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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.

### Knaus Shrub Overview

The Knaus Shrub project is a senior housing initiative located in a landscaped setting, designed to support the well-being of elderly residents through thoughtful architectural integration. The project aims to address the challenges faced by aging populations by fostering community, enhancing accessibility, and promoting engagement with the environment.

### Spatial Configuration and Community Interaction

The layout features interconnected spaces that prioritize accessibility and social interaction, eliminating traditional staircases in favor of ramps and passageways. Each residential unit accommodates up to six individuals and includes shared common areas to encourage communal relationships while maintaining a sense of privacy. Open façades enhance visibility, enabling residents to engage with one another and the surrounding environment, while enclosed areas filled with greenery provide tranquil retreats.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The structural framework prominently utilizes wood, chosen for its sustainability and aesthetic warmth, complemented by glass facades that facilitate natural light penetration. Steel elements ensure durability throughout the design. Landscaped areas, rich with plant life, are strategically incorporated to create biophilic connections, promoting mental well-being and encouraging physical activity among residents. The modular design accommodates various user needs, ensuring adaptability in living spaces and reinforcing the project's focus on environmental harmony.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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

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