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Charred Wood Shingles and Green Terraces in a Modular Community for Seniors

Authors:
Camila Fernanda Lara Gutierrez, Karen Sofia Becerra Parada, Aura Sofia Mahecha Bermudez
Charred Wood Shingles and Green Terraces in a Modular Community for Seniors

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wood shingles and modular units, this community-oriented residence integrates green terraces to foster social connections among seniors while prioritizing sustainability and adaptability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for efficient prefabrication and structural integrity.
03
Features modular units that can be reconfigured to adapt to changing resident needs.
04
Integrates green terraces to promote biodiversity and provide communal gardening spaces.
05
Utilizes a bent A-frame design to optimize natural light and ventilation throughout the building.

### Overview
HiveHub is located in the urban center of Bogotá, Colombia, and is designed to address social isolation among the senior population. By embodying the structure and communal attributes of a beehive, the project aims to foster community interaction, adaptability, and environmental harmony. The architectural analysis will explore the design's conceptual framework, material selections, and spatial organization, highlighting its focus on fostering social connections and sustainability.

### Community-Centric Design
The design of HiveHub emphasizes community interaction through the arrangement of living spaces, conceived as individual modules or "cells." This layout promotes a sense of belonging while facilitating social engagement among residents. Core principles guiding the project include a commitment to sustainability through environmentally responsible materials and energy-efficient systems, and adaptability, allowing spaces to evolve with the changing needs of the community.

The strategic site selection enhances accessibility to vital services like healthcare and recreation, creating a living environment integrated with the urban landscape. Public spaces are a focal point in the layout, serving as communal hubs for leisure and interaction, thereby enriching the overall residential experience.

### Materiality and Sustainability
HiveHub's construction employs environmentally sustainable materials that ensure durability and aesthetic quality. Key materials used in the project include prefabricated metal modules for efficient assembly, concrete for structural integrity, and glass to promote natural light within living spaces. The integration of green terraces not only enhances the visual appeal but also contributes to environmental sustainability by supporting urban vegetation and biodiversity. Renewable energy is harnessed through the use of solar panels, while wood finishes create inviting interior environments.

### Spatial Organization
The ground floor is designed as a dynamic interface where public and residential areas converge, incorporating commercial spaces, greenhouses, and recreational facilities. Key features include an open-air gymnasium, playgrounds, and social gathering areas, ensuring that residents have easy access to both leisure and essential services without extensive travel.

Vertical organization is evident in the multi-story design, with each floor serving distinct functions. The first floor accommodates up to 32 residents with shared amenities including dining and recreational spaces. The second floor contains residential units with direct access to communal terraces, promoting outdoor engagement, while the third floor offers larger duplex apartments, providing comfort and high vantage points, complemented by dedicated community spaces that encourage user interaction.

### Bioclimatic Innovation
The design incorporates bioclimatic strategies to maximize energy efficiency, minimize operational costs, and support ecological principles. Natural light is harnessed through strategically positioned windows and glass interfaces, while cross-ventilation systems reduce reliance on mechanical cooling. Green roofs serve dual purposes as insulation for the structure and as communal gardening areas for residents.

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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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