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Sustainable Living with Vertical Gardens and Engineered Wood in a Community Hub

Author:
Sheldon Eaton
Sustainable Living with Vertical Gardens and Engineered Wood in a Community Hub

Project in-detail

Incorporating vertical gardens and modular engineered wood, the development redefines urban living by integrating communal spaces with a mix of affordable residential units and retail offerings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates vertical gardens that enhance biodiversity and provide natural insulation.
02
Utilizes modular engineered wood, allowing for flexible residential configurations.
03
Incorporates solar panels within the unique bent A-frame roof design.
04
Features shared communal spaces to foster neighborhood interaction.
05
Offers a combination of retail and amenities at ground level to support local businesses.
The Merge is a mixed-use architectural project located at the intersection of Geneva Avenue and San Jose Avenue in the Balboa Park neighborhood of San Francisco, California. The design addresses the critical need for affordable housing while integrating commercial spaces into the urban fabric. The development includes 100 residential units ranging from studios to four-bedroom apartments, as well as ground-level retail and community facilities. This project serves not only as housing but also as a communal hub that enhances the lifestyle of residents and engages the surrounding community.

Community-Centered Design Approach

A distinctive aspect of The Merge is its community-centered design approach. The building’s configuration promotes interaction through shared facilities, which include a communal kitchen, fitness center, and spaces for childcare and local retail. These spaces are intentionally designed to encourage social engagement among residents and offer services that enhance daily living. The integration of vertical gardens within the façade and communal areas reinforces the connection to nature, creating an inviting atmosphere that promotes well-being among residents while also contributing to biodiversity.

Sustainable Material Selection and Efficiency

The project incorporates a thoughtful selection of materials that emphasizes sustainability and durability. Concrete forms the structural base, offering resilience and adaptability for future developments. Engineered wood provides warmth and texture while complementing the building's modern architectural expression. Large glass panels introduce natural light and provide transparency, promoting a sense of openness. Metal panels enhance the building's aesthetics while ensuring longevity. Additionally, solar panels are integrated into the roof design to generate renewable energy, showcasing a commitment to environmental responsibility and energy efficiency.

The Merge exemplifies a forward-thinking architectural design that balances residential needs with community functions. The strategic arrangement of spaces and consideration of materiality create a cohesive environment conducive to both living and interaction. For a more detailed understanding of this project’s architectural plans and design ideas, explore the project presentation and its various components.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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