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Transforming Gore Lots With Reinforced Concrete and Green Roofs for Sustainable Urban Living

Author:
Paul Burgin
Transforming Gore Lots With Reinforced Concrete and Green Roofs for Sustainable Urban Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing reinforced concrete and extensive green roofs, this design repurposes irregular gore lots in San Francisco to create compact microhousing that fosters community and promotes sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes reinforced concrete for durability and low maintenance.
02
Incorporates extensive green roofs to enhance urban biodiversity.
03
Features private balconies for each unit to foster outdoor living.
04
Designed to optimize natural light with large glass facades.
05
Addresses housing shortages by repurposing neglected gore lots.
The "Grid Slivers" architectural project, located in San Francisco, addresses the pressing issue of urban density by transforming underutilized parcels of land, known as gore lots, into functional microhousing. Its design accommodates various residential unit sizes, catering to diverse community needs while promoting sustainable living in a compact footprint. The project integrates seamlessly with the existing urban fabric and enhances the neighborhood's aesthetic and functional landscape.

Innovative Use of Land
One of the defining elements of the "Grid Slivers" project is its innovative use of irregularly shaped lots. By transforming these often-neglected spaces into housing, the project demonstrates a creative approach to maximizing urban land use while also tackling the city's housing shortage. The design consists of multi-story structures that maintain a human-scale, allowing integration with the surrounding residential context. This approach enables a nuanced relationship between the built environment and public spaces, creating opportunities for community interactions.

Sustainable Material Selection
The materiality of the "Grid Slivers" project ensures both durability and environmental performance. The structural framework primarily utilizes reinforced concrete, which provides longevity and low maintenance needs. High-performance insulation is incorporated for energy efficiency, while extensive use of glass facades promotes natural light throughout the interior. The inclusion of photovoltaic panels on rooftops serves to harness solar energy, furthering the project’s commitment to sustainability. These design choices not only enhance the building’s ecological footprint but also create inviting living areas.

Integration of Outdoor Spaces
The project places significant emphasis on outdoor spaces, vital for urban living. Each unit is designed with private balconies, promoting outdoor leisure and enhancing connection to the natural environment. Shared gardens and green roofs contribute to local biodiversity and present opportunities for communal activities, fostering a sense of community among residents. By interweaving green elements into the architectural framework, the "Grid Slivers" project successfully addresses the need for recreational areas in urban settings.

For a comprehensive understanding of the "Grid Slivers" project, interested readers are encouraged to explore the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs to gain deeper insights into its unique architectural ideas. By delving into these presentations, one can fully appreciate how this project represents a thoughtful response to contemporary urban challenges.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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