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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enrich Coastal Senior Living Spaces

Author:
Michelle Piasek
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Enrich Coastal Senior Living Spaces

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the design fosters a blend of sustainability and comfort tailored specifically for senior living along Poland's coastal landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design that maximizes natural light and views.
04
Includes modular living spaces that can be reconfigured for resident needs.
05
Integrates photovoltaic panels to support energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact.

### Overview

The senior citizen home is situated in Jurata, Poland, a seaside resort known for its natural beauty. The design aims to create a living environment that fosters community interaction while being respectful of the surrounding landscape. Emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility, the project seeks to facilitate a harmonious relationship between residents and their environment.

### Spatial Organization and User Engagement

The architectural layout comprises multiple modular units arranged around communal spaces to promote social interaction among residents. Key elements include a Public Integration Zone, equipped with common facilities like a library and social areas, as well as Private Residences tailored for the needs of senior citizens. These individual apartments feature adaptable floor plans and direct access to outdoor spaces, enhancing comfort and personal autonomy. The design also incorporates Semi-Private Spaces, balancing the need for privacy with opportunities for community engagement.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Initiatives

A diverse range of materials has been utilized to meet both aesthetic and functional requirements. Timber serves as a primary façade treatment, reflecting the surrounding natural environment and creating a warm atmosphere. Concrete is used for structural integrity, while large glass panels improve transparency and natural light flow between spaces. The design employs prefabricated elements for efficient construction and reduced waste. Additionally, sustainable features such as photovoltaic panels are integrated to harness solar energy, reinforcing the project's commitment to environmental stewardship and aligning with modern green building practices.

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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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