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

Authors:
Ludwika marta BuczyŃska, Sara Korżyńska
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels in a Community-Centric Senior Living Facility

Project in-detail

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 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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