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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

Project in-detail

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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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

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