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Bio-Algae Facade and Glulam Structure Defining a Sustainable Retirement Community

Author:
Roniel Vincent Armas
Bio-Algae Facade and Glulam Structure Defining a Sustainable Retirement Community

Project in-detail

Incorporating a bio-algae facade alongside glulam structural elements, the design fosters sustainability while creating an engaging retirement community that emphasizes intergenerational connections and shared horticultural practices.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a bio-algae facade for enhanced energy efficiency and environmental performance.
02
Incorporates glulam timber beams for structural strength while maintaining a warm aesthetic.
03
Features integrated hydroponic systems that enable local food production within the community.
04
Designed with interconnected courtyards to foster social interaction and connectivity among residents.
05
Emphasizes Maori cultural principles of Raranga, symbolizing weaving and interconnectedness within the community.

### Project Overview
Poutama Green Haven is a retirement sanctuary located adjacent to a horticulture university in Lincoln, New Zealand. The intent of this facility is to foster the integration of retirees into the community, enabling them to share their knowledge and life experiences with younger generations. Through its design, the project aims to cultivate an environment that promotes intergenerational learning and cultural exchange.

### Spatial Organization
The architectural configuration comprises two interconnected wings that provide independent living spaces alongside assisted and co-housing options. This layout encourages community interaction and supports a safe, communal environment. Interconnected courtyards facilitate movement throughout the building and enhance accessibility for both residents and visitors. Central open areas serve as focal points for social activities and mentorship programs, emphasizing the importance of community cohesion. Each residential unit is designed to face landscaped gardens, allowing for visibility toward shared outdoor spaces, which encourages engagement between residents.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The selection of materials in Poutama Green Haven balances sustainability with aesthetic considerations. Key features include glulam timber beams that provide structural integrity while contributing to a warm interior ambiance. The building's facade incorporates a green algae bio-reactor system, enhancing environmental performance and supporting energy efficiency. Hydroponic systems integrated into the garden spaces promote local agriculture and provide fresh produce for residents. High-performance window glazing, including low-E coated glass, is utilized to improve thermal efficiency and maximize natural light, further supporting the project's sustainability goals.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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