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Solar-Powered Living with Rooftop Parks and Community Gardens

Authors:
Cass Smith, Frank Yang
Solar-Powered Living with Rooftop Parks and Community Gardens
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Elevated above a busy transit hub, the mixed-use development integrates solar panels, wind turbines, and a rooftop park with community gardens to provide affordable housing and foster social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Affordable housing integrated above a podium slab to maximize views and light.
02
Full-height central atrium enhances natural ventilation and communal comfort.
03
On-site daycare facility, Skycare, supports families within the community.
04
Rooftop park includes a running track and open-air sculpture garden.
05
Sustainability achieved through solar panels and wind turbines for net-zero energy.

The MIX aims to reshape affordable housing in San Francisco's Outer Mission district. Close to the Balboa Park BART station, the location takes advantage of the available transport options, meeting the growing need for accessible homes. The design consists of a tower sitting above a podium slab, which helps maximize natural light, offers passive ventilation, and provides residents with impressive views.

Community Integration

The ground-level design focuses on fostering community by including retail spaces like grocery stores and cafés. These areas create a lively environment where residents and visitors can interact. Such a setting is important in urban life, where commercial and residential areas blend and support each other.



Outdoor Spaces

On the podium level, the design includes a one-acre linear park and community garden. These green spaces enhance the living experience, offering outdoor areas for recreation and socializing. By integrating nature into daily life, the design aims to improve well-being and encourage connections among residents.



Architectural Features

An important element of the tower is the full-height central atrium. This feature allows for ample natural light and passive ventilation, improving the comfort of communal areas. Beyond its practical functions, the atrium also adds visual interest to the interior.



Rooftop Amenities

The upper levels provide sweeping views, highlighted by an open-air sculpture garden on the 13th floor. This space allows residents to relax and reflect. The rooftop park also features recreational facilities, including a running track, which promotes physical activity. Additionally, the design incorporates sustainable features, such as solar panels and wind turbines, aiming to achieve net-zero energy use.



The design of The MIX is characterized by its thoughtful organization and attention to detail. By balancing public and private spaces, it seeks to create a cohesive environment that meets the needs of its residents.

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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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Competition organisers

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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