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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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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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