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Charred Wooden Shingles and Large Windows Enhance Community Living in Sustainable Senior Housing

Authors:
Lorenzo Cavanna, Arturo Paul Flores Orrala
Charred Wooden Shingles and Large Windows Enhance Community Living in Sustainable Senior Housing

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and extensive glazing, the design fosters a connection to nature while promoting community among seniors in a sustainable living environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with charred wooden shingles to enhance fire resistance and aesthetic appeal.
02
Extensive use of cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
Designed with large windows to maximize natural light and facilitate outdoor views.
04
Incorporates community gardens that promote social interaction among residents.
05
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize energy efficiency and spatial dynamics.

## Project Overview
Cà de Reixe is a senior housing development situated in the metropolitan area of Geneva, Switzerland. It aims to combat the issue of social isolation among the elderly population by offering innovative design solutions that foster community engagement and promote overall well-being. The project's architectural framework is rooted in accessibility and interaction with nature, ensuring relevance within the local urban context.

### Spatial Organization
The layout of Cà de Reixe features a variety of residential units, including single and double apartments tailored to diverse living situations. Central to the design are communal areas such as shared kitchens and lounge spaces, which facilitate social interaction among residents. Additionally, gardens and green spaces are integrated into the site to strengthen the connection between residents and their environment, with a focus on using indigenous plant species to enhance ecological sustainability.

### Material and Systems Integration
The design emphasizes a thoughtful selection of materials, with an extensive use of wood in a Blockbau system for its environmental benefits and thermal efficiency. Large glass windows are employed to optimize natural light and visual links to outdoor spaces. Other materials, such as rock wool for insulation and concrete for structural stability, contribute to the overall functionality of the buildings. Advanced systems, including heat pumps and solar panels, are incorporated to enhance energy efficiency and reduce environmental impact while ensuring comfortable living conditions.

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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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