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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Create a Harmonious Senior Living Community

Author:
Sina Drechsler
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Create a Harmonious Senior Living Community

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design emphasizes community interaction while providing a supportive and accessible environment for senior living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles to enhance weather resistance and aesthetics.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for improved sustainability and structural integrity.
03
Features a circular layout to encourage social connectivity among residents.
04
Includes extensive natural light through large glass panels, promoting wellness.
05
Utilizes green roofing to enhance insulation and provide green spaces for residents.

The architectural design project "Beyond Isolation: Senior Housing" is located in Schleswig-Holstein, Germany, and addresses the needs of an aging population through a thoughtful and community-oriented approach. This project focuses on creating a sustainable living environment for seniors, emphasizing the importance of both individual privacy and social interaction. The structure employs a circular design intended to foster connection among residents while offering support for independent living.

The project comprises a central hub that acts as the focal point for communal activities. Surrounding this central space are residential units that accommodate single and double living arrangements. The design allows for flexibility, catering to varying needs and preferences, and prioritizes accessibility to ensure ease of movement throughout the facility.

Unique Aspects of Design What distinguishes "Beyond Isolation: Senior Housing" from other senior living projects is its deliberate integration of natural surroundings within the architectural framework. The use of expansive glass panels enhances the relationship between indoor and outdoor spaces and ensures ample natural light, contributing to a positive living environment. The project also incorporates green roofing, which not only adds aesthetic value but serves to improve insulation as well.

Additionally, the layout includes dedicated spaces for recreational activities, gardens, and social interaction, promoting mental well-being through community engagement. This thoughtful arrangement addresses the common issues of isolation and loneliness often faced by seniors, providing a holistic approach to elder care in an architectural context.

Sustainability and Functionality Sustainability is a core principle of the project. The materials selected include wood, glass, and concrete, chosen for their environmental properties and durability. Every element is designed for longevity while minimizing ecological impact. Features such as rainwater harvesting systems are integrated to support efficient water use.

Functionally, the design supports a seamless flow between public and private spaces, allowing for both community interaction and personal privacy. This balance is vital for fostering a sense of belonging while respecting individual autonomy. The overall architecture is aimed at enhancing the quality of life for its residents by providing an environment that sustains both physical health and social connectivity.

This project encapsulates a modern approach to senior housing, making it an important reference in contemporary architecture for elder care. To gain deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas behind "Beyond Isolation: Senior Housing," readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation. Further examination will reveal the intricate details and thoughtful considerations that are central to this innovative architectural endeavor.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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