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Charred Wood Shingles and Local Stone Enhance Community Living in Natural Harmony

Authors:
William Benjamin, Steven Buenas
Charred Wood Shingles and Local Stone Enhance Community Living in Natural Harmony

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wood shingles and local stone, the design creates a harmonious environment that fosters community living for elderly residents while prioritizing accessibility and natural light.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates locally sourced stone to enhance environmental integration.
02
Features a unique bent A-frame design to maximize structural efficiency.
03
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
04
Includes designated "Blue Zones" to promote social interaction and active living.
05
Integrates extensive greenery throughout to foster a connection with nature.

### Location and Context

The project is located in Portugal, designed to integrate with the existing topography of a hilly site. It serves a community-oriented purpose, specifically tailored to support an elderly population by promoting social interaction and encouraging physical activity.

### Spatial Strategy and Accessibility

The architectural layout responds thoughtfully to the natural slopes of the landscape. Building arrangements are organized to enhance universal accessibility, featuring gradual ramps that ensure ease of movement for residents with varying mobility needs. This aspect aligns with the historical context of Portuguese towns, characterized by their narrow, sloping streets. Architectural forms exhibit organic shapes that reflect the undulating terrain, allowing for interconnected spaces that facilitate smooth transitions within the community.

The design includes diverse communal areas such as a café/bar, library, kitchen, therapy room, and dining area, all strategically positioned to enhance social engagement among residents. An entry courtyard serves as a focal point for gatherings, surrounded by accessible pathways and gardens. Specific zones, labeled as "Blue Zones," are established to promote active lifestyles and encourage interaction, contributing to an overall enhanced quality of life.

### Materiality and Environmental Considerations

Local stone is a primary material choice, blending seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, while also allowing for optimal light and air circulation within the interiors. Integrated wooden elements, including privacy screens and trellises, create shaded areas that maintain visual connections with nature.

Sustainability is central to the design, featuring green roofs and energy-efficient systems that minimize the community's environmental footprint. Natural light plays a crucial role, with strategically placed windows to maximize sunlight exposure throughout the day. This consideration not only improves the interior ambiance but also supports energy efficiency.

### Unit Design and User Experience

The residential units consist of both single and double accommodations, designed to meet various communal living preferences while enhancing privacy where needed. Interior spaces prioritize simplicity and comfort, utilizing earth-tone palettes and textured surfaces to foster a warm atmosphere.

Consistent with the overarching design principles, the project respects traditional Portuguese architectural styles while integrating modern accessibility features. By fostering connections among residents and with the surrounding landscape, the development seeks to promote a holistic approach to the well-being of its elderly inhabitants.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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