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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light in Modular Senior Housing

Author:
Anita Karoliussen
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light in Modular Senior Housing

Project in-detail

Modular units constructed with charred wooden shingles seamlessly integrate with landscaped pathways to create an accessible and supportive environment for seniors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular units allow for flexible configurations catering to varying resident needs.
02
Ramps replace traditional staircases to enhance accessibility throughout the complex.
03
The design incorporates natural light through expansive glass façades, connecting indoor and outdoor spaces.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide aesthetic appeal while enhancing durability against weathering.
05
Landscaped pathways are designed to encourage physical activity and social interaction among residents.

The Knaus Shrub project presents a comprehensive approach to senior housing that integrates architecture with principles of community, accessibility, and wellness. Designed to cater specifically to the needs of elderly residents, the project emphasizes social interaction and physical activity while ensuring adaptability and comfort. With a focus on sustainable living, the architecture merges seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, enhancing the quality of life for its occupants.

Designing for Connectivity

A distinctive feature of the Knaus Shrub is its dual passageway system—a blend of urban and garden passages that serve both functional and experiential purposes. The design eliminates traditional staircases, instead opting for ramps and interconnected pathways that facilitate easy navigation for individuals with mobility challenges. This key design decision promotes accessibility and encourages residents to move freely between different areas of the complex, fostering social connections and reducing feelings of isolation.

The layout is characterized by apartments arranged to support community interaction while maintaining necessary privacy. Each unit can accommodate up to six residents and includes shared common areas that encourage engagement. This thoughtful spatial organization cultivates a sense of neighborhood, essential for enhancing the social dynamics of seniors living in the facility.

Innovative Integration of Nature

The Knaus Shrub project emphasizes the importance of biophilic design, integrating greenery into the architectural framework. Gardens and landscaped areas are designed not merely as aesthetic features but as vital components of the living environment. Pathways throughout the complex invite residents to explore nature, thereby promoting physical activity and mental well-being.

Natural materials such as wood and glass are predominant in the design, reflecting a commitment to sustainability. The wooden structure provides a warm, inviting feel, while glass façades enhance natural light and visibility, bridging the gap between indoor living and outdoor spaces. This intentional materiality ensures that the architecture resonates with its surroundings, creating a cohesive living environment.

Exploring Architectural Details

The project's architectural plans showcase the versatility and adaptability woven into its design. Each space is carefully thought out to accommodate changing resident needs and encourages both independence and community engagement. Furthermore, the architectural sections reveal the strategic layering of private and public spaces, maximizing the area’s functionality.

Unique to the Knaus Shrub is its focus on modular design, allowing for varied configurations and uses of the living spaces. The project embraces an innovative approach to senior living, with an emphasis on modularity designed to evolve with its inhabitants over time.

Readers interested in a deeper exploration of this architectural endeavor are encouraged to review the architectural plans, sections, and designs that further delineate the practical applications of these ideas. The Knaus Shrub stands as an exemplar of how thoughtful design can effectively address the complexities of senior living.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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