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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Ventilation in a Community Center for Seniors

Authors:
Andrea concepcion Omaña lerma, Camila Hernandez Gonzalez
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Ventilation in a Community Center for Seniors

Project in-detail

Incorporating charred wooden shingles and extensive use of natural ventilation, the design creates a functional community center that promotes social interaction among seniors while emphasizing sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
Incorporates a community center design that fosters intergenerational interaction.
02
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels for structural efficiency and sustainability.
04
Employs extensive natural ventilation strategies to optimize indoor air quality.
05
Integrates flexible spaces that can adapt to various communal activities.
Azul Agua is an architectural project located in Guadalajara, México, designed primarily to serve the elderly community. This project combines residential and communal spaces to create a vibrant social environment, emphasizing interactivity and well-being among its residents. The design prioritizes accessibility, comfort, and engagement, responding to the specific needs of its demographic.

The project's architecture reflects a commitment to integrating living spaces with communal functions, providing not only housing but also essential amenities such as dining facilities, retail options, and recreational areas. The layout is intentionally structured to encourage social interaction among residents, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.

Unique Design Approaches

Azul Agua adopts a mixed-use approach, incorporating residences alongside communal spaces. This integration dissolves traditional boundaries between living and social areas. Key features include intergenerational spaces designed to facilitate interactions among various age groups, thereby promoting inclusivity. The use of large windows and open balconies enhances connectivity with the surroundings, ensuring that the residents remain engaged with the outdoor environment.

The configuration of the ground floor is particularly noteworthy, featuring a community center that acts as the focal point for social activities. This space includes gardens, lounge areas, and a swimming pool, all aimed at encouraging physical activity and communal engagement. The thoughtful placement of these amenities supports an active lifestyle while also providing a tranquil retreat for relaxation.

Sustainability is woven into the architectural design, with elements such as rainwater harvesting systems and solar panels incorporated into the structure. These features not only reduce environmental impact but also lower operational costs for residents, ensuring that utility management is both economical and resource-efficient. The design takes into consideration natural ventilation and daylighting, further enhancing the overall sustainability of the project.

Architectural Plans and Sections

The architectural plans and sections of Azul Agua reveal a carefully articulated framework. The layout accommodates various forms of housing, including independent units and assisted living spaces, ensuring that residents have options that suit their individual needs. The design incorporates both public and private areas, with flexible spaces adaptable to changing requirements within the community.

For a comprehensive understanding of Azul Agua, readers are encouraged to delve into the project's architectural plans, sections, and designs. Exploring these elements will provide deeper insights into the project's functionality, aesthetics, and innovative approaches that address the needs of its community effectively. This exploration will highlight the architectural ideas that make Azul Agua a relevant model within contemporary housing design for aging populations.
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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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