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Charred Timber Facade and Natural Light Integration in a Multifunctional Elderly Residence

Author:
Choi Taeju
Charred Timber Facade and Natural Light Integration in a Multifunctional Elderly Residence

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred timber and extensive glazing to enhance natural light, the design creates a serene environment that supports memory and social interaction in a multifunctional facility for elderly residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Uses charred wooden shingles for improved durability and a unique aesthetic.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to enhance thermal efficiency.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that increases spatial dynamism and openness.
04
Natural light is maximized through strategically placed glass elements.
05
Includes memory lanes that encourage reminiscence through curated visuals.

## Project Overview
Located in a contextually rich environment, the project "Memory: Picture" serves as a residential facility for elderly residents, focusing on the preservation and evocation of memories. The design integrates experiential elements, particularly through the use of photography, to reconnect seniors with their past. This approach reflects an understanding of how the built environment can enhance the quality of life for seniors by fostering personal connections and shared experiences.

## Memory as a Design Principle
The concept of memory is central to the project's framework, emphasizing its significance in the lives of elderly residents. Spatial organization is key, allowing for both engagement and introspection. The design encourages memory accumulation through thoughtfully constructed pathways that facilitate movement and interaction. Community spaces are juxtaposed with private retreats, catering to the dual needs for social stimulation and personal solitude. Photographs and visual representations are thoughtfully integrated to enhance living experiences, making memory a tangible aspect of daily life.

## Material and Spatial Strategy
The material selection plays a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere of the facility. Concrete is used for structural integrity, while glass enhances daylighting and connectivity with the outdoors, fostering an inviting environment. Wood elements provide warmth, essential for comfort in a senior living space, and steel supports expansive, open layouts.

Strategically positioned on a sloped site, the building's layout adapts to the natural terrain, offering varied programmatic functions across multiple levels. The basement accommodates communal areas such as a dining room and therapy rooms, while the ground level features an accessible welcome zone with a community garden. Upper floors consist of private living spaces, each equipped with terraces to promote outdoor engagement and enhance the living experience. The elevations reflect horizontal lines that harmonize with the landscape, while sectional views ensure accessibility and ease of movement throughout.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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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
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