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Charred Wooden Shingles and Native Flora Create a Welcoming Senior Living Community

Authors:
Melvin Chia, Mira Razi
Charred Wooden Shingles and Native Flora Create a Welcoming Senior Living Community

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and expansive glass elements, this senior living community harmonizes with its natural surroundings while promoting accessibility and social engagement among residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
The community features charred wooden shingles that enhance fire resistance while providing a unique aesthetic.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels are utilized for structural efficiency and sustainability throughout the design.
03
A bent A-frame design maximizes natural light and optimizes views of the surrounding landscape.
04
Native plant landscaping reduces maintenance while promoting local biodiversity.
05
Rainwater harvesting systems are integrated into the project to support environmental stewardship and water conservation.
The project "An Elderly, Home away from Home" represents a thoughtful approach to architectural design, catering specifically to the needs of elderly individuals seeking a nurturing and supportive community living environment. This project emphasizes not merely shelter but holistic well-being and social engagement, aligning architecture closely with life quality. Designed with the intent to create a sense of belonging, the architecture reflects a careful balance of private space and communal areas that foster interaction among residents.

The architectural design incorporates various essential elements that work cohesively to serve the residents' needs. As the focal point, a central community square enhances social interaction. This gathering space is thoughtfully situated, allowing residents to engage with each other, participate in activities, and create meaningful relationships. Surrounding the square are important amenities such as a chapel and a library, emphasizing the integration of spiritual and educational resources within the community. Additionally, a dining hall and clinic further enhance the functionality of the space, ensuring that all essentials are easily accessible to residents.

Each residential unit is designed with a strong emphasis on independence while still maintaining a connection to the community. These private living spaces include well-appointed bedrooms, modern kitchens equipped with essential amenities, and balconies that extend the living areas outdoors. By promoting personal retreat without sacrificing the benefits of communal living, the architecture intelligently addresses the diverse needs of elderly residents.

The design also employs a careful selection of materials that contribute both to the aesthetic appeal and the functional durability of the structure. Concrete forms the primary structural component, providing strength and thermal mass, while expansive glass elements enhance natural light and create visual continuity with the surrounding landscape. The warmth of wood finishes adds a human touch, making spaces feel inviting and comforting. Stone flooring in communal areas not only supports durability but also connects the inhabitants to nature through its tactile qualities. Metal accents provide modernity and stability, creating a balanced visual vocabulary throughout the project.

One unique aspect of the project is the incorporation of landscape architecture as an integral part of the overall design. The surrounding environment features native plantings that promote biodiversity and require minimal maintenance, echoing the project's sustainability philosophy. Thoughtfully designed pathways encourage exploration and outdoor activity, while designated garden spaces allow residents to engage in gardening, fostering a sense of purpose and connection to nature.

In promoting sustainability, the architecture prioritizes natural ventilation through careful window placement that encourages airflow, minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling. Rainwater harvesting systems are included as a means to manage stormwater, enhancing the project's ecological footprint while supporting water conservation efforts. Furthermore, consideration for photovoltaic systems reinforces the commitment to energy efficiency and independence.

Throughout the design process, the focus remains on creating a nurturing, accessible environment that promotes socialization, independence, and well-being. The thoughtful balance of communal and private spaces, combined with the carefully curated material selection and sustainable practices, positions "An Elderly, Home away from Home" as a forward-thinking model for community-oriented elderly housing.

For a deeper exploration of this architectural design and its thoughtful execution, readers are encouraged to review the project presentation, including architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that further illustrate the commitment to enhancing the quality of life for residents. This project not only exemplifies the potential of thoughtful architecture but also serves as an important reference point in the evolving dialogue on elderly community living.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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