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Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass Foster Harmony in Senior Living Design

Author:
Sarolta Barna
Charred Wooden Shingles and Expansive Glass Foster Harmony in Senior Living Design

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and expansive glass facades, the design creates a seamless connection to nature while providing a supportive environment for active senior living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Integrates charred wooden shingles for enhanced weather resistance.
02
Utilizes cross-laminated timber panels to optimize structural integrity.
03
Features a bent A-frame design, promoting natural light and open spaces.
04
Includes a dedicated music studio for intergenerational collaboration.
05
Offers a rooftop garden to enhance resident connection with nature.

### Overview
River Senior House is located in a mixed-use area comprising both modern condominiums and traditional single-family homes. The design anticipates the significant transition of individuals entering retirement, aiming to promote social interaction and creative pursuits. Its proximity to a music faculty enhances opportunities for collaboration between residents and university students, reinforcing a sense of community within the architectural framework.

### Design and Materiality
The architectural design employs a contemporary aesthetic characterized by a careful selection of materials that enhance both functionality and visual appeal. Key materials include:

- **Brick**: Serving as the primary façade element, it conveys warmth and stability.
- **Concrete**: Utilized for structural components and pathways, it provides durability and an earth-toned palette.
- **Glass**: Generously incorporated in windows, it maximizes natural light and establishes strong connections to the external environment.
- **Wood**: Used for interior finishes and outdoor features, it enhances tactile qualities and resonates with the natural surroundings.

### Spatial Organization
The interior layout is strategically designed to balance communal and private spaces. Ground-level areas are dedicated to social engagement, featuring flexible performance spaces, a café, and music shop, which collectively support interaction among residents. In contrast, the upper floors are reserved for private living units, oriented toward a scenic park, offering a serene retreat from communal activities. Additionally, a roof garden facilitates further engagement with nature, enriching residents' daily experiences.

This well-considered approach addresses not only the comfort and accessibility needs of elderly residents but also promotes ongoing social and cultural participation.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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