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Charred Wood Shingles and Adaptable Spaces Enhance Senior Living In Urban Context

Author:
Jeremy James Iannucci
Charred Wood Shingles and Adaptable Spaces Enhance Senior Living In Urban Context

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood shingles and a flexible layout, the design enhances community interaction while providing accessible living for seniors in an urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for sustainable structural integrity.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and space efficiency.
04
Includes landscaped communal courtyards to encourage resident interaction.
05
Integrates accessible design elements tailored specifically for senior residents.
The Crossroads Senior Housing project is located at the intersection of Baxter Avenue and Elmhurst Avenue in Jackson Heights, Queens, New York. It serves as a multifamily residential building designed to accommodate the needs of senior residents. The project integrates various living spaces with communal areas to foster interaction and community engagement among its residents. The overall design emphasizes accessibility, flexibility, and a sense of belonging while maintaining a connection to the vibrant urban context of Jackson Heights.

Community and Connectivity

A notable aspect of the Crossroads Senior Housing project is its focus on community-building through spatial design. The architectural layout features common spaces, such as a social lobby, fitness center, and communal roof garden, strategically placed to encourage social interaction among residents. By incorporating diverse unit types, ranging from single-room to multi-bedroom apartments, the project caters to different lifestyles and varying levels of independence. This adaptability ensures that all residents can find suitable accommodations according to their personal needs.

The design also considers circulation and accessibility. Wide corridors and thoughtfully placed entrances facilitate ease of movement, while elevators ensure that all levels of the building are accessible to residents with mobility challenges. In addition, natural light permeates through floor-to-ceiling windows, enhancing the indoor environment and establishing a direct visual connection to the outdoor landscape.

Architectural Form and Materiality

The architectural expression of the Crossroads Senior Housing project combines contemporary aesthetics with functional requirements. Utilizing a material palette that includes brick, metal cladding, glass, and wood, the design resonates with both modern and traditional architectural elements found in the surrounding neighborhood.

The brick exterior provides necessary structural integrity, while the use of green metal cladding gives the building a distinct character. Glass features allow for ample lighting and visual connections to exterior green spaces. The project’s design approach does not only prioritize aesthetics but also emphasizes sustainability through energy-efficient materials and systems.

By embedding landscaped gardens and shared courtyards within the design, the project reinforces the significance of outdoor spaces in fostering community interactions. These areas support various activities, from gardening to informal gatherings, thereby enhancing residents' quality of life.

Prospective readers are encouraged to delve deeper into the architectural plans, architectural sections, architectural designs, and architectural ideas of the Crossroads Senior Housing project for a comprehensive understanding of its design intricacies and functional aspirations.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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
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