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Charred Wood Cladding and Glass Facades in a Residential Community for Seniors

Authors:
María belén Pérez montelongo, Camila Giaconi santos
Charred Wood Cladding and Glass Facades in a Residential Community for Seniors

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wood cladding and expansive glass facades, the residential community integrates seamlessly with its environment to provide an accessible and interactive living space for seniors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural performance and sustainability.
03
Incorporates ample glass surfaces for natural light and a visual connection to nature.
04
Designed with a bent A-frame structure to promote unique spatial experiences and stability.
05
Includes communal gardens integrated into the landscape for resident engagement and relaxation.

## Project Overview
The "Maison de Retraite" project is located in a rural or semi-urban setting, designed as a contemporary retirement home aimed at enhancing resident comfort and fostering community engagement. The facility emphasizes accessibility and social interaction, integrating modern architectural principles within its design.

### Spatial Strategy
The layout of the building is characterized by a series of stacked volumes supported by pilotis, which creates opportunities for versatile ground-level interactions and landscaping. A central circulatory core enhances accessibility by connecting various activity areas, while common spaces such as lounges, community kitchens, and activity rooms are strategically placed to encourage social interaction among residents. Residential units are oriented to maximize natural light and views, balancing privacy with a sense of community.

### Materiality
The chosen materials reflect both functional and aesthetic considerations. Concrete provides structural durability, complemented by large glass panels that facilitate transparency and connection with the surrounding landscape. Metal grids serve multiple purposes, acting as sunshades for light optimization while contributing to the building's visual identity. Additionally, the thoughtful inclusion of wood elements in interior spaces aims to infuse warmth and a tactile quality into the environment. Sustainable strategies inferred from the design may include features such as cross-ventilation and optimized natural light, with potential for green roofs.

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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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