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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create a Sustainable Community Hub for Seniors

Authors:
Ana Lipovsek, Miha Colja, Tina Čuješ
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Stone Create a Sustainable Community Hub for Seniors

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles and local natural stone integrate seamlessly in a design focused on community and accessibility, creating a functional living environment for seniors that emphasizes social interaction and connection to nature.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles provide a weather-resistant exterior while enhancing aesthetic appeal.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels ensure structural efficiency and reduce carbon footprint.
03
The bent A-frame design facilitates optimal natural lighting and ventilation throughout the building.
04
Community gardens are integrated into the landscape, promoting social interaction and sustainability.
05
Flexible living arrangements accommodate varying levels of independence for residents.

## Project Overview

Senior Living Tolminka is located in Slovenia and addresses the growing need for senior housing solutions that prioritize community engagement and sustainability. This facility is designed to meet the specific requirements of an aging population while integrating seamlessly into its natural surroundings. The intent is to create a residential space that not only provides essential services but also promotes active lifestyles and social interaction.

### Spatial Strategy and Community Integration

The design emphasizes communal living and adaptability, with spaces tailored to accommodate diverse resident needs. By analyzing demographic data, the layout encourages social interactions and participation in communal activities. Key features include a community hub where residents can gather for workshops and outreach events, enriching both their lives and those of surrounding community members. Additionally, pathways connect the building to nearby green spaces, fostering an active outdoor lifestyle.

### Materiality and Sustainability

The selection of materials focuses on sustainability and local relevance. Local natural stone is extensively used for its durability and environmental harmony, while wood serves as the primary material for structural and aesthetic purposes, evoking a warm, welcoming atmosphere reminiscent of traditional Alpine styles. Glass is incorporated to maximize natural light and enhance transparency, creating an open and inviting environment. Sustainability measures include natural ventilation systems and geothermal heating, reinforcing the facility's commitment to environmental responsibility.

Landscaped outdoor areas are designed to promote gardening and market activities, facilitating sustainable practices and community engagement through local produce initiatives. The integration of these outdoor spaces enhances the resident experience and strengthens connections with the broader community.

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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

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