Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Vertical Living with Recycled Aluminum Facades and Green Roofs for Urban Community Housing

Author:
Daniele Marco Marchesin
Vertical Living with Recycled Aluminum Facades and Green Roofs for Urban Community Housing
Explore the full project presentation!
Subscribers only
Utilizing recycled aluminum facades and green roof technology, the design offers a vertical community living solution that addresses urban housing challenges through sustainable practices and adaptable spaces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes recycled aluminum for lightweight, sustainable facades.
02
Features extensive green roofs that support urban agriculture initiatives.
03
Integrates modular design allowing for adaptable living configurations.
04
Incorporates natural ventilation strategies for enhanced energy efficiency.
05
Includes dedicated communal farming areas to promote community engagement.

The San Francisco Vertical Village is a multi-unit residential project located at the intersection of San Jose Avenue and Geneva Avenue in San Francisco. This architectural design addresses the pressing issue of affordable housing, catering specifically to the diverse needs of the local community. The project combines various housing typologies within a single vertical structure, promoting both efficiency in space and opportunities for communal living.

The design incorporates approximately 259 housing units organized into flexible configurations, which include accommodations for individuals, families, and seniors. This modular design maximizes available space and allows for adaptability as demographic needs change, supporting the concept of a living environment that evolves over time.

Unique Design Approaches

One distinctive aspect of the San Francisco Vertical Village is its emphasis on sustainability. The building employs recycled aluminum for its facades and incorporates vertical gardens that not only enhance aesthetic appeal but also contribute to urban agriculture. This approach supports local food initiatives and promotes environmental responsibility within the urban landscape.

The use of natural ventilation strategies throughout the building minimizes reliance on artificial climate control systems, leading to reduced energy consumption. The incorporation of water harvesting systems further emphasizes sustainability, allowing the collection and reuse of rainwater for irrigation purposes. These features position the project as a model for eco-conscious urban development.

Integration of Shared Spaces

The project prioritizes community interaction through the inclusion of shared amenities. Coworking spaces and exercise facilities foster social engagement among residents while promoting an active lifestyle. Community farming facilities encourage residents to participate in growing their own food, strengthening community ties.

The architectural design also integrates communal areas that facilitate interaction among residents, thereby enhancing the living experience. These shared spaces are strategically placed to optimize accessibility while promoting a sense of belonging in a densely populated environment.

For a comprehensive view of the architectural plans, sections, and designs that outline the nuances of this project, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. Delving into these architectural ideas can provide further insights into the innovative approaches that define the San Francisco Vertical Village.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
The Home of 
Shadows
The Home of Shadows
The light studies. Edition #4
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

`
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

Open architecture competitions

  • Closest deadline first
  • Project competitions first
    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
  • Ideas competitions
    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
new
Iceland 
Slow Sauna

Design slow sauna in Iceland

project COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 26 November 2025
Concrete 
Pavilion

Design a concrete pavilion

Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
new
Pavilion Atlas 2026

Design a story of your country

ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 21 January 2026

Recurring architecture competitions

new
The Architect’s 
Stair

Take a step and make a statement!

Take a step and make a statement! Edition #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 15 October 2025
Kinderspace

Design a kindergarten of tomorrow

Architecture for Children’s Development #3 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 16 October 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
new
The Home of 
Shadows

Design a home with no artificial lighting

The light studies. Edition #4 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility OPEN TO ALL
Early bird registration deadline 5 November 2025
The Last 
Nuclear Bomb Memorial

Design a memorial that speaks to the cause of ending all nuclear weapons programs

Edition #6 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 13 November 2025
new
The Architect's 
Chair

Take a seat and make a statement!

Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 20 November 2025
Hospice - 
Home for the 
Terminally ill

Design a safe and supportive space to those struggling with a terminal illness

Edition #5 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 10,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 26 November 2025
Museum of 
Emotions

Use architecture to create different emotional states

Edition #7 ideas COMPETITION SILENT CONTEST For this competition, NO DESCRIPTION TEXT is allowed. The architecture ideas must be communicated strictly with visuals.
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 27 November 2025
Re:Form - 
New Life 
for Old Spaces

Choose a site—used, abandoned, or forgotten—anywhere in the world, and give it a new purpose

Edition #2 ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
Advance registration deadline 3 December 2025

Media, partners and clients

To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy