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Charred Wooden Shingles and Brick Integration in Residential Elderly Care Community

Authors:
Steven yuchuan Chen, Yukun Bai
Charred Wooden Shingles and Brick Integration in Residential Elderly Care Community

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and resilient brick, the design creates a harmonious living environment that fosters community and independence for elderly residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Uses charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to improve structural efficiency and energy performance.
03
Features a unique bent A-frame design that optimizes natural light and views.
04
Includes intimate gathering spaces integrated within the residential layout to foster community engagement.
05
Designed with a dual-level circulation system to promote accessibility and social interaction.

### Overview
Located in a verdant hillside context in Portugal, the RevitalAge project addresses the needs of the elderly by fostering an environment that promotes individuality and community. The design shifts the focus from conventional institutional models to a more personalized approach, incorporating distinct living units that encourage independence while facilitating social connections. This analysis explores the integral design philosophies, material selections, and spatial arrangements that characterize this initiative.

### Spatial Arrangement and Connectivity
The site layout is meticulously designed to optimize both functional and aesthetic qualities. By utilizing the natural contours of the hillside, the project avoids a singular, dominant structure, opting instead for a staggered massing that integrates with the landscape. The main building features a sloped roof and distinctive form, enhancing the site’s architectural identity. The circulation strategy includes dual pathways: one at ground level for accessible housing and another elevated pathway connecting communal spaces. A comprehensive network of paths links individual units to shared facilities, promoting movement and interaction among residents.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Material choices are crucial in establishing the project's character and functionality. Brick serves as the primary building material, valued for its durability, thermal efficiency, and comforting visual qualities. Timber accents and structural elements introduce warmth and sustainability, while extensive use of glass enhances natural light and connects indoor spaces with the outdoors. Concrete provides the necessary structural integrity for pathways and communal areas. These materials collectively support the project's goals of sustainability and aesthetic cohesion, reflecting an environmentally conscious approach to elderly living.

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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
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
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MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Kinderspace
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