Transforming bridges for affordable and sustainable housing

In urban centers across the globe, affordable housing is a persistent challenge. As cities continue to expand, underutilized spaces—such as the dormant, overshadowed areas beneath bridges—remain largely neglected. The Underbridge international architecture competition, hosted by Buildner, sought to change this by inviting architects and designers to reimagine these spaces, transforming them into vibrant communities. A talented design team at Treanor took up this challenge with enthusiasm. The result was R4, a project that not only redefines sustainable design but also offers a compelling solution to the affordable housing crisis beneath the Newark Bay Bridge in Bayonne, New Jersey.

As one of the top 40 shortlisted submissions out of hundreds worldwide, R4 stands as a testament to the Treanor team’s commitment to excellence and our belief in the transformative power of architecture. The project embodies how architecture achieves both precision and possibility through the skilled minds of dreamers and achievers like the R4 team.

At its core, R4 is more than just a design solution; it is a forward-thinking approach to affordable housing that challenges conventional norms and offers a blueprint for the future. Through projects like R4, we continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in architecture, creating smarter, more sustainable solutions that endure and inspire.

The vision behind R4: repurposing and redefining

R4, short for Repurpose, Rediscover, Reconnect, and Recover, is a design concept that seeks to transform discontinued oil tankers into livable communities under the Newark Bay Bridge. This site was strategically chosen because of its proximity to essential services, including health facilities, public transit, educational institutions, and green spaces. The area’s dense population and potential for growth made it an ideal location for introducing additional affordable housing.

At the heart of R4 is the idea of repurposing—taking what was once seen as obsolete and giving it new life. The project envisions oil tankers, once symbols of industrial utility, as the building blocks of a sustainable and socially equitable community. This transformation is not merely cosmetic; it is a comprehensive rethinking of how these massive structures can serve a new purpose—one that is deeply connected to the natural environment and the needs of the community.

R4’s design narrative is a testament to the power of architecture to inspire positive change. The project’s approach to sustainability is multifaceted, addressing environmental concerns while fostering social equity. The repurposed oil tankers, with their wave-like massing, create a visual connection between the water’s edge and the urban landscape. This design choice is not only aesthetically pleasing but also serves to bridge the gap between the past and the future, the utilitarian and the organic.

Key to the success of R4 is its focus on adaptability and ecological stewardship. The concept is designed to harness ambient vibrations generated by traffic on the bridge above, converting this energy into power for essential amenities. Additionally, the project includes thoughtful water management systems that make use of the river’s flow to sustain lush greenery and urban agriculture.

R4 was the result of a collaborative effort by a diverse team at Treanor, bringing together professionals with various backgrounds and experience. The project not only highlights our ability to innovate but also demonstrates the power of collaboration in overcoming challenges and achieving a shared vision.

The significance of R4 extends beyond its innovative design and sustainable practices. This project addresses broader societal challenges, such as housing insecurity and the need for communal healing. By providing affordable housing in an urban area with limited space, R4 not only meets the immediate needs of the community but also sets a precedent for future developments.

The project’s emphasis on community engagement and public spaces fosters a sense of collective ownership and pride among residents. It encourages interaction between the new housing community and the broader public, creating a vibrant, inclusive environment that enhances the overall quality of life.

R4 demonstrates how architecture can be a force for positive change, inspiring other cities to rethink their underutilized spaces. The project’s success in the Underbridge competition underscores the importance of innovative thinking in addressing global challenges, and it serves as a beacon of hope for communities facing similar issues around the world.