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Denver, CO – Buildner, in collaboration with SAR+ Architects, is pleased to announce the winners of the Denver Single-Stair Housing Challenge, the latest competition in the Affordable Housing Challenge series. This initiative invited architects and designers worldwide to explore innovative, sustainable, and adaptable single-staircase housing solutions for underutilized sites in Denver.
The competition highlighted the potential of Point Access Block (PAB) housing, a widely used urban housing typology that remains underutilized in North America due to regulatory barriers. Participants were challenged to propose mid-rise housing solutions that enhance community interaction, optimize spatial efficiency, and address contemporary housing challenges through climate-conscious design.
After a thorough review by an esteemed jury of architects, policymakers, and housing experts, the first prize was awarded to Anthony Barakat and Rita Alsemaani from Lebanon for their project Detached Living, a modular housing concept centered around a central atrium for natural ventilation, featuring movable louvers, prefabricated materials, and rainwater collection to enhance sustainability and flexibility.
The second prize went to Lisa-Marie Mélodie Deransy from France for Brick and Bloom, a bioclimatic design utilizing earth bricks, solar chimneys, and green spaces to reduce environmental impact while fostering community interaction. The third prize was given to Shivanthi Carpino, Jacob McKinney, Robert Court McClure, and Alison Catherine Ledwith from the USA for their project Red Rocks Rising, a modular, Passive House-inspired development integrating sustainable construction, natural ventilation, and resource-efficient systems for resilient urban living.
Buildner and its jury extend their gratitude to all participants for their innovative contributions. Visit our website to explore additional award-winning projects, including the Student Award, Sustainability Award, and Honorable Mentions.
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1st prize
2nd prize
3rd prize
Student Award
Sustainability Award
