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Charred Wood Shingles and Glass Facades Integrate Seamlessly in a Community-Centric Residential Facility

Authors:
Melvin Chia, Mira Razi
Charred Wood Shingles and Glass Facades Integrate Seamlessly in a Community-Centric Residential Facility

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wood shingles and extensive glass facades, the design fosters connectivity with nature while accommodating the needs of elderly residents in a community-focused residential 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 improved structural performance and aesthetics.
03
Features extensive glass facades to maximize natural light and facilitate views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Includes a central community square designed to promote social interaction among residents.
05
Integrates accessible design elements tailored to the specific needs of elderly individuals.

## Overview

Located on a hillside with expansive views, the design of the facility for elderly residents emphasizes a community-centric approach, fostering a sense of belonging and engagement. The intent is to create a supportive living environment that promotes social interaction, leisure activities, and spiritual well-being, ultimately positioning the facility as a central hub for its residents.

### Spatial Organization

The layout features a village-like arrangement, where clusters of buildings are oriented around a central town square. This design facilitates easy access to essential communal amenities such as a dining hall, library, and chapel, enhancing opportunities for resident interaction. Each residential unit, available in one- and two-bedroom configurations, is designed to offer comfort and privacy while remaining accessible for individuals with varying mobility needs. Private balconies on each unit allow residents to connect with the surrounding landscape, fostering a relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Material choices reflect a commitment to both aesthetic appeal and environmental integration. The structure predominantly employs concrete for durability, while extensive use of glass enhances natural light and visual connectivity to the outdoors. Wood adds warmth to both communal and private spaces, complementing the use of natural stone for flooring and exterior elements that facilitate harmony with the site.

In terms of sustainability, the design prioritizes energy efficiency through strategic building orientation and the incorporation of green spaces, which are integral to promoting biodiversity. The careful selection of materials also underscores the facility's commitment to minimizing environmental impact, aligning with modern expectations for responsible architectural practices.

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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

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