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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light Highlighting Community Spaces in A Residential Center

Author:
Joe Ingea
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light Highlighting Community Spaces in A Residential Center

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and abundant natural light, this residential center fosters communal engagement while prioritizing the well-being of elderly residents.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a bent A-frame structure to enhance natural light and ventilation.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for durability and fire resistance.
03
Features extensive internal gardens for resident engagement and well-being.
04
Designed with universal accessibility in mind for all common areas.
05
Includes a community kitchen to promote social interaction among residents.

### Project Overview

Casa de Serenidade is situated in a tranquil environment designed as a community center for the elderly. The intent of the design is to create a welcoming atmosphere that avoids the clinical feel often associated with healthcare facilities. By emphasizing community engagement and well-being, the layout fosters interaction among residents while maintaining individual privacy within a harmonious setting that integrates with its natural surroundings.

### Spatial Arrangement and Functional Design

The spatial organization of Casa de Serenidade is carefully considered to enhance both accessibility and social interaction. Bedrooms are placed below street level to optimize natural light and views for shared spaces on the ground floor. A three-tiered vertical layout facilitates movement and interactions among different areas, encouraging social activities. Notable communal features include a library, chapel, and a community garden, all designed to promote everyday living and a sense of accomplishment through engagement with nature.

### Material Selection and Sustainability Initiatives

The proposed material palette focuses on warmth and durability, contributing to the overall comfort of the facility. White render on the walls provides a modern, clean appearance and insulation. Stone elements in the stair tower not only support structural integrity but also pay homage to traditional Mediterranean architecture. Extensive use of glass in windows increases natural light and visual connectivity with the outdoors, while wood finishes add warmth to the interior. The design includes provisions for potential solar panels, reinforcing a commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency.

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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

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
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