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Reclaimed Shipping Containers Transformed Into Sustainable Underground Housing Solutions

Authors:
Dominik Bartnik, Bartłomiej Warmiak, Julia Magdalena Kubicka, Joanna Barbara Wachowicz
Reclaimed Shipping Containers Transformed Into Sustainable Underground Housing Solutions

Project in-detail

Transforming abandoned subway tunnels into modular housing using reclaimed shipping containers, this project creates sustainable living environments that foster community interaction and urban resilience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Repurposes unused subway tunnels for residential living.
02
Employs modular construction using recycled shipping containers.
03
Integrates communal gardens and recreational spaces for social interaction.
04
Features sustainable practices with light wells for natural illumination.
05
Utilizes flexible layouts to accommodate diverse resident needs.

The Tubetown architectural project in Los Angeles focuses on transforming abandoned subway tunnels into functional residential spaces, addressing the housing crisis within an urban setting. The project exemplifies innovative adaptive reuse, marrying urban revitalization with sustainable practices. By converting neglected infrastructure into a livable community, Tubetown redefines the potential of urban environments.

Community Integration and Functionality A central aspect of Tubetown is its design, which promotes community integration while ensuring functional living spaces. The project employs modular design principles, utilizing recycled shipping containers as primary construction materials. This choice not only minimizes waste but also allows for flexible configurations that can adapt to varying residential needs. Each living unit can serve as either a studio or a more expansive family apartment, responding to the diverse demographics of the area.

The communal areas in Tubetown are strategically positioned to foster social interaction among residents. Key features include community gardens, recreational spaces, and shared facilities. By placing these elements at the heart of the design, the project encourages engagement and interaction, bridging gaps often prevalent in urban living. This approach to communal space is critical in a densely populated city like Los Angeles, where opportunities for community connection are often limited.

Sustainability and Innovative Material Use The Tubetown project emphasizes sustainability through the careful selection of materials and design strategies. The use of reinforced concrete ensures durability while allowing for significant architectural expression. The integration of glass panels enhances the access to natural light within the residential units, promoting energy efficiency and the well-being of occupants.

A unique aspect of Tubetown is its commitment to environmentally friendly building practices. The incorporation of light wells and strategically placed openings ensures that inhabitants receive adequate sunlight, mitigating the challenges presented by the subterranean location. The design incorporates green roofs in communal areas and gardens, further enhancing the environmental footprint of the project.

The project’s modularity not only addresses practical living concerns but also allows for scalability in future developments. Adaptability is a key component of the design, accommodating changing needs or potential expansions without compromising the integrity of the overall structure.

Explore the Tubetown architectural project to see detailed architectural plans, sections, and designs that showcase the unique ideas behind this innovative project. Dive deeper into the architectural concepts that could influence future urban housing solutions.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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MICROHOME
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000€ Prize / 2025
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