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Charred Wooden Shingles and Expandable Balconies in Intergenerational Living Spaces

Author:
Rasha Zeneddin
Charred Wooden Shingles and Expandable Balconies in Intergenerational Living Spaces

Project in-detail

With expandable balconies and charred wooden shingles, this intergenerational housing initiative fosters community engagement and shared experiences among residents of varying ages.
5 key facts about this project
01
Expandable balconies enhance outdoor space and promote social interaction among residents.
02
Charred wooden shingles offer a sustainable and naturally weather-resistant façade.
03
Cross-laminated timber panels ensure structural integrity while maintaining aesthetic warmth.
04
Swimming passages integrate exercise with community engagement for all age groups.
05
Dedicated communal areas for cooking and gardening foster collaboration and skill sharing.

### Project Overview

The Age: Friendly Housing project is situated in Sydney, Australia, near the Bondi Beach area. It is designed to promote intergenerational interaction between elderly residents and youth, aiming to bridge generational gaps through shared activities and mutual support. The architecture emphasizes accessibility, social engagement, and adaptable living environments that cater to a diverse range of occupants.

### Spatial Strategy

The architectural design features an interconnected community structure that encourages interaction. Multiple living units are arranged to facilitate casual encounters among residents. Specific zones are dedicated to activities such as a cooking club—where elderly residents can impart culinary skills to younger participants—and gardening areas that serve both aesthetic and practical functions. The provision of fitness and recreational facilities, including gyms and swimming areas, addresses the health and wellness needs of all age groups, while expandable balconies create outdoor spaces that promote communal activities and environmental connection.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Sustainability is a core consideration in the selection of materials for the project. Concrete is utilized for structural elements, providing durability and stability, while extensive use of glass enhances natural light and visibility within shared spaces. Steel is incorporated into the framework to allow for flexible and multifunctional designs, and timber is added in interior areas to create a warm atmosphere that connects residents with nature. This thoughtful integration of materials not only supports the project's longevity but also fosters an environment conducive to community interaction and well-being.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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