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Sustainable Living Through Green Roofs and Prefabricated Concrete Panels

Authors:
Nadi Miri, Shiva Monshipouri
Sustainable Living Through Green Roofs and Prefabricated Concrete Panels
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Incorporating green roofs and prefabricated concrete panels, the design prioritizes sustainability and adaptability, offering affordable co-living spaces in the heart of San Francisco.
5 key facts about this project
01
Green roofs integrate biodiversity and stormwater management into the design.
02
Co-living units are configured for flexible use, accommodating changing resident needs.
03
Cross-laminated timber enhances energy efficiency and construction speed.
04
Shared amenities foster community interaction and support social connections.
05
Retrofitting existing buildings helps maximize urban resources and minimize waste.

The design focuses on creating a community-oriented living space in San Francisco, addressing pressing housing needs within the city. The aim is to offer affordable housing options while encouraging social connections among residents. The concept, "Live Together Apart," highlights a balance between personal living areas and shared communal spaces, catering to a diverse range of people, including young professionals, families, and seniors.

Flexible Living Arrangements

Living spaces are organized as co-living units that provide single-room occupancy within shared buildings. Each unit is equipped with communal amenities such as kitchens, living rooms, and laundry facilities. This setup allows residents to interact while still enjoying their privacy. The approach directly responds to the demand for affordable housing and supports a lifestyle that promotes community engagement.

Adaptability and Sustainability

Adaptability is a key feature. Spaces are designed to change with the needs of residents over time. These units can accommodate home offices and provide acoustically separated areas that fit modern living requirements. Sustainability is also important in the design, achieved through the use of green roofs that help manage stormwater runoff, encourage biodiversity, and offer shared recreational spaces for residents.

Material Utilization and Construction Methods

The design makes use of pre-fabricated construction techniques, which streamline the building process and minimize waste. Structural concrete insulated panels are used for all residential units, ensuring thermal efficiency and providing strong performance, especially in seismic areas. Cross laminated timber is chosen for amenity spaces, recognized for its energy efficiency and solid structural capacity.

Shared outdoor areas, including community gardens and recreational zones, contribute to a pleasant living environment. These spaces enhance both the community aspect and the urban surroundings, promoting a sense of harmony within city life.

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Enter an open architecture
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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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100,000€ Prize / 2025
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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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