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Charred Wood Cladding Surrounding a Central Reflection Pool in a Community-Centric Elderly Facility

Author:
Xiaowei Bai
Charred Wood Cladding Surrounding a Central Reflection Pool in a Community-Centric Elderly Facility

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wood cladding that enhances its connection to the landscape, this community-focused facility prioritizes accessibility and social interaction, offering a supportive environment for elderly residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design that maximizes space and natural light.
04
Public plaza designed to foster community interaction among residents.
05
Landscaped gardens integrated into the layout for therapeutic outdoor engagement.

## Overview

Casa de Idosos, located in a geographically significant area, focuses on creating a supportive environment for elderly residents. The design emphasizes a strategic blend of form and function, prioritizing comfort, accessibility, and community interaction. The architectural intent is to foster social connectivity while respecting the privacy needs of its inhabitants.

## Spatial Configuration and Community Engagement

The unique L-shaped structure is instrumental in promoting communal spaces and private areas within the facility. The main entrance, situated at the northwest corner, leads to a public plaza that serves as a social centerpiece, facilitating connections with the surrounding community. The internal layout incorporates essential facilities including a dining room, library, chapel, therapy rooms, and recreational spaces, all designed to minimize distances and enhance usability for elderly residents.

### Material Selections and Environmental Considerations

Material choice reflects the project’s commitment to durability and aesthetics. The primary facade utilizes masonry brick for its warmth and longevity, while strategically placed glass panels enhance visibility and natural light. Natural wood finishes contribute to a welcoming atmosphere within communal areas, and concrete is employed for foundational strength and practicality.

The design thoughtfully adapts to the site’s topography, optimizing sunlight exposure and air circulation to enhance living conditions. Large windows and skylights illuminate common areas, fostering a connection to nature that supports the psychological well-being of residents. Outdoor features such as community gardens and a reflection pool encourage social interaction and promote wellness through engagement with nature.

The interior layout combines openness with structured navigation, accommodating both individual and communal activities. The lobby serves as an inviting transition space, while the arrangement of suites and common areas facilitates ease of movement and accessibility. The atrium functions as a central design element, linking different sections of the building and allowing natural light to permeate deeper into the interior.

Through this careful planning of spatial and material strategies, the Casa de Idosos establishes an environment conducive to both comfort and community integration.

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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
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
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