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Repurposed Concrete Structures With Colorful Wood Cladding for Sustainable Urban Living

Authors:
Christine He, Luna Zhou
Repurposed Concrete Structures With Colorful Wood Cladding for Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Colorful wood cladding contrasts with reinforced concrete structures, creating a functional living space that revitalizes underused urban areas while promoting community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Colorful wood cladding enhances the structural aesthetic while promoting a distinct community identity.
02
The design integrates living spaces directly with vehicular storage, maximizing utility and space efficiency.
03
Adaptive reuse of existing parking structures minimizes environmental impact and encourages sustainable practices.
04
Modular unit configurations allow for diverse living arrangements catering to various demographic needs.
05
Generous glazing throughout the design increases natural light, contributing to energy efficiency and resident well-being.
The VEHI-CO-LIVING project represents a progressive approach to urban housing, integrating residential units into existing parking structures in San Francisco, particularly near Balboa Park. This architectural design responds to shifting urban needs post-pandemic, addressing issues of housing affordability and community interaction. By repurposing underutilized space, the project provides a functional living environment that meets the demands of modern lifestyles while fostering a sense of community among residents.

Innovative Integration of Living and Parking
A key feature of the VEHI-CO-LIVING design is its dual functionality, where living spaces coexist with vehicular storage. The architecture prioritizes modularity, allowing for a variety of unit types that cater to diverse demographic needs, from singles to families. The design incorporates distinct, colorful facades for each unit, creating an engaging visual landscape while also making navigation within the structure straightforward. This method of integrating residential areas with parking infrastructure distinguishes VEHI-CO-LIVING from conventional housing projects, promoting sustainability by utilizing existing resources instead of new land development.

Sustainable and Community-Centric Design
The architectural design of VEHI-CO-LIVING emphasizes sustainability and community living. The use of concrete for structural elements ensures durability, while wood cladding adds warmth and texture, contributing to the overall aesthetic without sacrificing practicality. Generous glazing allows for ample natural light, enhancing residents' quality of life and reducing energy consumption. The community spaces embedded within the project strengthen social ties among inhabitants, providing areas for interaction and shared activities. This holistic approach to urban living posits a forward-thinking model that can adapt over time, addressing both current and future urban challenges.

For a comprehensive understanding of this architectural project, consider exploring the architectural plans, sections, and designs to appreciate the thoughtful integration of space and functionality in VEHI-CO-LIVING. Each element contributes to its overall effectiveness as a community-driven housing solution.
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Enter an open architecture
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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