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Sustainable Senior Housing with Shared Agriculture

Author:
Ahmed Elmaghraby
Sustainable Senior Housing with Shared Agriculture

Project in-detail

Developed as a progressive alternative to conventional aged care facilities, the project redefines residential environments for seniors by promoting active lifestyles, social connectivity, and a strong sense of purpose.
5 key facts about this project
01
A roof garden designed for resident participation in food cultivation enhances community engagement.
02
The central courtyard maximizes natural light and promotes social interaction among residents.
03
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance and a unique aesthetic tailored to local climate conditions.
04
Integrated ramps throughout ensure accessibility for all mobility levels within the residence.
05
Local materials were prioritized to reduce environmental impact and support regional craftsmanship.

The architectural project "Our Little Farm" addresses the living needs of elderly residents by integrating communal agricultural practices within a sustainable design framework. This project is a response to the growing requirement for elderly housing that promotes active lifestyles, social interaction, and a sense of community. The design embraces a modern interpretation of traditional architectural elements while enhancing functionality through thoughtful spatial organization.

A central theme of "Our Little Farm" is its emphasis on community engagement through agriculture. The project features designated areas for residents to participate in gardening, cooking, and local trade, reinforcing social bonds and providing a sense of accomplishment. The design includes multi-story structures with internal courtyards and roof gardens that seamlessly integrate these activities into residents’ daily lives.

The building's structure is made from locally sourced and sustainable materials, including brick shear walls and concrete slabs, which contribute to durability and energy efficiency. The use of natural materials such as wood for canopies fosters warmth while supporting architectural aesthetics. This approach not only reduces the environmental footprint but also enhances the overall appeal of the living environment.

The spatial configuration is carefully designed to facilitate movement and accessibility, with features such as ramps integrated into the layout to accommodate residents’ mobility needs. The roof garden serves a dual function: it provides space for agriculture and enhances the thermal performance of the building. This innovative approach to design signifies a shift from typical aged care facilities towards a more integrated lifestyle that prioritizes health, community participation, and sustainability.

This innovative project reflects a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, where architecture becomes a catalyst for healthier, more connected senior living.

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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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