Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

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.

### Overview

Located in Canada, Cummincrest Living is designed to address the needs of elderly populations within a community-oriented framework. The project aims to provide housing solutions that promote social interaction and inclusivity in response to contemporary approaches in elderly care. This report will examine the design concept, spatial organization, material choices, and notable features that are integral to the initiative.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout of Cummincrest Living is organized across three levels, each serving distinct purposes to foster community engagement.

- **First Floor**: This level includes a Community Plaza, Cafeteria, Gallery, Recreation Room, Library, and Fitness Center, encouraging social activities and communal gatherings.

- **Second Floor**: Primarily residential, it comprises a mix of private and semi-private units along with a Recreational Balcony designed to facilitate outdoor interaction.

- **Third Floor**: Additional residential units are complemented by an accessible Roof Garden that provides an inviting outdoor space for relaxation and social activities.

The strategic placement of communal facilities near residential units enhances accessibility and supports community interaction among residents.

### Materiality and Sustainability

Cummincrest Living utilizes a diverse selection of materials that balance functionality and aesthetic appeal:

- **Concrete**: Provides structural integrity and durability.
- **Glass**: Features prominently in windows and partitions, maximizing natural light and fostering visibility.
- **Wood**: Used in interior finishes and furnishings, adding warmth to the living spaces.
- **Metal**: Incorporated within structural elements and outdoor furniture, contributing to a modern feel and practicality.

These materials are combined thoughtfully to create a safe, visually inviting environment that promotes healthy living. Sustainability is also a core consideration, as evidenced by the integration of green spaces and landscaping that bolster biodiversity, thus enhancing the ecological footprint of the development.

### Notable Features

The design includes modular housing units with a flexible system that accommodates varying needs of elderly residents, allowing for customization in living arrangements. Age-appropriate furnishings are incorporated throughout, such as lightweight chairs and assistive beds, catering specifically to the needs of older adults. Each floor provides access to outdoor gardens, serving not only as pleasant retreats but also as communal gathering spaces enriched with native plant species. Movable outdoor furniture further encourages social interactions, while dedicated facilities such as libraries and recreational areas foster community engagement. These thoughtful elements collectively enhance the living experience and support a connected community atmosphere.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

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

`

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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy