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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light Embrace in a Community-Centered Elderly Care Home

Author:
Michal Kunt
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light Embrace in a Community-Centered Elderly Care Home

Project in-detail

Emphasizing a harmonious blend of charred wooden shingles and expansive glass, this elderly care home fosters community connections while ensuring the comfort and independence of its residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a central courtyard that enhances social interaction and provides natural light throughout the building.
02
Charred wooden shingles are used for exterior cladding, promoting durability while offering a unique aesthetic.
03
Expansive glass panels are strategically placed to optimize views and connect residents with the surrounding landscape.
04
Retractable shading systems allow residents to control light exposure in their living spaces for added comfort.
05
The use of cross-laminated timber panels reduces the building's carbon footprint while providing structural stability and warmth.
The architectural project at hand is an elderly care home designed to serve as a nurturing environment that prioritizes the well-being of its residents. Located in a tranquil setting, the structure embodies a thoughtful approach to modern elder care, combining functionality with comfort while fostering a sense of community. This project represents a holistic understanding of the aging process, with spaces crafted to accommodate social interaction, personal independence, and access to nature, all fundamental elements in enhancing quality of life for seniors.

The building is functionally organized to provide various services and living arrangements tailored to meet the needs of its residents. At its core, the elderly care home features living suites that are thoughtfully arranged to maximize privacy while also providing convenient access to common areas. This balance is essential in supporting seniors’ physical and emotional needs, allowing for both personal space and opportunities for social engagement.

In terms of important architectural elements, the building design includes a central courtyard that acts as the heart of the facility. This outdoor space is crucial, as it not only enhances natural ventilation and light but also serves as a communal gathering area where residents can engage in activities and enjoy the outdoors safely. The careful orchestration of these communal spaces alongside private living quarters fosters a sense of belonging and encourages relationships among residents, which is vital in a care setting.

Visible from the exterior are large glass windows that invite natural light into the rooms while offering pleasing views of the surrounding landscape. This design choice is indicative of a broader trend in architecture, where transparency and openness are emphasized, drawing residents closer to their environment. The integration of these large openings promotes a cycle of light and warmth, further connecting the indoor spaces with the natural elements outside.

Materiality plays a significant role in this project. A combination of concrete and timber is employed to provide both structural integrity and warmth. The concrete serves the dual purpose of offering durability while also providing a modern aesthetic. Timber, used extensively for interior finishes, adds a homely feel that enhances the comfort of the spaces where residents will spend significant portions of their day. The project also incorporates a green façade, which not only contributes to the energy efficiency of the building but also enhances the visual appeal and promotes a healthy ecosystem.

One of the unique design approaches utilized in this elderly care home is the provision of retractable shading blinds integrated into the architecture. These blinds allow residents to adjust their exposure to sunlight, creating adaptable environments tailored to individual preferences. This personal control over light and privacy is particularly beneficial for enhancing residents' feelings of autonomy and making them feel comfortable in their surroundings.

Another noteworthy aspect is the layout centered around internal circulation. The design minimizes long corridors, a common challenge in institutional settings, and instead creates inviting pathways for residents to easily navigate between spaces. The layout reinforces a sense of home and community, ensuring that residents feel at ease as they move throughout the building.

This elderly care home exemplifies a sophisticated understanding of the principles of architecture that cater specifically to the needs of seniors. Every detail, from the large communal areas to the intimate private suites, has been deliberately structured to create a harmonious living environment. The project not only accomplishes its functional goals but also promotes a lifestyle that values dignity, connection, and self-sufficiency.

For those interested in a deeper exploration of the architectural plans, sections, and various design ideas behind this project, viewing the comprehensive project presentation is highly encouraged. This will offer valuable insights into the innovative approaches that inform the design and layout of this thoughtful care facility.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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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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