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Charred Wooden Shingles and Flexible Suites in Sustainable Elderly Housing

Authors:
Ziyuan Yang, Zhuoyi Bi, Han Na Lim, Ji Wang
Charred Wooden Shingles and Flexible Suites in Sustainable Elderly Housing

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and modular design, this sustainable elderly housing complex offers adaptable living spaces that enhance community interaction and accessibility for residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Built with charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates cross-laminated timber panels to optimize strength and reduce construction waste.
03
Features modular units that allow for flexible living arrangements tailored to individual needs.
04
Includes accessible outdoor gardens designed to promote biodiversity and resident interaction.
05
Designed with a bent A-frame structure to maximize natural light and improve energy efficiency.

Cummincrest Living is an architectural project dedicated to providing adaptable housing solutions for an elderly population. Positioned in Canada, the design focuses on fostering community interaction while addressing the specific needs of seniors. The project encapsulates a modern approach to elderly care, emphasizing the significance of flexible living spaces that accommodate both individual and communal activities.

The project is organized across three distinct levels, each serving unique functions that promote accessibility and social engagement. The first floor includes key communal facilities such as a Community Plaza, Cafeteria, Gallery, Recreation Room, Library, and Fitness Center. These spaces are strategically designed to encourage interaction among residents and visitors, creating an inviting atmosphere that supports active social lives.

The second and third floors primarily feature residential units, with the second floor offering a blend of private and semi-private living arrangements. Each unit is designed with modular adaptability in mind, allowing spaces to be reconfigured based on the needs of residents. The inclusion of a Recreational Balcony and a Roof Garden on the third floor enhances outdoor access and provides areas for relaxation and community gathering.

Design Features A unique aspect of Cummincrest Living is its use of modular housing units that promote customization and flexibility. The standardized unit size of 1200mm allows for various residential configurations, enabling the project to respond effectively to the diverse needs of elderly individuals. Additionally, careful selection of age-appropriate furnishings—such as lightweight chairs and assistive beds—ensures that the interiors are user-friendly and comfortable.

Outdoor accessibility is another focal point of the project. Each floor features direct access to landscaped garden areas, promoting a strong connection with nature. These gardens are designed with native plant species, supporting local biodiversity while encouraging residents to engage with their surroundings. Outdoor spaces serve not only as recreational areas but also as venues for social activities, reinforcing community ties among residents.

Sustainability and Community Integration Cummincrest Living places significant emphasis on sustainability through environmentally conscious design strategies. The integration of green spaces within the site contributes to both ecological balance and resident comfort. Innovative landscaping techniques foster biodiversity, creating an ecosystem that benefits both human inhabitants and local wildlife.

Community areas, such as the Community Plaza and Cafeteria, are designed to facilitate interaction between residents and the broader community. This approach underscores the project's commitment to inclusivity and social well-being, positioning Cummincrest Living as a hub for elderly care that extends beyond its physical boundaries.

For a detailed exploration of the architectural plans, sections, and designs, readers are encouraged to review the comprehensive project presentation. Insights into the architectural ideas, materiality, and unique design elements will provide a deeper understanding of how Cummincrest Living represents a forward-thinking approach to residential architecture for the elderly.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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