Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cantilevered Terraces in a Community-Focused Elder Living Space

Author:
Konstantin Kim
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cantilevered Terraces in a Community-Focused Elder Living Space

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and cantilevered terraces, the design fosters a sense of community for elderly residents, seamlessly blending private living with shared spaces in a thoughtfully integrated environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building features cantilevered terraces that extend the living space outdoors, promoting interaction with the natural surroundings.
02
Charred wooden shingles enhance fire resistance while providing a unique texture and aesthetic appeal to the façade.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels are employed for their structural efficiency and sustainability, reducing the building's carbon footprint.
04
The design incorporates extensive landscaping, including communal gardens that encourage social engagement among residents.
05
An innovative bent A-frame design optimizes natural light penetration and reduces energy consumption throughout the year.
The architectural design project “Now and Together” presents a thoughtful approach to community living, particularly tailored for elderly residents. This project exemplifies a blend of functionality and warmth, aiming to create a nurturing environment that fosters social interaction while maintaining individual privacy. At its core, the design represents a significant shift in the perception of senior living spaces, emphasizing a community-centric model rather than isolated living.

The project's layout features a distinctive U-shaped structure that wraps around a central communal area, thereby promoting a sense of connectivity among its inhabitants. This design choice not only facilitates social gatherings but also encourages residents to engage in daily activities together, enhancing their quality of life. Each of the units is designed to be accessible, with careful attention to mobility needs, allowing for easy navigation throughout the space. The incorporation of ample communal amenities, such as shared dining rooms, social lounges, and activity spaces, furthers the project’s mission of fostering a close-knit community.

The materials selected for the construction of this project reflect a careful consideration of both sustainability and aesthetics. Predominantly, clay brick forms the exterior façade, offering durable protection while adding a sense of warmth and texture. Reinforced concrete serves as the backbone, ensuring structural integrity, especially where cantilevers are concerned. Expansive glass elements are utilized to maximize natural light and create a sense of openness, bridging the gap between indoor and outdoor spaces. Metal railings on terraces provide safety while maintaining unobstructed views of the inviting landscape, richly integrated into the overall design. The use of wood finishes within the interiors adds an enriching tactile quality that makes the living environment feel welcoming and home-like.

Significantly, the project’s design addresses not only the aesthetic aspects but also the emotional and psychological well-being of its residents. By creating spaces that are both communal and private, “Now and Together” seeks to strike a balance where residents can feel a part of a community while having their own sanctuary to retreat to. This dual approach is exemplified through thoughtfully designed balconies and gathering areas that nurture interactions among neighbors, fostering a sense of belonging and shared experiences.

The project stands out due to its commitment to enhancing community dynamics through architectural design. Elements such as gardening spaces and outdoor activity areas invite residents to engage with nature and each other, underscoring the project's philosophy of social integration. The landscaping is designed to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, allowing for outdoor activities and tranquil spots for reflection or relaxation. This attention to the link between nature and community living demonstrates a progressive understanding of how architecture can influence lifestyle choices and enhance well-being.

A defining feature of the design is its barrier-free environment that prioritizes ease of movement for all residents, particularly those with mobility challenges. This creates an inclusive atmosphere where independence is encouraged and supported, setting a standard for future residential projects focusing on similar demographics.

Overall, the “Now and Together” project embodies a contemporary architectural approach that prioritizes community cohesion and practical living solutions. Its thoughtful design, material choices, and commitment to enhancing the quality of life for elderly residents make it a compelling study in modern residential architecture. Readers interested in delving deeper into the architectural plans, sections, and design philosophies of this project are encouraged to explore the presentation further for a comprehensive understanding of its potential influence on future architectural ideas and community living designs.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy