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Charred Wood Shingles Overlaying Concrete Forms in A Multi-Dimensional Wellness Facility

Authors:
Alia Amer, Ayman Emaira, Clara Bondi
Charred Wood Shingles Overlaying Concrete Forms in A Multi-Dimensional Wellness Facility

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles envelop a robust concrete structure, creating an engaging environment that promotes wellness and community interaction within a dedicated elderly care facility.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide a durable and environmentally sensitive exterior.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural integrity while promoting sustainability.
03
A central courtyard serves as the primary communal space for residents to gather.
04
Elevated multi-level design maximizes views and integrates with the natural landscape.
05
User-friendly circulation paths ensure easy access throughout the facility for all residents.

### Overview
Located within a carefully selected site that offers elevation and scenic views, the design of "Solicitude" serves as a specialized elderly care facility aimed at promoting wellness and a sense of community. The layout consists of six interconnected masses, each representing one of the six dimensions of wellness: emotional, occupational, physical, social, intellectual, and spiritual. This configuration is specifically designed to nurture relationships among residents while providing environments that are comfortable and supportive.

### Community and Spatial Strategy
The project emphasizes community engagement with spaces strategically designed for social interaction and activities. Central to the design is a courtyard that fosters gatherings for residents and visitors, reinforcing a sense of community. The spatial organization includes dedicated zones for accommodations, communal amenities, and activities, each contributing to an organized and functional flow throughout the facility. Various room types—both single and double—ensure that privacy is respected while accommodating companionship as needed. The circulation paths throughout the facility are designed for ease of movement, addressing mobility challenges common among elderly residents.

### Material Selection
Materiality plays a crucial role in addressing the overall objective of comfort and well-being. Concrete is utilized for its durability and structural stability, while expansive glass facades allow natural light to permeate the interiors, promoting visual connections with the surrounding landscape. Wood elements are incorporated to provide warmth and texture, particularly in communal areas. Landscaping with greenery creates not only aesthetic appeal but also practical benefits, such as shading and cooling, contributing to the emotional wellness of the 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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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