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Vertical Farming and Shipping Containers Shaping Community Living in San Francisco

Authors:
Cuneyt Dari, Ekaterina Teksez, Amir Vajdnia, Seher Kulac
Vertical Farming and Shipping Containers Shaping Community Living in San Francisco
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Equipped with a vertical farming system and constructed from shipping containers, the design fosters community living in San Francisco while addressing sustainability and food security.
5 key facts about this project
01
Equipped with a vertical farming system integrated into the facades.
02
Utilizes repurposed shipping containers for modular living spaces.
03
Designed to support flexible living arrangements for diverse residents.
04
Features public engagement spaces on the lower floors for community activities.
05
Incorporates rainwater and greywater systems for sustainable irrigation.

The design presents a modular housing solution located in the urban landscape of San Francisco, focusing on key social and housing needs. The overall concept revolves around creating small social groups, promoting community interaction, and incorporating sustainability through the innovative use of shipping containers.

Modular Design Framework

A modular framework is utilized, allowing the configuration of living spaces to be flexible. Shipping containers can be combined to form apartments that cater to various resident needs. This method speeds up construction and allows for adjustments based on the limited space typical of urban areas.

Public Engagement Spaces

The design allocates the lower floors for public functions, including shops, recycling points, creative studios, and workshops. This choice fosters accessibility and encourages residents to engage in community activities, creating an energetic environment. By integrating residential and commercial spaces, the approach supports a cohesive sense of community.

Sustainable Practices

An important aspect is the vertical farming system embedded in the facades. This feature allows residents to cultivate vegetables and fruits, addressing food security while promoting awareness of ecological considerations. Additionally, the project includes an efficient irrigation system that relies on rainwater and re-filtered greywater, further emphasizing a commitment to sustainable management of resources.

Green Terraces and Social Interaction

Each modular block includes green terraces, providing outdoor areas that encourage a connection to nature. Common areas on the second floor and public green courtyards are designed to enhance social interaction among residents, fostering a lively sense of community within the housing complex.

Shipping containers serve as a practical way to recycle materials while meeting housing demands. The adaptability of each container not only fulfills spatial needs but also reflects a modern approach to urban living, blending functionality with a clear sense of purpose.

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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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