Get inspired!

17,495 architecture projects

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

Charred Wood Facades Harmonize With Green Roofs in a Senior Living Environment

Author:
Arantxa Flores Caballero
Charred Wood Facades Harmonize With Green Roofs in a Senior Living Environment

Project in-detail

With charred wood facades and green roof systems that integrate seamlessly with the environment, the design creates an accessible and communal living space tailored for seniors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide a weather-resistant exterior while enhancing fire safety.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are used for structural elements, ensuring sustainability.
03
A bent A-frame design maximizes natural light and enhances spatial flow.
04
Community gardens are integrated to promote resident engagement and outdoor activities.
05
Accessible ramps seamlessly connect private and communal spaces, ensuring mobility for all residents.
The architectural design project "Beyond Isolation: Senior Home" is located at the National Autonomous University of Mexico in Mexico City. It aims to create a supportive living environment for senior citizens, focusing on fostering community interaction while being sensitive to its geographical and ecological context. The design connects the built environment with surrounding natural landscapes, emphasizing the therapeutic benefits of nature for the elderly.

Design Functionality and Organization

The senior home serves multiple functions, primarily focusing on providing a space that encourages community and social interaction among its residents. The layout includes private bedroom units arranged around communal spaces, such as a dining area and activity rooms, promoting both privacy and engagement. A notable feature is the ramp that connects various levels, allowing seamless movement and accessibility throughout the building.

Important components of the design include:
- Communal Areas: A central kitchen and dining space promote shared meals and social gatherings, enhancing the community feel.
- Residential Units: Carefully designed to provide comfort and private retreat, each unit is equipped with natural light and views of the outdoors.
- Rooftop Gardens: These spaces are designed for relaxation and socialization, allowing residents the opportunity to engage with the environment and participate in gardening activities.

The integration of community gardens is a distinctive aspect of this project, providing residents with hands-on opportunities to connect with nature and engage in physical activity. This design choice caters specifically to the needs of elderly residents, promoting both mental well-being and physical health.

Sustainability and Material Selection

Sustainability is a critical focus of this project, with an emphasis on using locally sourced materials that reflect the ecological context of the site. The primary materials include:
- Reinforced Concrete: Offering structural integrity necessary for longevity.
- Glass: Utilized for maximizing natural light and providing visual connections to the landscape.
- Wood: Incorporated for warmth in communal areas and interior finishes.
- Natural Stone: Sourced from local quarries, enhancing the site's connection to its geological heritage.
- Green Roof Systems: Facilitating insulation and promoting biodiversity, aligning with environmentally sustainable design principles.

This thoughtful selection of materials not only reinforces the architectural integrity but also contributes to a reduced environmental footprint.

Exploring Architectural Design Elements

The architectural design emphasizes a blend of functionality, accessibility, and engagement with nature. Attention to detail is apparent in the transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, with large openings and terraces that lead to the surrounding gardens. This design approach encourages interaction among residents while providing the serenity required for individual reflection.

The effective use of zoning further distinguishes this project from conventional senior living facilities, creating a balance between private and common areas. The architectural plans and sections illustrate clear delineations of space, enabling a thoughtful transition from personal residential units to communal areas.

For more detailed insights into the architecture and design of "Beyond Isolation: Senior Home," including the architectural plans and sections that highlight unique details and functionalities, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. The thoughtful integration of community, nature, and sustainability within the design makes it a noteworthy reference in contemporary senior living architecture.
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 17,495 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