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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

Project in-detail

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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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

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
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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