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Charred Wooden Shingles and Flexible Suites in Sustainable Elderly Housing

Charred Wooden Shingles and Flexible Suites in Sustainable Elderly Housing
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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.

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100,000€ Prize / 2025
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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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