On Thursday, March 6, SAR+ Architects proudly unveiled the top five award-winning designs from Denver’s first-ever Single Stair Housing competition, recognizing innovation in affordable and missing middle housing. The global competition attracted 211 participants from 45 countries, highlighting the growing interest in efficient, cost-effective housing solutions.
Smart Stair buildings—five-story or shorter residential buildings with a single stairwell—offer lower construction costs, increased family-friendly unit layouts, and enhanced natural light. Compared to traditional designs, they reduce cooling costs by up to 80% and improve emergency access.
Governor Jared Polis and Councilman Darrell Watson praised the competition’s impact at the event, with Governor Polis even highlighting Smart Stair Housing in his 2025 State of the State address and on social media, emphasizing its role in advancing housing accessibility.
“There is amazing potential for Smart Stair housing, especially in the urban corridor, and working with the state legislator we’re going to legalize it,” exclaimed Polis. “We know that Smart Stair buildings can take up less space, and they can cost less to build. Last week a great new Pew study found that a Smart Stair building with four to six stories could cost nearly 13% less than similar buildings that are mandated to have additional stairways.”
Check out the award-winning designs:
First Place: “Detached Living” – The winning project: Detached Living, demonstrates the full potential of single-stair designs in Colorado. Its thoughtful plan maximizes daylight, offers a variety of unit sizes, and exudes a quiet elegance that left a lasting impression on the judges.
Second Place: “Brick and Bloom” – The second prize is awarded to Brick and Bloom, a beautifully crafted project that fits naturally within historic Capitol Hill. With a finely tuned massing, a lush courtyard garden, and cross-ventilated units, the design showcases the advantages of a single-stair layout with exceptional clarity.
Third Place: “Red Rocks Rising” – The third prize winner goes to “Red Rocks Rising” which the jury recognized for its “appealing exuberance that feels like Denver”. The design elevates safety measures as architectural features and includes a dynamic staircase that enhances social connections.
Student Award: “Outside-Inn” – The Student Prize is awarded to Outside-Inn for its elegant design that fosters community through a network of flexible living spaces. By transforming the single-stair from a mere circulation tool into a vibrant social core, the project strengthens connections within a small apartment building.
Sustainability Award: “Beyond the Invisible” – The Sustainability Award goes to Beyond the Invisible for striking infill that prioritizes a connection to nature. Featuring a mass-timber structure and a seamless integration of greenery—from sidewalk gardens to rooftop plantings and a shared greenhouse—the project redefines sustainable urban living.
SAR+ Architects gives special thanks to the sponsors whose support made this competition and event possible: Milender White, Polsinelli, Alliance Construction Solutions, IMEG, Group 14 Engineering, Livable Cities Studio, KL&A Engineers & Builders, Pennrose, Codified Life Safety, Sika, and nookhaus.
To explore the winning designs, click here, and to watch a video recap of the event, visit this link.
