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Charred Wooden Shingles and Concrete Foundations Shaping Community Spaces for Senior Living

Author:
Choi Taeju
Charred Wooden Shingles and Concrete Foundations Shaping Community Spaces for Senior Living

Project in-detail

Blending charred wooden shingles with concrete to create an inviting and accessible living environment, the design fosters community connections and supports senior residents in a harmonious setting.
5 key facts about this project
01
The building features charred wooden shingles, enhancing durability while creating a visually rich texture.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for their lightweight strength and sustainability.
03
Each private room includes a terrace, promoting direct access to natural surroundings and encouraging outdoor activity.
04
Memory pathways showcase personal photographs, allowing residents to share their stories and experiences.
05
The design integrates communal gardens, fostering social interaction and engagement among residents.
The project at hand is an exemplary architectural design aimed at creating a suitable living environment for seniors. This residence focuses on evoking memories while fostering a sense of community and belonging among its inhabitants. By integrating thoughtful layout and materiality, the design reflects the complexities of aging and the significance of memory, making it a unique proposal within the realm of architectural solutions for senior living.

The architectural approach adopted in this project captures an essential narrative of reminiscence and interaction. It underscores the importance of designing spaces that not only provide shelter but also encourage engagement with one's past and community. This concept is strengthened through the careful consideration of spatial arrangements, which are designed to facilitate social interactions while allowing for moments of solitude. A blend of communal areas and private rooms creates an inviting atmosphere, promoting a balanced lifestyle for seniors.

Functionally, the residence is organized into distinct levels, each thoughtfully curated to fulfill specific needs of the seniors. The ground floor, or B1 level, is dedicated to social functions, featuring spaces such as a dining area, therapy room, chapel, and library. These spaces are essential for cultivating a sense of community, allowing residents to come together for shared dining experiences, engage in therapeutic activities, or find peace in the chapel. The first floor emphasizes wellness through the inclusion of nursing facilities alongside welcoming areas and gardens, all designed to be easily accessible. On the second and third floors, the focus shifts to private accommodations with single and twin rooms, each augmented by terraces that provide residents with personal outdoor spaces.

The design embraces a unique approach to the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces. The incorporation of terraces at various levels encourages residents to step outside, engage with nature, and socialize in semi-private environments. These terraces establish connections with the surrounding landscape and promote a strong sense of place. Additionally, the project's massing strategy adapts to the natural slope of the site, emphasizing its fluid relationship with the terrain and enhancing the overall visual impact of the structure.

Materials were chosen with care to enhance both aesthetics and functionality. The use of concrete provides structural integrity while offering durability and thermal mass benefits. Wood finishes foster warmth within the communal and private areas, establishing a comforting environment. Glass elements, such as large windows and balcony railings, serve to optimize natural light, creating a brighter living space that connects occupants to their surroundings. The potential use of metal further complements the design by introducing sleek lines that contrast with organic forms and textures.

One of the project’s standout features is its integration of memory pathways—corridors or visual routes that invite residents to interact with photographs or memorabilia. This thoughtful consideration of how to incorporate personal history into the architectural fabric enriches the living experience, allowing seniors to share stories and engage with each other's pasts. The design not only acknowledges aging but actively addresses it through accessible spaces and considerations for mobility, making it a responsive and inclusive environment.

What sets this project apart is its sophisticated understanding of the senior demographic's needs, taking into account emotional, social, and physical requirements. The seamless blend of functional spaces, unique design ideas, and regenerative interaction with memory reflects a deep commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents. As you explore this project further through its architectural plans, sections, and details, you will gain a deeper understanding of how these components coalesce into a refined approach in senior living design, reinforcing the vitality of memory within architecture.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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
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