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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.
The project "Nook!" is a thoughtfully designed architectural initiative focused on creating intergenerational living spaces aimed at improving the quality of life for elderly residents. The premise of the design integrates public, semi-public, and private spaces to facilitate social interaction and community engagement while promoting independence among its inhabitants. This approach seeks to address the issue of social isolation faced by seniors, particularly in urban environments where community connections can often diminish.

The architectural design emphasizes functionality through a carefully curated spatial layout. Public areas are designed to host communal activities, including meeting rooms, cafés, and outdoor movie theaters. These spaces are strategically placed to encourage collaboration between different age groups, fostering a sense of community. Semi-public zones are included as transitional spaces, allowing for informal gatherings without compromising privacy. The private units are designed as self-contained living quarters for seniors, promoting autonomy while still offering support services as needed.

Innovative Design Approaches

"Nook!" distinguishes itself through its vertical communication strategy, promoting fluid movement throughout the building. This design fosters natural interactions among residents and visitors while ensuring accessibility. Incorporation of buffer zones serves as transitional areas to alleviate the potential pressure associated with social gatherings, further enhancing comfort among users. The project also emphasizes intergenerational interaction through dedicated workshop spaces and shared facilities, ensuring that both elderly and youth members engage meaningfully.

Sustainability is a vital aspect of the architectural design. Material choices, such as concrete, glass, wood, and metal, are selected not only for their aesthetic value but also for their functional benefits in promoting a healthy living environment. Natural light is maximized through large windows, which also helps create a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Additionally, shared gardens and recreational areas encourage outdoor activities, contributing to overall wellness.

Community Integration and Health Focus

Health and well-being stand as core considerations in the design philosophy of "Nook!" Integrated spaces for physical activity and communal engagement promote active lifestyles among residents of all ages. This alignment between architectural design and community health addresses the growing expectations of senior living environments, typifying modern approaches to gerontology in architecture.

For those interested in a more detailed exploration of the project, including the architectural plans, sections, and specific design decisions, further examination of the project presentation is recommended. Engage with the various elements of architectural design and ideas that define "Nook!" to gain a comprehensive understanding of its innovative approach to intergenerational living.
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Enter an open architecture
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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
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