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Charred Wood Screens and Modular Design Foster Community Living in Accessible Residential Units

Authors:
Sze nga siara Wong, Carole Yeong
Charred Wood Screens and Modular Design Foster Community Living in Accessible Residential Units

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wood screens and modular configurations, this residential design enhances communal living for seniors while seamlessly integrating into the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wood screens provide both aesthetic appeal and solar shading.
02
Modular design allows for flexible living configurations tailored to individual needs.
03
Integrated communal courtyards enhance social interactions among residents.
04
Gardened rooftops promote biodiversity and outdoor accessibility.
05
Ramped walkways ensure easy navigation for mobility-impaired individuals.

### Project Overview
Located in a sloped region of Portugal, the design focuses on addressing the pressing need for senior housing within a context characterized by scenic coastal landscapes. The intent is to provide an environment that enhances the quality of life for the elderly by promoting accessibility, encouraging community interaction, and integrating seamlessly with the surrounding landscape.

### Spatial Organization and Community Integration
The layout of the development is structured around four primary squares, facilitating a dynamic relationship between private units and communal areas. Modular residential blocks are strategically arranged to optimize natural light and encourage resident interaction. Central voids and courtyards are incorporated as communal gathering spaces, enhancing connectivity among residents and fostering a sense of community. The design features adaptable living environments suitable for both independent and assisted living, emphasizing flexibility in response to varying resident needs.

### Material Selection and Functionality
The material palette is carefully curated to balance aesthetic appeal with functional performance. Key materials include concrete for structural stability, reinforced glass to enhance visibility and natural light, and textured plaster for a tactile exterior finish. Sustainably sourced wood is integrated into various elements such as handrails and flooring, adding warmth, while metal screens designed with intricate patterns serve as shading devices and privacy enhancers. Each unit is uniquely oriented, marked by colorful azulejos, assisting residents in navigation and supporting those with memory challenges.

This comprehensive approach underscores the project's commitment to user-centric design, promoting both independence and social engagement through features such as intersecting circulations, internal courtyards for natural light and airflow, and accessible ramped walkways. Community spaces are central to the layout, fostering interaction and collaboration among residents. Thus, the design reflects a thorough understanding of the needs and aspirations of its senior demographic.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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