Denver Single-Stair Housing Challenge names three winners

A new design challenge from Buildner and SAR+ Architects that asked architects to solve Colorado’s complex housing crisis using a single-stair (aka Point Access Block) design strategy has named five winners at the conclusion of the 18th competition in the former’s Affordable Housing Challenge series. 

Prizes ranging up to $10,000 were up for grabs for the contest’s 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Prize winners. They were joined by two special award recipients in being evaluated based on their proposals’ originality, feasibility, and potential to "enhance urban housing through innovative and adaptable design strategies." The goal was to compare solutions that balanced concerns of density, livability, and environmental responsibility with considerations such as modularity, affordability, access to natural light, and ventilation.

Denver is one of several flashpoints for the movement to code single-stair apartment buildings that has grown up around the large debate on housing delivery and will drastically impact the future market of multifamily designs up to six stories.

The winners, therefore, have the unique opportunity to present a plausible option to other architects, designers, and developers who already have the support of Governor Jared Polis and other state leaders as part of a tide change that hinges on fire safety improvements and other innovations underpinning their respective proposals. Gensler’s Co-Managing Director, Jon Gambrill, served as one of twelve jury members. Their interviews with each of the Denver Single-Stair Housing Challenge winners are accessible below.

1st Prize: Detached Living by Anthony Barakat and Rita Alsemaan (Lebanon)

Jury feeback summary: "Detached Living is designed to enhance adaptability, sustainability, and urban integration. The building features a modular unit layout, organized around a central atrium that facilitates natural ventilation. The facade consists of movable louvers and sliding glass doors, allowing residents to regulate shading, airflow, and privacy. Prefabricated concrete and maple wood are employed for durability, thermal efficiency, and sustainability. Movable partitions within units enable spatial flexibility. External staircases separate vertical circulation from living spaces, optimizing safety and usable floor area. Rainwater collection, graywater recycling, and photovoltaic panels contribute to reduced resource consumption. The project aims to balance functional efficiency with environmental considerations while maintaining compliance with local building codes."

You can read their full interview here.

2nd Prize winner: Brick and Bloom by Lisa-Marie Mélodie Deransy (France)

Jury feedback summary: "Brick and Bloom utilizes earth bricks, low-carbon concrete, and bioclimatic strategies to reduce environmental impact. Natural ventilation, solar chimneys, and dual-orientation units optimize thermal comfort and energy efficiency. Residences feature private green spaces and cantilevered balconies, enhancing urban biodiversity. Shared outdoor areas, including a rooftop garden and central courtyard, foster community interaction. A flexible layout maximizes daylight and cross-ventilation, while volumetric gradation ensures seamless urban integration. The ground floor includes bike storage and commercial space to support sustainable mobility. The design balances architectural heritage with contemporary elements, addressing ecological and social challenges in urban living."

You can read her full interview here.

3rd Prize: Red Rocks Rising by Shivanthi Carpino, Jacob Mckinney, Robert Court Mcclure, Alison Catherine Ledwith (United States)

Jury feedback summary: "Red Rocks Rising is a modular, multifamily housing project integrating Passive House principles for energy efficiency and occupant comfort. The design utilizes prefabricated units to minimize waste and optimize construction time. A central atrium and external stairways enhance natural ventilation and daylight access, reducing reliance on mechanical systems. High-performance glazing, thermal bridge elimination, and airtight enclosures improve insulation and indoor climate control. Shared outdoor spaces, including a rooftop garden, promote community interaction. Water reclamation and resource-efficient fixtures further support sustainability. The project challenges conventional fire safety norms by incorporating pressurized evacuation routes and compartmentalized dwelling units, enhancing resilience. The design balances affordability, environmental impact, and urban livability."

You can read their full interview here.

Student Award: OutSide Inn by Beyzanur Koç of Gazi University (Turkey)

Jury feedback summary: "OutSide-Inn is a modular project prioritizing circular design, sustainability, and community living. Constructed from prefabricated timber and recycled materials, the building reduces environmental impact while enabling adaptability. Solar panels generate electricity, and a central shaft system harvests and recycles water for irrigation and underfloor heating. The design promotes cross-ventilation and passive cooling, minimizing energy consumption. Shared spaces, including rooftop gardens and communal nooks, encourage social interaction. A flexible layout accommodates diverse household types, with co-housing and family units arranged to foster connectivity. Fire safety is addressed through an open stair design, improving access and evacuation efficiency. The project integrates sustainable urban living with resource efficiency and affordability."

You can read her full interview here.

Sustainability Award: Beyond The Invisible by Uladzislau Chabai (Netherlands)

Jury feedback summary: "Beyond the Invisible is designed to balance urban integration, sustainability, and community engagement. The building’s mirrored façades reflect the surrounding environment, blending into the cityscape while maintaining a distinct visual presence. The structure is composed of prefabricated timber, optimizing efficiency and reducing environmental impact. Shared spaces, including a rooftop greenhouse and communal terraces, encourage social interaction and urban farming. Passive design strategies, geothermal heating, and a heat recovery ventilation system improve energy efficiency. The ground floor functions as a public hub with coworking areas and retail spaces. The project reimagines modern urban living by fostering connections between residents, nature, and the city."

You can read this full interview here.