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Charred Wooden Shingles and Flexible Layouts Shape A New Approach to Assisted Living

Authors:
Alice Marta, Naime Murati, Alessia Piludu
Charred Wooden Shingles and Flexible Layouts Shape A New Approach to Assisted Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and a modular design, the development creates a seamless blend of private living spaces and communal areas tailored for senior residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Features modular living units that adapt to varying resident needs.
03
Incorporates extensive natural lighting through large glass facades.
04
Includes therapeutic gardens designed to promote resident wellness.
05
Employs energy-efficient systems integrated into the structural design.

## Overview

RADIUS is an architectural initiative located in a progressive area, designed specifically for assisted living environments catering to seniors. The development seeks to enhance independence while promoting community interaction within a meticulously planned spatial framework. It aims to integrate social connectivity, functional housing, and sustainable practices in a cohesive manner.

### Spatial Composition

#### Masterplan and Design Strategy

The project features a masterplan organized around an efficient grid layout that strategically distributes various residential and public spaces. Residential zones consist of a mix of two-room, three-room, and studio apartments, all situated near communal areas intended for interaction. Central amenities—such as a wellness center, therapeutic gardens, and multipurpose rooms—are incorporated to enhance the living experience, making the environment conducive to social engagement.

The ground floor is designed with vibrant communal kitchens and living areas adjacent to essential services like grocery shops and dining facilities, fostering initial social connections. The upper floors feature diverse apartment types, complemented by communal corridors and internal courtyards that facilitate interaction while preserving individual privacy.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Material selections are crucial to meeting the design's objectives, emphasizing durability and sustainability without compromising aesthetic appeal. Proposed materials include reinforced concrete for structural integrity and flexibility, glass for façade elements to optimize natural light and visibility, and wood to enhance warmth in interior finishes. Metal frames will support outdoor structures, ensuring robust yet inviting spaces.

The overall design incorporates eco-friendly practices, such as energy-efficient systems and passive solar design, while prioritizing the use of local materials. Landscaped green spaces will serve a dual purpose—improving the site’s aesthetics and providing therapeutic benefits for residents. This combination of materiality and sustainable design promotes a healthy and engaging living environment.

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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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