Single-stair housing is characterized by a single staircase that serves all units in the building. This design allows for smaller, narrower buildings that can fit on modest lots, making them a practical option for urban areas. These buildings are prevalent in many desirable neighborhoods globally, offering a space-efficient and cost-effective solution to urban housing needs by maximizing land use and fostering walkable communities. Single-stair housing is also working well in the U.S., as exemplified by successful implementations in Seattle (image bottom left).

Buildner and SAR+ Architects are proud to launch the Denver Single-Stair Housing Challenge, the 18th competition in Buildner's Affordable Housing Challenge series. This competition aims to address the housing crisis in Colorado by inviting innovative design solutions for mid-rise, single-stair housing.

The Denver Single-Stair Housing Challenge calls on architects, designers, and urban planners from around the world to reimagine the potential of PAB housing in the U.S. Participants are tasked with designing mid-rise buildings, up to six stories high, on underutilized lots in Denver. These designs should not only comply with the existing zoning and urban planning goals of Denver but also propose innovative solutions to overcome the regulatory barriers that currently hinder the implementation of single-stair housing.

The Competition Site

There is no mandatory site selected for this competition. Participants can find and choose any underutilized, vacant site in Denver, Colorado, that is 6,000 square feet or less. The chosen site must be an open lot without any existing structures.

Alternatively, participants can use the site we have selected for them. This designated site is located at 1338 Emerson St and currently exists as a surface parking lot. It is situated in the heart of the Capitol Hill neighborhood, benefiting from its proximity to key public transit routes along Colfax and 12th Avenues. This location aligns with Blueprint Denver's vision of complete neighborhoods and integrated transportation networks.

The optional Denver Single-Stair Housing Challenge project site is at 1338 Emerson St in Denver, Colorado. Nestled in the heart of the Capitol Hill neighborhood, the site benefits from its proximity to key public transit routes along Colfax and 12th Avenues, aligning with Blueprint Denver’s vision of complete neighborhoods and transportation networks. Situated along bike-friendly Emerson Street, the site is ideally positioned to support sustainable and active urban living. This prime location offers participants the opportunity to design a residential building that integrates seamlessly into a vibrant, well-connected neighborhood. 

Site photographs, video, CAD plan are available for download.

With this competition, we aim to explore and highlight the limitations of outdated building codes and strive for change. By showcasing innovative designs, the competition seeks to influence policy changes that will allow for more diverse, affordable, and sustainable housing solutions in Colorado and beyond.

Download the full competition brief for more information!

Competition is open to all. No professional qualification is required. Design proposals can be developed individually or by teams (4 team members maximum). Correspondence with organizers must be conducted in English; All information submitted by participants must be in English.

Matt Hutchins - Missing Middle Housing

Competition jury member Matt Hutchins addresses the U.S. “missing middle” housing dilemma, highlighting the need for housing solutions between single-family homes and high-density developments.