units with Aluminum Composite Panels and Natural Wood Elements for Urban Housing Solutions
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Crafted from modular prefabricated units with an emphasis on aluminum composite panels and natural wood finishes, the design transforms underutilized parking structures in San Francisco into affordable, community-oriented housing solutions.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular construction allows for quick assembly and adaptability to changing housing needs.
02
Aluminum composite panels enhance durability while reducing overall weight in the structure.
03
Community spaces foster interactions among residents, integrating social support within the design.
04
Natural wood finishes provide warmth and a human scale within an urban context.
05
The project repurposes existing parking infrastructure, optimizing land use in a densely populated area.

The PARKIT project addresses the multifaceted issue of affordable housing in urban environments, specifically targeting the context of San Francisco, California. This architectural design transforms underutilized parking structures into viable living spaces, providing an innovative response to the increasing demand for housing. By utilizing existing infrastructure, the project not only aims to mitigate housing shortages but also enhances community engagement through design.

Utilizing a modular approach, the PARKIT project incorporates prefabricated units that offer flexibility for different household sizes and needs. The design includes several unit types: studio kits for individuals, one-room apartments for couples, and two-room apartments for families. This modularity allows for easy relocation and reconfiguration, adapting to the evolving dynamics of urban life.

Unique Design Approaches

The architectural strategy employed in PARKIT involves several key elements that differentiate it from other housing projects. Primarily, the integration of modular prefabricated kits enables rapid construction and versatility. Each unit is designed for efficiency, ensuring minimal environmental impact while promoting sustainable living.

The façade of the building utilizes a combination of aluminum composite panels that provide durability and aesthetic appeal, paired with timber elements that instill warmth and comfort within the living spaces. This careful selection of materials reflects a balance between modern industrial design and human-centered living conditions.

Additionally, the PARKIT project emphasizes community-oriented spaces, offering common areas that encourage interactions among residents. These spaces serve not only as functional areas but also as social hubs that enhance the quality of life for occupants. The design recognizes the importance of community in urban settings, fostering connections and support among residents.

Architectural Details

PARKIT incorporates a multi-level layout, maximizing vertical space without compromising accessibility. The ground floor remains dedicated to parking, facilitating convenience for residents while preserving essential infrastructure. Upper levels host living units adorned with ample glazing, allowing natural light to permeate the interiors, further enhancing the livability of the apartments.

Attention to detail is evident in the provision of shared amenities such as reception areas and multi-functional rooms. These communal spaces are designed to serve various purposes, from hosting community meetings to providing venues for local events.

In summary, the PARKIT project provides a pragmatic and thoughtful response to increasing housing demands in a densely populated urban environment. It offers a multifaceted approach to design, focusing on modular living, sustainable materials, and community-centric spaces. For additional insights into the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs, readers are encouraged to explore the project further to appreciate its comprehensive design vision and unique architectural ideas.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

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

`
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.

The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
The Next House: USA

Design the next suburban home for the USA

20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025
new
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 15 January 2026
new
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2026 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 February 2026

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy