Third Place – Red Rocks Rising By StudioX at Page Architecture
Today, we’re celebrating the third-place winner in the Denver Single Stair Housing Challenge—Red Rocks Rising by Studio X at Page Architecture! Congratulations to Shivanthi Carpino, Alison Ledwith, AIA, Jake McKinney, AIA, and Robert McClure, AIA, for their visionary approach to urban housing.
The jury praised Red Rocks Rising for its bold yet contextually grounded design, which elevates essential safety features into architectural highlights. A dynamic staircase fosters social interaction, while Passive House principles and modular construction push the boundaries of sustainable, cost-effective urban living.
“This project was an incredible opportunity to roll up our sleeves, sharpen our pencils, and deep dive into exploring how safe, well-designed single stair buildings can advance life safety and improve urban livability. It was rewarding to collaborate with a talented cross-section of colleagues- including architects, fire protection engineers, building scientists and multifamily housing experts-who all brought their expertise to this important conversation and helped build this innovative prototype.” – Shivanthi Carpino“Prioritizing safe evacuation, the open-air stair ensures a smoke-free escape, while a compartmentalized layout slows fire spread. An occupant evacuation elevator (OEE) and street-accessible areas of refuge improve rescue time for residents and first responders.” – Studio X Team
“This project excels in its thoughtful integration of local context, safety, and sustainability. The reference to the iconic Red Rocks and fire safety ties the design to its surroundings in a meaningful way, creating a strong sense of place. The carefully considered material palette and attention to energy efficiency make it a standout example of innovative multifamily housing.” – Jury member Lauren Folkerts
“By reimagining fire safety, energy performance, and design flexibility, Red Rocks Rising offers a replicable model for cities seeking to create more affordable missing middle housing. With single-stair housing gaining traction across the U.S., projects like this push the conversation forward, proving that safe, efficient, and desirable multifamily housing is possible—without unnecessary redundancy. Looking ahead, we are excited to continue refining this award-winning prototype and engage with cities interested in single-stair reform. By working collaboratively with policymakers, fire protection experts, and housing advocates, we aim to advance the conversation around innovative, safe, and sustainable housing solutions for urban communities.” – Studio X Team
