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Stackable Housing Units with Metal and Glass for Urban Living

Author:
Nassim Barkaoui
Stackable Housing Units with Metal and Glass for Urban Living
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Stackable housing units constructed with metal and glass optimize urban density while providing adaptable living solutions for diverse residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design allows for flexibility in unit configuration and scalability.
02
Utilizes prefabricated metal and glass components to streamline construction.
03
Accommodates a diverse range of residents with eight different housing types.
04
Incorporates shared community spaces to foster social interaction among residents.
05
Designed to adapt to various urban contexts within San Francisco's landscape.

The design set in San Francisco seeks to address the urgent need for affordable housing through a modular approach. The focus is on stacking housing units, which makes efficient use of available urban space. The design aims to accommodate different types of residents, including families, single professionals, couples, and students. By creating versatile living options, it responds to the demand for adaptable housing solutions in a bustling city environment.

Modularity and Configuration

The project features a variety of stackable housing units that enhance land use in the city. There are eight different housing types available, ranging from studio apartments to three-bedroom options. This careful selection of configurations allows the development to cater to diverse living situations, ensuring that various groups can find their ideal home. The design includes multiple units, such as 4 units of 3-bedroom apartments, 4 units of 2-bedroom apartments, and various studio choices.

Materiality and Structure

The use of metal and glass as primary construction materials contributes to the overall design. The housing units are built with a metal framework that can be prefabricated, allowing for quicker assembly on-site. This technique minimizes the time taken for construction, which is helpful in urban areas where efficiency is key. The inclusion of glass not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also allows for natural light, supporting energy-efficient design strategies.

Adaptability and Community Integration

These housing units are designed to be adaptable, making them suitable for a range of urban settings across San Francisco. This flexibility is important in meeting the changing needs of the community. The design permits modifications to suit various plot sizes, from busy city centers to quieter areas. Additionally, there is a strong focus on creating communal spaces and amenities, such as parks and parking areas, which encourage interactions among residents and help build a vibrant community atmosphere.

The thoughtful design of shared spaces emphasizes social connections and enhances the overall living experience. It incorporates a blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal, aiming to improve urban living conditions and respond to the diverse needs of San Francisco's residents.

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

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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.

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