Get inspired!

16,979 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Cedar and Hinoki Wood Housing Designed for Community Engagement in an Eco-Friendly Context

Author:
Iro Maria Karountzou
Cedar and Hinoki Wood Housing Designed for Community Engagement in an Eco-Friendly Context

Project in-detail

Utilizing cedar and hinoki wood, this senior housing facility integrates therapeutic design and community orientation to create a supportive living environment that fosters social interaction and enhances well-being.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates hinoki and cedar wood for therapeutic benefits and sensory engagement.
02
Features a bent A-frame design that enhances natural light and spatial orientation.
03
Integrates communal gathering spaces to promote resident interaction and community ties.
04
Utilizes sustainable materials, including charred wooden shingles, for durability and aesthetic appeal.
05
Designed with wide corridors and accessible layouts to support mobility for elderly residents.
The project, named "Rethink Aging," proposes the transformation of historical barns at Villa Arconati into a senior housing facility designed to address the unique needs of elderly residents. This architectural endeavor integrates community-centric principles, highlighting environments that prioritize social interaction and connectivity while promoting the well-being of its inhabitants. The design not only reuses existing structures but also creates a contextually relevant and functional space for seniors.

The facility is organized to provide a balance between communal and private living areas. Ground floor plans include shared spaces such as dining areas and lounges, fostering interaction among residents and their families. In contrast, upper floor plans focus on private units, ensuring accessibility while allowing for personal autonomy. The thoughtful arrangement of these spaces facilitates various activities, catering to the physical and emotional dimensions of aging residents.

Unique Design Approaches
The design adopts several innovative approaches that set it apart from conventional senior living facilities. A key aspect is the incorporation of sensory elements within the architecture, utilizing materials like cedar and hinoki wood to enhance the tactile experience. This not only creates a warm and inviting atmosphere but also addresses the cognitive needs of residents, easing navigation and reducing confusion. Special attention is given to thresholds and transitions, which are designed to simplify movement throughout the facility.

Accessibility is another hallmark of this project. Spatial planning ensures wide corridors and strategically placed fixtures accommodate mobility aids, allowing elderly residents to move freely and safely within the facility. Furthermore, common areas are thoughtfully designed to encourage social interaction and participation in activities, combating isolation that many seniors face.

Community Integration
The architectural design emphasizes community engagement by inviting local involvement and interaction. By integrating both internal and external spaces, such as gardens and gathering areas, the project fosters connections between residents and the surrounding environment. This design not only promotes a sense of belonging for seniors but also encourages neighborhood participation, helping to reduce feelings of loneliness.

The "Rethink Aging" project represents a significant shift towards more human-centered design in architecture, addressing the complexities of aging with practical solutions. The combination of accessibility, environmental integration, and community-oriented spaces results in a holistic approach to senior living. For more insights into this project, including architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural designs, readers are encouraged to explore the presentation further.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16,979 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy