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Charred Wooden Shingles and Community Gardens in Silesian Senior Living Design

Author:
Natalia Izabela Jasak
Charred Wooden Shingles and Community Gardens in Silesian Senior Living Design

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and integrated community gardens, the design fosters sustainable living for seniors in Silesia, promoting well-being and social interaction within a thoughtfully crafted environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates agricultural spaces for resident gardening participation.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency.
04
Designed with accessibility in mind for all residents.
05
Includes communal areas that promote intergenerational interactions.

## Overview

Located in Katowice, Silesia, Poland, "Symbiosis" is an architectural design focused on enhancing the quality of life for seniors by integrating built and natural environments. The project encompasses various functions, including residential accommodations, agricultural spaces, and communal areas, aiming to foster both social interaction and ecological responsibility within a cohesive framework.

## Spatial Organization and Functional Layout

The design features a well-defined site plan organized into distinct zones that facilitate diverse activities. The main building serves as the central hub, containing living quarters while being appreciatively integrated into the overall landscape. Key areas include common and medical zones that support social engagement and health services, as well as private accommodation sections designed for comfort and accessibility. Auxiliary spaces such as laundry and storage enhance operational efficiency.

Outdoor areas complement the internal environment, with garden beds, recreational spaces, and dedicated agricultural zones that promote interaction with nature. The inclusion of community-oriented elements, such as market areas and therapeutic gardens, supports the mental and physical well-being of residents by encouraging active participation in communal life.

## Material Selection and Sustainability

Material choices reflect a commitment to durability and environmental sustainability. Brick is primarily used for the main structure, lending structural integrity and harmonizing with the surrounding landscape. Stone pathways connect various zones, while large glass openings maximize natural light and visual connections to outdoor environments. Structural steel elements contribute to a contemporary aesthetic while ensuring safety.

Sustainable practices are embedded into the design through the integration of local vegetation and rainwater management strategies, reinforcing the project’s ecological objectives and promoting a harmonious relationship with the surrounding ecosystem.

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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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