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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels in a Community-Centric Senior Living Facility

Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels in a Community-Centric Senior Living Facility
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Constructed with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the facility prioritizes communal living and wellness in a thoughtfully designed environment tailored for active seniors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with locally sourced cross-laminated timber panels for enhanced sustainability.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide both aesthetic appeal and improved fire resistance.
03
Designed with communal spaces that foster social interaction among residents.
04
Incorporates extensive green roofs to promote environmental integration and biodiversity.
05
Features a bent A-frame design that enhances structural stability and aesthetic presence.

## Project Overview
Located in Wrocław, Poland, ElderVerve is an architectural initiative designed to address the specific needs of the elderly population. The facility aims to redefine senior living by fostering active aging and promoting a sense of community among residents. The design intentionally transforms traditional senior care environments into vibrant spaces that encourage social interaction, individualized care, and independence.

### Spatial Configuration
ElderVerve is organized into three main sections: independent living, assisted living, and full-time care. This layout supports a continuum of care tailored to diverse resident needs, ensuring that each individual receives appropriate support. The ground floor features communal living areas, including a cafeteria serving both residents and the local community, as well as wellness facilities designed to accommodate varying levels of mobility. Upper floors prioritize independent living, allowing for private accommodations while maintaining connectivity through shared spaces. Common gardens and atriums are integrated throughout the site, facilitating interactions among residents and enhancing their relationship with nature.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The choice of materials in ElderVerve meets contemporary architectural standards and emphasizes sustainability. Extensive use of wood contributes warmth and reduces the carbon footprint. Large glass panels maximize natural light and foster outdoor connectivity, enhancing the overall environment. Concrete serves as a robust structural component, ensuring durability, while the inclusion of green roofs promotes energy efficiency, insulation, and biodiversity. Additionally, photovoltaic panels are integrated into the design, reinforcing a commitment to environmental stewardship and energy efficiency within the facility.

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MICROHOME 2026
MICROHOME 2026
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #11
The Next House: USA
The Next House: USA
20,000 USD Prize
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2026
100,000€ Prize / 2026

The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

The Next House: USA

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20,000 USD Prize ideas COMPETITION
Prize Monetary award
Eligibility Open to all
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