Design single-stair, multi-story residential housing in Denver: Denver Single-Stair Housing Challenge is launched!

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 These outdated regulations have contributed to the housing crisis by limiting the diversity and affordability of housing options.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.

With this competition, we aim to explore and highlight the limitations of the outdated building codes and strive for change.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.

PRIZES

3 winning proposals, 2 special award recipients will be selected. Buildner will award a total of 20,000 $ in prize money to competition winners as follows:

1st Prize - 10,000 $
2nd Prize - 5,000 $
3rd Prize - 3,000 $

Buildner Student Award - 1,000 $
Buildner Sustainability Award -  1,000 $

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).

COMPETITION SCHEDULE

Early Bird Registration:  July 25 – September 18
Advance Registration: September 19 – November 6
Last Minute Registration: November 7 – December 12 

Final registration deadline: December 12, 2024
Closing date for submission: January 23, 2025 (11:59 p.m. London Time)
Announcement of the winners: March 6, 2025

More:  https://architecturecompetitions.com/pointaccessblock