Denver Single-Stair Housing Challenge – Affordable Housing Series #18 , Denver / Vereinigte Staaten

 

Buildner Architecture Competitions

 

SAR+ Architects

 

Point access block (PAB) housing, also known as single stair housing, is a common and efficient residential design used in urban environments across most of the world. This design, characterized by a single staircase that serves all units, supports high-density living, promotes walkable neighborhoods, and enhances urban sustainability. However, despite its benefits, this housing typology is largely absent in North America due to stringent building codes that mandate dual staircases for buildings above two or three stories. These outdated regulations have contributed to the housing crisis by limiting the diversity and affordability of housing options.

 

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.

 

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.

 

Closing date for registration: 12 December 2024

Closing date for project submission: 23 January 2025, 23:59 (LONDON TIME)

Announcement of winners: 6 March 2025

 

Total Prize Fund: 20,000 $

 

1st Prize: 10,000 $

2nd Prize: 5,000 $

3rd Prize: 3,000 $

 

Buildner Student Award: 1,000 $

Buildner Sustainability Award: 1,000 $