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Charred Wooden Shingles and Concrete Integration in a Multigenerational Living Environment

Author:
Hyunju Kim
Charred Wooden Shingles and Concrete Integration in a Multigenerational Living Environment

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and concrete integration, the design creates a dynamic intergenerational living environment that enhances community engagement and supports the independence of elderly residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and weather resistance.
02
Features cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Includes dedicated workshop spaces facilitating intergenerational collaboration.
04
Design integrates natural light with expansive windows, promoting well-being.
05
Utilizes vertical circulation to encourage spontaneous interactions among residents.

## Project Overview

The design titled "Nook" addresses the need for intergenerational living spaces, focusing on enhancing the quality of life for elderly residents. Located in an urban Korean context influenced by prevailing social dynamics, the project aims to counteract social isolation through environments that promote communication and communal activities among both seniors and younger individuals.

## Material Selection

The material palette is designed to foster a welcoming and modern atmosphere, utilizing:
- **Concrete**: Functions as the primary structural component, providing stability and a minimalist aesthetic.
- **Glass**: Employed in expansive windows and open areas, facilitating natural light and interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces.
- **Wood**: Incorporated in flooring and furniture to evoke warmth and comfort.
- **Metal**: Utilized in detailing to signify contemporary design elements, enhancing the overall visual language of the structure.

## Spatial Organization

The layout strategically defines public, semi-public, and private zones, ensuring a versatile and functional use of space:
- **Public Spaces**: Include shared meeting rooms, cafés, outdoor movie theaters, and communal exercise areas designed to accommodate events and activities for all age groups.
- **Semi-Public Spaces**: These transitional areas are designed to promote spontaneous social interactions while maintaining an element of privacy.
- **Private Units**: Self-contained living spaces for elderly residents prioritize autonomy and provide necessary support services.

Key design features include an emphasis on vertical communication to facilitate movement among floors, buffer zones to create comfortable interaction environments, and designated areas that actively encourage engagement between elderly residents and younger community members through workshops and collaborative spaces.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
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