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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Shaping Sustainable Living Environments for Seniors

Authors:
Osama Ahmad Osama Malkawi, Mostafa Mohamed Elsayed Fahmy Shams
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Panels Shaping Sustainable Living Environments for Seniors

Project in-detail

Built with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber panels, the residence seamlessly integrates nature with accessibility, creating an inviting community space for the elderly.
5 key facts about this project
01
Built using charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetics.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize interior space and light.
04
Includes integrated vertical gardens for improved air quality and resident well-being.
05
Designed with extensive accessibility features to ensure mobility for all residents.

### Overview
Harmony Senior Housing is situated in Harkány, Hungary, aimed at repurposing an existing building into a supportive and sustainable community for senior citizens. The project emphasizes fostering social interaction, individual well-being, and environmental responsibility, creating a living space that accommodates the diverse needs of its elderly residents while integrating with the surrounding natural landscape.

### Spatial Strategy
The design prioritizes a balanced arrangement of private and communal spaces, promoting both individual privacy and social engagement. Functional zones include communal kitchens, physiotherapy rooms, libraries, and workshops, all thoughtfully interspersed with residential quarters. This configuration is designed to enhance accessibility, with clear pathways and vertical circulation that facilitate ease of movement for all residents, regardless of mobility challenges.

### Materiality and Sustainability
Key materials are chosen for both their aesthetic qualities and sustainability. Extensive use of wood for flooring and railing creates an inviting atmosphere, while ceramic bricks in the façade offer durability and energy efficiency. The incorporation of glass throughout the design maximizes natural light and visual integration with the environment. Additionally, the project employs principles of sustainable architecture, utilizing locally sourced materials and energy-efficient systems, such as Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT). The building’s orientation and shading devices are designed to optimize natural climate control, thereby reducing overall energy consumption. The integration of vertical gardens further enhances ecological empathy and strengthens the connection between the residents and nature.

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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