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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.
The "River Senior House" is a thoughtfully designed architectural project aimed at providing support and community to elderly residents. Located in a transitional urban area that combines new condominiums with older single-family homes, the project promotes social interaction and creative engagement, particularly through a focus on music. The house integrates its residents into a vibrant community while offering spaces for individual pursuits, addressing both communal and personal needs.

The architectural design employs a blend of materials including brick, concrete, glass, and wood, creating a cohesive and welcoming environment. The prominent use of brick in the façade instills a sense of permanence and warmth, while concrete provides structural durability. The extensive use of glass invites natural light, enhancing the emotional well-being of residents by connecting interior spaces with the external landscape. Wood finishes add aesthetic warmth and tactile comfort.

Unique Design Approaches and Spatial Organization

A defining feature of the "River Senior House" is its flexible spatial organization. The design intentionally separates communal areas from private living spaces, allowing for both social interaction and personal solitude. The ground floor comprises multipurpose spaces that foster community engagement, including performance areas and a café, catering specifically to the interests of the elderly and promoting a sense of belonging.

The upper floors host residential units that prioritize privacy and comfort. Each unit is designed to provide residents with views of the adjoining park, enhancing the overall living experience and reinforcing the project's connection to nature. Moreover, the roof garden serves as an additional communal space, enriching the interaction with the environment.

Architectural Integration with Community

Integration with the surrounding community is a cornerstone of the "River Senior House." Proximity to a music faculty is leveraged to foster intergenerational collaboration, creating opportunities for seniors to engage with university students. These social interactions are further facilitated by carefully designed common areas, which encourage creative pursuits and community events.

The project exemplifies a modern approach to senior living, addressing contemporary needs for independence, creativity, and social engagement. By prioritizing accessibility and comfort while promoting active lifestyles, it distinguishes itself from conventional senior housing models, advancing the dialogue on how architecture can effectively support community living for the elderly.

For a more detailed exploration of the project, including architectural plans, sections, and designs, we encourage interested readers to delve into the full presentation of the "River Senior House." This will provide further insights into the innovative architectural ideas and practical applications that define this project.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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