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Charred Wood Shingles and Communal Gardens Uniting Seniors in Thoughtful Living Environment

Author:
Tarique Katuntu
Charred Wood Shingles and Communal Gardens Uniting Seniors in Thoughtful Living Environment

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wood shingles and expansive communal gardens, this residential complex promotes social engagement among seniors while providing individual living spaces designed for comfort and accessibility.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while providing an aesthetic texture.
02
Communal gardens are designed to encourage social interaction among residents.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels improve structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
The bent A-frame design maximizes interior space and promotes natural ventilation.
05
Accessible pathways connect personal units with shared amenities for ease of movement.
The project, Senior Next Door, situated in Harkány, Pécs, Hungary, represents an architectural endeavor focused on accommodating the needs of the aging population. This design integrates individual residential units with communal spaces to facilitate social interaction among seniors. The architecture prioritizes both private living experiences and community engagement, providing a supportive environment that addresses the challenges faced by older adults.

Spatial Organization and Functionality

The Senior Next Door project comprises a series of residential units arranged systematically around communal green spaces. Each unit is designed to offer privacy while maintaining easy access to shared areas, thereby promoting a sense of belonging. The layout encourages residents to engage with one another, diminishing feelings of isolation often encountered in standard senior living arrangements.

The residential units feature open floor plans that optimize natural light and enhance the usability of space. Integral to the design are accessible pathways and gardens that provide a seamless transition between private and communal areas. This organization reflects a thoughtful approach to ensuring that seniors have both personal retreat spaces and social venues.

Unique Design Approaches

What differentiates Senior Next Door from other senior living projects is its emphasis on community integration and user-friendly design. The architectural concept focuses on creating a vibrant neighborhood atmosphere where residents can participate in communal activities while enjoying the comfort of their homes. Each unit showcases diverse architectural styles and colors, allowing for individual expression and reducing uniformity often seen in typical developments.

Additionally, the incorporation of multifunctional community spaces enhances the project's usability. These areas are designed for various activities, ensuring that residents have opportunities to engage in social, recreational, and wellness programs. By addressing the physical and social needs of seniors, the design reinforces the notion that aging should not equate to isolation, but rather, can be a time for connection and interaction.

Architectural Materials and Sustainability

A significant aspect of the design is the choice of materials, which includes wood, concrete, and glass. These materials not only provide structural integrity but also contribute to the overall aesthetic appeal. Wood is used for finishes, imparting warmth, while concrete ensures durability. Large glass windows maximize daylighting and provide views of the surrounding landscape, fostering a connection to nature.

The project promotes sustainability through its landscape integration. Green spaces serve not only as communal gathering spots but also as areas for gardening and environmental interaction, reinforcing the importance of outdoor activities for seniors. This combination of thoughtful design, functional spaces, and careful material selection results in a holistic approach to senior living.

Explore the project presentation to gain deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, and design elements that contribute to the functionality and vision behind Senior Next Door. This exploration will provide a comprehensive understanding of the innovative ideas embedded within this project, highlighting its unique contributions to senior living architecture.
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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
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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
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